Do I really need a 300mm lens?

[Bill Brady]

I have a Tachihara. My current lens lineup: 90/8 Super Angulon, 90/6.8 Angulon, 150/5.0 Apo Symmar, 210/6.8? Geronar. I am seriously thinking of buying a 300mm, front runner: Nikkor 300/9. I do mostly landscape and close up work, B&W and Color. I am returning to film from Digital.

So should I get a Nikkor 300/9? or any 300mm? Do you folks use 300mm?

[Leigh Perry]

Bill, I have the Nikkor 300/9. I was surprised how sharp and contrasty the lens is. As someone who normally tends towards wider lenses, I am also surprised how often I've used the lens.

And don't be worried about the maximum aperture. It's much brighter on the groundglass than your SA90/8.

[Ken Lee]

I presume your camera is 4x5. If you get a non-tele design, then you will be rather limited with how close you can focus.

[ronald moravec]

I bought the Zone 6 for it`s 20 in bellows so I could use 300 mm G Claron. Great lens, but you need 12 in bellows for infinity focus.

[Bill Brady]

Thanks Leigh & others,

The Tacihara has 330mm draw, about 13.4 inches if I've done the math correctly. So I am anticipating that the Nikkor 300mm will come to infinity focus.

[Gem Singer]

Hi Bill,

The direct answer to your question is "yes". I have used both the Fuji 300C and the Nikkor 300M on a 4X5 Tachihara. They are excellent lenses to use on that camera. An extension lensboard is available if you need/want more bellows extension for close-ups.

[Bill Brady]

Thanks Eugene,

> I have used both the Fuji 300C and the Nikkor 300M on a 4X5 Tachihara.

Which do you like better. The Nikkor is $60 less.

> An extension lensboard is available if you need/want more bellows extension for close-ups.

Can you give me a URL? It would be greatly appreciated.

[Bruce Watson]

Do I think you should get a 300mm lens? Probably not. Here's why:

When you start running across scenes you want to capture, that you can't because you don't have the equipment, then, and only then, should you decide on getting new equipment so that you can capture those scenes. Otherwise, you risk buying a lens that you cart around with you everywhere and never use (I have one of those, so I speak from experience). Until you have an actual, definable need for the lens, I think you should put your money into film.

[Gem Singer]

Bill,

Call, or E-mail Jim, at Midwest Photo Exchange, in Columbus, Ohio (www.mpex.com or jim@mpex.com). He can furnish you with either of those two lenses, new or previously owned, as well as an extension lensboard for the Tachi. Midwest ships worldwide.

Both lenses are of equal quality. The Fuji is slightly faster with a larger image circle. Select the one that best fits your budget.

[Scott Rosenberg]

bill, about a year ago i went through the same exercise. i found a very good deal on a 300mm lens, so figured why not. it wasn't long before i started using it far more than i thought i would. go for it! check with jim at mpex.com... he'll give you a great deal and you can always re-sell the lens for nearly what you paid for it.