[Don Schaeffer]

These were handheld images at ISO 800 (f6.3 fixed). Most of you will hate them. I apologize in advance. But I like them (one or two more thna others).

[Toad]

I am kind of fascinated by those Pro Optic mirror lenses - they have a funny optic quality all of their own which gives them character. #1 is certainly an interesting shot subject-wise. #2 has a nice 2D comp that I like and I also like the perspective compression in #5.

[Don Schaeffer]

That's generous, Toad. Thanks.

[Zig]

Oh, far from it, Don: that 500mm compression has character....and I absolutely love the rendering of the first shot here. I'd guess that over-sharpening images might not help the "donut disease" of mirror teles and might detract from the subject if you're not careful...but I really do find that glowing tone in Number One really emotive. Go for it Don; I'm looking forward to seeing more..in fact I'm just off to have a research on this lens myself.

[Zig does so...]

...Hmm...to be honest, getting this focal length for so little cash and weighing so little...AND only having to adjust ISO because of the fixed aperture, strikes me as a jolly good and creative idea. Obviously a special occasion/effect lens, the examples I've seen of it on a Canon 1Ds III look very fetching. I reckon that using this lens to its optimum would involve almost just looking for that special time where it would shine. Female candids and portraits seem to look very ethereal. Heck, I'm almost tempted to get one in time for Italy, truly...
A question: is Pro-Optic just an Adorama product? I can't seem to find them advertised here in the UK...they're not "badged" Samyang are they?
Sorry to pile in with questions...I'm rather taken with its possibilities.

[Don Schaeffer]

It's amazingly light and fun to use. You just have to find the settings that work with a few practice shots.

[NT73]

The effect in no 1 is like a lensbaby. :/

[Don Schaeffer]

its the narrow dof.

[nia]

These are all so interesting for me, made me excited this lens I am learning from you! No.1 what I liked but No.2 hits me too

Well done dear Don,
Thank you,
with my love,
nia

[Don Schaeffer]

thanks Nia