Lens selection question:

[BigSteveG]

In what situations would YOU choose an FL of more 300mm (4x5)?

[Ted Harris]

Tight head shot portraits, some landscapes where you can't get close enough to the main interest, etc.

[Hany Aziz]

In what situations would YOU choose an FL of more 300mm (4x5)?

I shoot mainly landscapes and use my Fujinon 450C fairly often if I have the Canham with me (my only 4x5 with sufficient bellows draw). Mainly for tight shots of subjects I can't get close enough to. In general my frequency of use of focal lengths is (in descending frequency of use) 135>210>300>450>90>75. Actually the 450 gets about as much use as the 90 mm lens and far more than the 75 mm lens, the 135, 210 and 300 get the bulk of use.

It really depends on your way of seeing and your prefered subject matter.

Sincerely,

Hany.

[Brian Ellis]

Any time I can't get close enough with a shorter lens. 210 is my most frequently used lens, then 135. I don't even have a lens shorter than 100mm any more, I rarely used my 80mm and 90mm when I had them.

[Ron Marshall]

Mainly when I can't get close enough to something, or when I want to compress near and far subjects.

But I use my 300 much more than the 450.

[Ole Tjugen]

I would use whatever focal length that gives me the framing I want. That can be anything from 47mm to 500mm - all for landscapes.

[BigSteveG]

Interesting. The reason I ask is becuase I'm considering sticking to the rail camera rather than a folder. Primarily for ease of use. I supose I will have to accessory extensions for long focal lengths. I will not be backpacking 5 miles, but would like more portability than my Cambo. It seems that Arca and Toyo offer nice alternatives.

[Ron Marshall]

Interesting. The reason I ask is becuase I'm considering sticking to the rail camera rather than a folder. Primarily for ease of use. I supose I will have to accessory extensions for long focal lengths. I will not be backpacking 5 miles, but would like more portability than my Cambo. It seems that Arca and Toyo offer nice alternatives.

If you want a very light alternative:

http://www.thalmann.com/largeformat/toho.htm

[mdd99]

I didn't use the 450 much, largely because of breezy conditions (that made it difficult to deal with the extended bellows) and the telephoto nature of the lens. I got much more use out of the 300.