Help! Schneider XL input

[seandavid]

Hi all,

Just looking at getting a wider lens, and I'm looking at the following:

Schneider 80mm XL
Schneider 90mm XL
Schneider 72mm XL

I'm not married to the idea of a Schneider, and would love any input from anyone in the know. I have read that the 80mm tends to often have issues with haze, so I'm wary of that, but definitely attracted to to its size and weight. I am looking at these for their larger image circles, but like I said, would love to know anyones thoughts on these lenses, or any others (Rodenstock?) I should be considering.

Thank you!

[Bob Salomon]

Rodenstock 4.5s

[Luis-F-S]

What do you have n what formats? The XLs are beasts!

[seandavid]

What do you have n what formats? The XLs are beasts!

Luis,

I'd be using my Chamonix (with universal bellows) 045F1 with this. I guess I'd want something in the 80-90mm range in order to not have to change my bellows?

[Corran]

Landscape? Or architecture? Or...?

[seandavid]

Corran, I would say a bit of both. Mostly landscape, but not necessarily in the traditional sense. I would definitely love to have room for movements. My only lens right now (135mm Rodenstock Apo-Sironar-S) doesn't allow a ton of movement.

[Corran]

I have the 72mm and 90mm XL lenses. They are both very good. I still use my Nikkor 90mm f/8 usually when hiking because it's half the size and weight. The 72mm XL is used on my 6x17.

The image circle of the 90mm XL is certainly a little larger than the Nikkor but please understand the Nikkor has a humongous IC already. The 90mm almost covers 8x10. So consider if you really need the larger lens, or if brightness on the ground glass is the issue, one of the f/4.5 models may work for you (and they still have big ICs). If you go the 72/90 XL route be prepared to buy a lot of big filters if you use them. I haven't talked about the 80mm because I don't have one, but looking at the specs it's not the same type of lens (it's aspherical) and is smaller so it might be the "best" option for a modern, fast wide-angle but I don't know. The haze thing also worries me so I've never really looked at them seriously.

[seandavid]

Corran,

This is some great input. Brightness on the ground glass is definitely an issue. I often shoot in really low light. Either in the woods, or sun-up or sun-down. I should consider the Nikkors (4.5), but haven't researched them as much and wonder if sharpness (or anything else) is an issue or not?

The filter size is definitely a consideration, as I will use filters. That's why the 80mm Schneider is enticing, although the haze issue is a concern.

Thanks!

[Corran]

I can relate with those situations. Personally, I have generally not had issues focusing with my Nikkor 90mm f/8. I don't have either of the f/4.5 models from Nikkor/Rodenstock but I believe from various reports I've seen they are at least equal to the slower lenses. I know the Nikkor 90mm f/4.5 has 82mm filters, if that matters (I think the Rodenstock also has 82mm).

I don't think you can go wrong with any of these lenses really.

[seandavid]

Corran, thanks for that info. Totally helpful. Good to know about the filter size,too.