Nikon Nikkor SW 75/4.5 Experience Compared to Nikkor SW 90/8

[darr]

With a 65mm you can always crop if it's a bit too wide. You can't make the 75mm a bit wider.

Thank you for that.
It is helpful for my decision-making.

Kind regards,
Darr

[Mark Sampson]

I have had both the 90/8 and 75/4.5 Nikkor-SW lenses for many years. I've been very pleased with their resolution, contrast, and coverage. I shot architecture and interiors with them until 2009 or so; they were my most-used lenses. Never a complaint from my clients (and architects are a picky lot). I can't imagine better wide-angle lenses for 4x5. If you buy the 75, I'm sure that you'll be pleased with it.

[darr]

I have had both the 90/8 and 75/4.5 Nikkor-SW lenses for many years. I've been very pleased with their resolution, contrast, and coverage. I shot architecture and interiors with them until 2009 or so; they were my most-used lenses. Never a complaint from my clients (and architects are a picky lot). I can't imagine better wide-angle lenses for 4x5. If you buy the 75, I'm sure that you'll be pleased with it.

Thanks, Mark!
Your input is always appreciated.

I've made a decision to purchase the SW 75 and let go of the 65 + CF.
As I grow older, I find it frustrating to have equipment that is difficult to find, like the CF, and not use it.
Thank you to everyone for helping me sort through my thoughts.

Darr

[Drew Wiley]

I've only used the 90/4.5 SW, along with an appropriate Schneider center filter - one of the very best 90's, and excellent for architecture. Mostly color chrome shots at the time, hence the routine need of a CF. I didn't work much with cramped indoor kitchens or bath shoots, so didn't need a 75 lens at all.

[xkaes]

I'll add another factor in the decision -- which has already been mentioned, but bears repeating (or bares uncovering).

With a 65mm f5.6, you are dealing with an image circle of around 170mm.

With a 75mm f8, you are dealing with an image circle of around 180mm.

With a 75mm f5.6, you are dealing with an image circle of around 200mm.

None of those are a lot of wiggle room, but how much that matters depends a lot of what type of work you do. For me, mostly landscape, it's no big deal, because even the 65mm has adequate movement, but if movement is more important, a 75mm might be the way to go.

[Alan Klein]

Thank you, Per.
I have the Nikkor SW 90/8 and 90/4.5 and I am thinking about trading the 90/8 for the SW 75/4.5 but cannot try it our before I do. I appreciate your insightful experience about these lenses.

How do the 90 4.5 compare with the 90 f/8?

[Alan Klein]

Both the 90/4.5 and the 90/8 are comparable in terms of construction and perspective. However, the former is heftier than the latter. As for image quality, I cannot discern any noticeable contrast between the two. I have been using the 90/8 frequently for landscape shots, especially since I reside in Florida, with abundant sunshine, but the 90/4.5 I do not want to part with it because of the larger aperture. Nevertheless, I am contemplating replacing the 90/8, a very nice lens, with the 75/4.5 for use with a 6x12 back. If money were no object, I would have them all.

How do you deal with filters between the two since there is substantial differences in size.

[Salmo22]

I have the 90/4.5/SW, 90/8 SW, & 75/4.5 SW. Of the three, the 90/8 SW is my very favorite and most often used wide angle lens for 4x5 work. The 90/4.5 SW is a terrific lens, but too much of a good thing size-wise. I only keep it around for low light situations when shooting indoors. I love the 75/4.5 SW but only use it on rare occasion. That being said, when I do need that extra coverage, the 75/4.5 is tough to beat.

On those very rare occasions when I'm photographing the interior of an outhouse, or the cockpit of a B-52, I have a nifty 58/5.6 Super-Angulon XL and skip the 65/4.5 SW.

[darr]

How do you deal with filters between the two since there is substantial differences in size.

I do not use filters with these lenses.
Not even a lens hood with either, as I shade over the lens with my hand, hat, or darkslide.

[darr]

I have the 90/4.5/SW, 90/8 SW, & 75/4.5 SW. Of the three, the 90/8 SW is my very favorite and most often used wide angle lens for 4x5 work. The 90/4.5 SW is a terrific lens, but too much of a good thing size-wise. I only keep it around for low light situations when shooting indoors. I love the 75/4.5 SW but only use it on rare occasion. That being said, when I do need that extra coverage, the 75/4.5 is tough to beat.

On those very rare occasions when I'm photographing the interior of an outhouse, or the cockpit of a B-52, I have a nifty 58/5.6 Super-Angulon XL and skip the 65/4.5 SW.

The 90/8 is my most used landscape lens since I acquired it.
I feel the same way about the 90/4.5, as you have stated, but I may let go of it eventually as it is my least-used lens since I travel with the 90/8.
I need either the 65 or 75, so I am going for the 75 and will compare it to the Rodenstock 65 I have while it is still here.

Thank you for your comment.