Do I really need a 150mm lens? Opinions please

[Peter Gomena]

I like my 150. I would not buy one if I already had a 135.
My focal length spread is 90, 120, 150, 210, 305, 360. On 4x5, my most used focal lengths are 150 and 210. I use the 210, 305 and 120 on my whole plate camera as well, so they are very versatile. The 120 is crazy wide on that format and I like it!

Peter Gomena

[Jack Dahlgren]

Personally I think most people would do better photos with one slightly wide lens and one slightly long lens. Like a 90/210 or 120/180 combo.

The reasons people think they need the extremes is some sort of phobia. How many really good, memorable 4x5 photos have ever been done with 58s and 400s? two or three?

You really just need something that renders wide and something that renders long, and camera position (walking) does the rest. And if the freaking client wants more, then stitch or crop!

Are you serious? The man needs a 145mm, 150mm and 155mm or he is going to end up missing the shot.

[Armin Seeholzer]

Even holy AA did not like the normals in this case the 150mm he stated he prefers a bit shorter and longer then normal!
So the magic bullet has never been a 150mm;--)))
180/210mm this are the MBs!
My 135mm was my first 2-3 years my only lens!

Cheers Armin

[neil poulsen]

I guess is the 135mm is working for you, a 150mm wouldn't add that much value.

But if you swapped the 135mm for a 120 or 121 super wide, you'd have much better coverage, and the 150mm would fit in quite well.

[Acheron Photography]

I tend to agree with the general drift: you don't need a 150. I have 90, 110, 150, 180, 210 and 300, and the 150 gets the least use of all. If it weren't a decent wide on my 5x7 I'd probably sell it...

[Ole Tjugen]

Just to add that 150mm is my most used focal length - as long as we're talking about 4x5". And I have 47, 65, 75, 90, 105, 120, 135, 150, 165, 180, 210, 240, 270, 300, 305, 355, 360, 420 and 500mm lenses - all of which can be used on my 4x5" camera.

[rdenney]

Jeez, in ten years you don't know if you are always complaining that "this lens is too short" and "that lens is too long"?

Rick "who sometimes wonders what motivates these questions" Denney

[Jim Galli]

Just to add that 150mm is my most used focal length - as long as we're talking about 4x5". And I have 47, 65, 75, 90, 105, 120, 135, 150, 165, 180, 210, 240, 270, 300, 305, 355, 360, 420 and 500mm lenses - all of which can be used on my 4x5" camera.

Oops! I think I see a serious gap here Ole. A 325mm Cooke is almost a necessity, or perhaps a 330mm Wollensak Series 1a if the Cooke is out of the budget. 375 - 385mm is nice too. Always room for a few more lenses.

[Two23]

And I have 47, 65, 75, 90, 105, 120, 135, 150, 165, 180, 210, 240, 270, 300, 305, 355, 360, 420 and 500mm lenses - all of which can be used on my 4x5" camera.

Geepers! Why don't you just buy a Tamron 28-300mm lens?


Kent in SD

[Steve Feldman]

Many thanks to all. Guess I'll keep my lens assortment as is for now. If only I was a better photographer. Hmmmm.

~S.