topic Re: Lens/Camera adapter issue with EOS 50D and Vivitar Series 1 600mm in Camera Accessories

Correct adapter needed for EOS 50D and Vivitar Series 1 600mm lens

MichaelB4 — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 12:07:33 GMT

Excuse me if this question has been asked before. I was given a Vivitar Series 1 600mm #Catadioptric Telephoto lens, and the adapter that came with it won't work on my Canon#EOS 50D. I was able to remove the old adapter, and now I'm looking for the correct one to use between the lens and camera. Is the Canon T1 adapter the correct one to purchase? I know about the limitations of the lens, but I'm concerned about it.

Thanks to the community.

Mike

Re: Lens/Camera adapter issue

deebatman316 — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 20:54:49 GMT

Nothing will be automatic when adapting that lens. That’s an old manual focus lens and it won’t be worth adapting. Also with no picture of the lens who knows what mount it uses. It could be using the Nikon F Mount, Minolta SR Mount, Pentax K or any screw mount such as M37 or M42 or Canon FD or FL Mount.

Re: Lens/Camera adapter issue

MichaelB4 — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 21:28:45 GMT

Thanks very much for the reply. I know nothing will be automatic, and I don't mind using it manually. It came with an unmarked mount that I removed (it wasn't Canon, it wouldn't fit on my 50D). I want to buy a mount that will fit on my camera. I know Vivitar used to make a T mount for canon, but I don't know if it's the T1 or another. I've contacted Vivitar about that. I appreciate your input.

Re: Lens/Camera adapter issue Vivitar Series 1 600mm

jrhoffman75 — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 21:48:59 GMT

Looks like maybe T2.

Re: Lens/Camera adapter issue

deebatman316 — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 22:05:02 GMT

Canon has had many lens mounts over the lanes. That lens is so old it wouldn't even have the EF Mount. If it did have a Canon Mount it would likely be the old manual focus FD or FL Mount. Or it could be the T Mount. It wouldn't be worth it to adapt it. Some EOS bodies also have a micro switch at the 10 o'clock position. To detect whether a lens is mounted or not. Most adapters don't engage this micro switch and won't allow the camera to fire the shutter.

Re: Lens/Camera adapter issue

MichaelB4 — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 22:53:08 GMT

Thanks for the quick and thorough reply. I'll upload a photo of the inside of my 50D body and could you please tell me if I have a micro switch.

Re: Lens/Camera adapter issue

deebatman316 — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 22:58:47 GMT

I know the EOS 40D has it I’m not sure about the EOS 50D though. It looks like it’s at the 10 o’clock position.

Re: Lens/Camera adapter issue with EOS 50D and Vivitar Series 1 600mm

Ron888 — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 23:53:52 GMT

Im sure everyone is correct in saying it's a T-mount. Actually it's a 'T2 mount' you should get as John says.The T2 version adds rotational adjustment.
These are easily available on ebay for example for less than US$10. Just search "t2 eos mount"
I'm curious how well the lens performs.Some years ago I've used several brands of mirror lenses but never a Vivitar series 1.
I dont think your camera has the micro switch? Try shooting without a lens. It should allow fully manual lenses in M and Av modes

Re: Lens/Camera adapter issue with EOS 50D and Vivitar Series 1 600mm

MichaelB4 — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 02:52:25 GMT

Thank you Ron. I found one at B&H. It's worth a try. I bought a Canon SX70 HS and want to compare that lens at 600mm to the mirror lens. I appreciate your advice. If the lens works on my 50D, I'll post some comparison images. I've had a lot of people tell me the Series 1 lens is worthless, but I would like to determine that for myself.

Re: Lens/Camera adapter issue with EOS 50D and Vivitar Series 1 600mm

Ron888 — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 03:34:56 GMT

That would be interesting,thanks.
I'm surprised someone would call it worthless as that model had a good reputation back in the day. Yours is the 'solid' model right?
photo.net/forums/topic/509542-vivitar-series-1-600mm-f8-solid-catadioptric-telephoto-lens/

Re: Lens/Camera adapter issue with EOS 50D and Vivitar Series 1 600mm

MichaelB4 — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 04:14:46 GMT

Yes, the solid model, and it came with all the filters. I'm interested in photographing birds with it.

Re: Correct adapter needed for EOS 50D and Vivitar Series 1 600mm lens

ebiggs1 — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 14:10:23 GMT

I am sure it will exhibit what's called Newton's rings. Depending on how the cat lens is made will show how objectionable they are.

I have a FD 500mm f8 Canon cat lens that I converted to EF which works very well. However, the Cnona lens is a far better lens than your Vivitar. One possible better use of your lens is to add an eyepiece and use it for a telescope.

Although this poster was not giving helpful info about the mount, he did have one comment I agree with, "That’s an old manual focus lens and it won’t be worth adapting.". But if you keep it down to $10 bucks I guess it will be fun to try.

Re: Correct adapter needed for EOS 50D and Vivitar Series 1 600mm lens

MichaelB4 — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 14:15:55 GMT

thank you for the great suggestion about turning it into a telescope. I’ll do some research on eyepieces. Do you have any recommendations? Thank you.

Re: Correct adapter needed for EOS 50D and Vivitar Series 1 600mm lens

ebiggs1 — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 14:28:29 GMT

I haven't done astronomy for a long time so I am not even sure what brands are still available you will need to search for a T-mount adapter a diagonal and an eyepiece if you want to use it as a sky telescope.My stuff came from Celestron.

The concept is so similar to the extremely popular Celestron C90. Search for the Celestron C90 and you will see get the idea.