First Lens for 8x10

**Steve Barber** · 27-Jul-2009, 15:40

I think your choice for the 240mm Sinaron se is a good one. I have the Sironar-S version of this lens and I have not had any problem with having enough coverage when using it for landscapes and I really like it for that purpose.

**John Kasaian** · 28-Jul-2009, 21:33

FWIW, a lens too long or too short can often easily be compensated for by hoofing your camera either closer or farther way from the subject. With the landscape as your subject, this works nearly every time unless there is something like a fence, cliff, waterfall, or angry bull to limit your direction of travel.

IMHO anything from 9-1/2" to 16-1/2" can pass for "normal" on an 8x10 if you do your part!

**Jim Ewins** · 28-Jul-2009, 21:48

I'm happy with a Nikkor 300M.

**Kirk Fry** · 28-Jul-2009, 22:06

Many folks find a 14 inch commercial ektar useful on an 8X10. KFry

**Donald Miller** · 28-Jul-2009, 22:14

Since you mentioned 4X5 I would recommend determining what you use most often in 4X5 and doubling that focal length. If you use a 120 most often in 4X5 then look for something in the 240 length for 8X10 or if you find that you use a 210 most often then you would probably be happier with something in the 450 length for 8X10. I personally detest normal lenses on any camera. I have owned them and ended up not using them much so for me a 300 mm lens on 8X10 would be the last thing that I personally would buy.

On 8X10 I found that I used a 210 Dagor or a 450 Nikkor M (I used this on 12X20 too so it served double purpose) most often. But then I liked 120 and 210 on 4X5.

If you look at Schneider specs you might be aware that they are fairly conservative on their published image circles.

Good Luck,
Donald Miller