Tokina SZ 600mm f/8 Pro Reflex MF CF 600mm
The mirror-lens design achieves a 600mm f/8 reach in just 545g, with a 1:2.5 macro ratio and a generous 270° manual focus throw for precise, deliberate framing. Its catadioptric optics produce signature donut-shaped bokeh and multi-coating suppresses flare, while the compact form makes it a truly portable super-telephoto for Fujifilm X cameras. This lens best serves wildlife and macro photographers who prioritize lightweight carry and creative bokeh over autofocus speed.
Snapshot
The 30-Second Version
The Tokina SZ 600mm f/8 Pro Reflex is a lightweight mirror telephoto with unique doughnut bokeh, but it's manual focus only and fixed at f/8. It's a fun creative tool, not a workhorse. Best for those who want that specific look and don't mind the quirks.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Weighs just 545g, making it one of the lightest 600mm lenses around.
- The doughnut bokeh is a unique creative tool you can't get elsewhere.
- Priced between $399 and $707, it's affordable for a super-tele.
- Compact size makes it easy to pack for travel.
Cons
- Manual focus only, and at 600mm, that's a workout.
- Fixed f/8 means you're stuck in bright conditions.
- No image stabilization, so you'll need a tripod or fast shutter.
- Very few reviews out there, so you're taking a gamble on quality.
What owners think
The Word on the Street
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
Based on 2 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
Optically, it's about average. Our tests put it at the 50th percentile for sharpness, which is fine for a lens like this. The build is solid, nothing fancy. The real issue is the manual focus. At 600mm, nailing focus by hand is tough, and without stabilization, you'll want a tripod or a very fast shutter. The f/8 aperture means you're shooting in good light. The doughnut bokeh is the star here, and it's fun to play with, but don't expect it to be a workhorse.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Super-telephoto |
| Focal Length Min | 600 |
| Focal Length Max | 600 |
| Elements | 8 |
| Groups | 8 |
| Coating | Multi-coating |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/8 |
| Min Aperture | f/8 |
| Constant | Yes |
Build
| Mount | Fujifilm X |
| Format | APS-C |
| Weight | 0.5 kg / 1.2 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 77 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | No |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 1770 |
| Max Magnification | 1:2.5 |
vs Competition
Compared to the Tamron Di III AFA074S700 or Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8, this Tokina is a completely different animal. Those lenses offer autofocus, wider apertures, and versatility. The Tokina gives you reach and a unique look, but you sacrifice everything else. If you're a birder who likes manual focus, it's a fun option. If you need to track moving subjects, skip it.
| Spec | Tokina SZ 600mm f/8 Pro Reflex MF CF 600mm | Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 VXD | Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 | Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 | Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 600mm | 28-300mm | 18-50mm | 17-28mm | 12-35mm | 18-135mm |
| Max Aperture | f/8 | f/4 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/3.5 |
| Mount | Fujifilm X | Sony E | Sony E | Nikon Z | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E |
| Stabilization | false | true | false | false | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | true | true | true | true | false |
| Weight (g) | 545 | 590 | 290 | 450 | 306 | 326 |
| AF Type | manual focus only | VXD linear motor | stepping motor | Stepping Motor | Autofocus | Linear motor |
| Lens Type | super-telephoto | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AF | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tokina SZ 600mm f/8 Pro Reflex MF CF 600mm | 13.3 | 48.8 | 50.5 | 38.8 | 49.2 | 50.4 | 33.6 | 2.8 | 36.8 |
| Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 VXD Compare | 98 | 78.2 | 65.1 | 85.8 | 96.7 | 66.3 | 97.7 | 55 | 82.4 |
| Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Compare | 86.9 | 82.1 | 86.1 | 91.7 | 82.2 | 84.2 | 78.6 | 89.6 | 36.8 |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 Compare | 86.9 | 87.3 | 75.2 | 85.8 | 88.2 | 84.2 | 68 | 69.1 | 36.8 |
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 Compare | 53.9 | 82.1 | 85.4 | 51 | 86.5 | 84.2 | 80.6 | 85.1 | 96.9 |
| Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Compare | 98 | 75.7 | 72.5 | 40.3 | 78.5 | 77.6 | 95.8 | 89.6 | 82.4 |
Price
Value & Pricing
At $399 to $707, it's cheap for a 600mm, but you're paying for a niche tool. If you want the doughnut bokeh and don't mind manual focus, it's worth the money. If you need a general-purpose telephoto, you'll be better off with a zoom like the Tamron or Sigma, even if they cost more.
Read more
Overview
This is a weird lens, and we love it for that. The Tokina SZ 600mm f/8 Pro Reflex is a catadioptric (mirror) telephoto that gives you 600mm of reach in a package that weighs just 545g. That's insanely light for a super-tele. But it comes with trade-offs: fixed f/8, manual focus only, and no stabilization. It's a specialty tool for a specific look, not an everyday lens.
The mirror design creates that iconic doughnut-shaped bokeh that makes backgrounds look like swirling rings. It's a creative choice, not a technical one. If you're after that look, nothing else does it quite like this. But if you need sharpness wide open or autofocus, you'll be disappointed.
Common Questions
Q: Is the image quality sharp enough for professional use?
It's average for a mirror lens, around the 50th percentile. You'll get decent results in good light, but don't expect L-series sharpness.
Q: Can I use this lens for wildlife photography?
Yes, but you'll need good light and patience. Manual focus at 600mm is tricky, and without stabilization, a tripod is almost mandatory.
Q: Does it work with in-body stabilization?
The lens has no stabilization, but if your camera has IBIS, it can help. However, the fixed f/8 means you'll still need fast shutter speeds.
Who Should Skip This
If you need autofocus, shoot moving subjects, or want a versatile telephoto, skip this. Also, if you're expecting sharp images wide open, you'll be let down. And if you're not into the doughnut bokeh, there's no reason to buy it.
Verdict
Buy this if you're a creative shooter who wants that distinctive doughnut bokeh and doesn't mind manual focus. It's also great for travel because it's so light. But if you need autofocus, sharpness, or versatility, look elsewhere. This is a specialty lens for a specific kind of photographer.
