In article <3253B02F.15BD@interlog.com>, davelam@interlog.com says...

>Can anyone tell me the performance of the Nikon 500mm Relfex
>lens (the earlier version), thanks.

Fine. Even good enough to be sharp on the TC14/14B converter
(rare for mirrors). Unsharpness with this mirror can be due
to bad technique (it is not the easiest lens to use....),
unsuitable atmospheric conditions, or a bad (rare) sample.
Master the techniques necessary to get the most out of this
lens, and you may be happy with it (you may not like the
"doughnuts", the edge illumination fall-off, or the fixed
aperture - but it does not weigh a ton, is packable, and
is affordable [and it can make fine images, if you figure
out how to use it...;-]).
Hope This Helps