In the long history of Nikon, there are certain pieces of equipment that transcend being mere tools and become 'legends.' Among them, the Reflex-Nikkor 2000mm f/11, boasting an overwhelming focal length, stands out as a singular existence. Since its first appearance as a prototype in 1968, and with only a very small quantity produced between 1970 and 1978, this lens is now regarded as a 'holy grail' for collectors, often fetching between 20,000 and 40,000 Euros.
▣ Optical Design & Appearance: The Majesty of 17.5kg
By adopting a 'Catadioptric' (mirror) design, this lens manages to compress a massive 2000mm focal length into a body only 60cm long. While the optical construction is a simple 5 elements in 5 groups, it is far from lightweight. The lens body alone weighs a staggering 17.5kg, and when including the dedicated gimbal head and carrying case, the total weight for transport exceeds 25kg. Its robust craftsmanship, appearing as if carved from a solid block of metal, showcases a mechanical aesthetic that is worlds apart from modern, lightweight plastic lenses.
▣ Performance: A Tightrope Walk Between Challenge and Ecstasy
Jo Geier tested this behemoth across various locations in Austria for this review. Focusing is handled manually via a side-mounted knob, and the aperture is fixed at f/11. When tested on modern digital bodies, the sharpness remained surprisingly impressive, though it proved extremely sensitive to atmospheric quality (haze) and even the slightest vibrations.
Portrait shots taken from over 70 meters away display an overwhelming sense of compression, while out-of-focus highlights create the 'donut-shaped' bokeh characteristic of mirror lenses. In particular, the built-in dedicated viewfinder plays a crucial role in locating subjects. Aiming a subject within the narrow field of view of a 2000mm lens requires a level of proficiency akin to operating an astronomical telescope.
▣ Key Highlights
- Pros: Unrivaled 2000mm reach, overwhelming presence and historical value, and the convenience of 4 built-in filters (Y48, O56, R60, ND).
- Cons: Weight and bulk that require completely sacrificing practicality, low-light limitations due to the fixed f/11 aperture, and polarizing ring bokeh.
- Essentials: A high-performance, heavy-duty tripod for vibration control and a great deal of patience.
▣ Verdict: "Not Just a Lens, But a Journey Through Time"
Jo Geier emphasizes that the journey of using this lens was an artistic experience in itself. This lens is not merely a tool for capturing distant objects. Its true value lies in the process of owning a piece of optical history and witnessing how the boundless imagination of Nikon engineers from decades ago meets today's digital sensors.
While it is not a choice for everyday photography, the Reflex-Nikkor 2000mm f/11 will forever remain the 'Holy Grail' for collectors and optical enthusiasts alike.
[Technical Specifications]
- Focal Length: 2000mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/11 (Fixed)
- Minimum Focus Distance: 18m
- Filters: Built-in turret system
- Weight: Approx. 17.5kg (Lens only)