It's a big, heavy lens, in it's factory phenolic barrel it's 11lbs, so it needs a heavy front standard. At portrait distance it will max-out an Ansco 5A double extension studio camera, needs a min. of 40in, preferably 48in lens board to GG. Should be fine for 11x14 portraits, nice look to it. Yes, you can find an iris this large but they are not cheap, easier to use a center Waterhouse stop.