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Thread: APO-Symmar versus APO-Sironar-N

  1. #1

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    APO-Symmar versus APO-Sironar-N

    I happen to find myself with two 210mm lenses.

    One is a Schneider APO-Symmar (not the L) and one is a Rodenstock APO-Sironar-N (white band).

    I can only keep one.

    Now, I shoot only black and white and I make prints in the darkroom with the maximum size being 16x20.

    Am I going to see a difference between the two?

    Also, if you could only keep one, which one would it be? (keep an eye on the classifieds)

    thanks.

  2. #2

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    Re: APO-Symmar versus APO-Sironar-N

    Why not go out and decide for yourself and then you tell us which you prefer and why.

  3. #3

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    Re: APO-Symmar versus APO-Sironar-N

    I'm working on it right now.

  4. #4
    grumpy & miserable Joseph O'Neil's Avatar
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    Re: APO-Symmar versus APO-Sironar-N

    According to printed stats, the Schneider has an image circle 4mm larger than the Rodenstock. (oh yeah! ).

    I've been in a similar position as you, but with a pair of 180mm. The only real reason I picked the Rodenstock over the Schneider was the Rodenstock had a filter size that matched a couple of my other lenses, whereas with the Schneider I would of had to buy all new filters

    joe
    eta gosha maaba, aaniish gaa zhiwebiziyin ?

  5. #5

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    Re: APO-Symmar versus APO-Sironar-N

    My APO Symmar 210mm also not the L is at f11 +16 sharper then the Sironar N 210mm which I also own at f 22 its not a visible difference anymore.
    I have the Sironar N also because of the smaller back wich fits in my Horsman HF.
    And I have the APO Symmar as spare and for studio shoots up to 1:2 when the APO Macro Sironar 120mm is to short!
    Hope it helps and tell me your findings also, Armin

  6. #6

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    Re: APO-Symmar versus APO-Sironar-N

    Personally, I'd keep the Schneider...but, only because their website is better (more informative). I seriously doubt that you or anybody could tell the difference between the two by looking at end results - they're both spectacular lenses.

  7. #7
    Abuser of God's Sunlight
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    Re: APO-Symmar versus APO-Sironar-N

    When I compared MTF charts of these exact lenses, I chose the Schneider, but the diferences were so slight that I'd be surprised if I could spot them looking at prints.

    The charts suggested that the Schneider might be might be sharper at infinity, and the Rodenstock sharper at 1:10. Since I do a lot of landscape type work and no studio work, that pushed me toward the Schneider.

    I also got much better service and information from Schneider reps than from Rodenstock reps (at Schneider I got technical guys on the phone who educated me about optics; at Rodenstock I got sales guys who told me to buy Rodenstock).

  8. #8

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    Re: APO-Symmar versus APO-Sironar-N

    I used to be loyal to Rodenstock and Kodak. Now that the market is shrinking, I see companies like Schneider and Ilford doing more to support large format film photographers, so my brand preference leans their way.... Not that it matters for existing products, but I like the karma.

  9. #9
    Doug Dolde
    Guest

    Re: APO-Symmar versus APO-Sironar-N

    I have never owned a Schneider Symmar of any kind that was not an outstanding lens. Just sticking with winners and feel no reason to experiment.

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