Kase 200mm F5.6 MC Reflex

The Kase 200mm F5.6 MC Reflex is a manual focus mirror lens for full frame mirrorless cameras and the first lens from the filter maker Kase. It is offered for Sony E, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X, Canon RF, Canon EF and Fujifilm G. As a catadioptric design it combines mirrors and glass to fold the light path, which keeps a 200 mm telephoto compact. Kase highlights the unusual "donut" bokeh, where out-of-focus highlights appear as rings.

Optical design

According to Kase's announcement, the lens has 6 elements in 5 groups. Because the light is reflected inside the barrel, a reflex lens has no adjustable iris, and the aperture is fixed at f/5.6. Kase lists a multi-coated optical glass design and states a viewing angle of 12.3 degrees. The maximum magnification is 0.11x, and the closest focus distance is 2 m. Kase describes the format as full frame.

Focusing and handling

Focusing is manual only. As the aperture cannot be changed, exposure is controlled with shutter speed, ISO or neutral density filters, which the 67 mm filter thread accepts. A 17 mm metal lens hood, caps and a pouch are included. There is no image stabilization in the lens, so a steady stance or in-body stabilization helps at 200 mm.

Build and size

Kase specifies aluminium alloy and optical glass for the construction. The lens weighs 424 g and measures 71 mm by 116 mm. The Fujifilm X and Fujifilm G versions use the same optical unit as the other mounts.

Where it fits

Mirror lenses are a niche, and long focal lengths are the main attraction. Alternatives in the database include 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. Compared with those, the Kase has a shorter focal length and is more compact. A newer relative is the Kase AF 150mm F5.6 Reflex, which adds autofocus.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Compact 200 mm telephoto at about 424 g
• Distinctive donut bokeh
• Offered for six mounts
• 67 mm filter thread
• Hood included

Cons

• Fixed f/5.6 aperture
• Manual focus only
• Minimum focus distance of 2 m
• No image stabilization

Verdict

The Kase 200mm F5.6 MC Reflex is a small, specialised telephoto for photographers who like the ring-shaped bokeh and accept a fixed aperture and manual focus. It is a creative tool rather than an all-round telephoto.