Kase AF 150mm F5.6 Reflex

Focal length: 150 mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Weight: –
Filter diameter: 67 mm
Min. focus distance: 150 cm
Length: –

Overview

The Kase AF 150mm F5.6 Reflex is an autofocus mirror lens for full frame cameras. Kase describes it as the first mirror telephoto lens with autofocus. It is offered for Nikon Z, Sony E, Canon EF and Fujifilm G. As with other reflex lenses, it uses a catadioptric design that folds the light path, which keeps a 150 mm lens short, and it is known for its ring-shaped "donut" bokeh. Kase says it is the shortest 150 mm lens on the market.

Optical design

The optical design has 5 elements in 4 groups. Because it is a mirror lens, the aperture is fixed at f/5.6 and there is no adjustable iris. The closest focus distance is 1.5 m. A 67 mm filter thread is fitted, and the front also takes Kase's magnetic filters through a magnetic front ring. The format is full frame.

Autofocus and handling

The lens is a native autofocus design with an AF/MF switch on the barrel and a grooved focus ring for manual adjustment. A USB-C port inside the barrel allows firmware updates. Kase notes that a magnetic pinch lens cap can stay on even when the hood is attached, so the lens is ready to use quickly. There is no image stabilization in the lens.

Build and size

The body is made of aluminium alloy, as stated by Kase. Kase emphasises that the lens is compact and meant for handheld shooting.

Where it fits

Within Kase's own range, the 200mm F5.6 MC Reflex is the manual focus relative with a longer focal length. Other mirror lenses in the database are the Samyang / Rokinon Reflex 300mm F6.3 ED UMC CS, the Tokina SZX Super Tele 400mm F8 Reflex MF and the TTArtisan 500mm f/6.3, all manual focus designs with longer focal lengths. The 150 mm focal length makes the Kase a shorter and more usable telephoto in comparison.

Pros and cons

Pros

Autofocus in a mirror lens
Compact telephoto with the distinctive donut bokeh
67 mm thread plus magnetic filter ring
USB-C firmware updates
Offered for four mounts, including Fujifilm G

Cons

Fixed f/5.6 aperture
Minimum focus distance of 1.5 m
No image stabilization

Verdict

The Kase AF 150mm F5.6 Reflex is a creative telephoto for photographers who want the look of a mirror lens without manual focusing. It remains a niche lens with a fixed aperture, and its appeal is the combination of compact size and autofocus.

Technical Specifications

min focal length: 150 mm
max focal length: 150 mm
max f (min zoom): f/5.6
max f (max zoom): f/5.6
min. aperture: f/5.6
Elements: 5
Groups: 4
Weight: –
Filter diameter: 67 mm
min focus distance: 150 cm (59.06 in)
Length: –
Diameter: –

Simulate depth of field and angle of view

Which cameras does the Kase AF 150mm F5.6 Reflex fit?

The Kase AF 150mm F5.6 Reflex is a full-frame lens for Canon EF cameras. On full-frame bodies it uses the whole sensor; on APS-C Canon EF cameras its field of view equals 240 mm in full-frame terms.

Canon EF cameras

Full frame:: Canon EOS-1D X Mark III, Canon EOS 6D Mark II, Canon EOS-1D X Mark II, Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Canon EOS 5Ds, Canon EOS 5Ds R, Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Canon EOS 6D, Canon EOS-1D C, Canon EOS-1D X, Canon EOS 5D Mark II
APS-C:: Canon EOS 850D (Rebel T8i), Canon EOS 90D, Canon EOS 250D (Rebel SL3), Canon EOS 4000D (3000D, Rebel T100), Canon EOS 2000D (1500D, Rebel T7), Canon EOS 800D (Rebel T7i), Canon EOS 77D, Canon EOS 200D (Rebel SL2), Canon EOS 80D, Canon EOS 1300D (Rebel T6), Canon EOS 750D (Rebel T6i), Canon EOS 760D (Rebel T6s), Canon EOS 7D Mark II, Canon EOS 1200D (Rebel T5), Canon EOS 70D, Canon EOS 700D (Rebel T5i), Canon EOS 100D (Rebel SL1), Canon EOS 650D (Rebel T4i), Canon EOS 60Da, Canon EOS 600D (Rebel T3i), Canon EOS 1100D (Rebel T3), Canon EOS 550D (Rebel T2i), Canon EOS 60D, Canon EOS 7D, Canon EOS 500D (Rebel T1i), Canon EOS 50D, Canon EOS 450D (Rebel XSi), Canon EOS 1000D (Rebel XS)

With the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R the lens can also be used on Canon RF cameras.

With the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS M the lens can also be used on Canon EF-M cameras.