The old 'what the best lenses' question

**John NYC** · 23-Mar-2012, 08:55

In reference to the original post... Buy any lens made since the 1970's or so from the big four (Nikon, Fuji, Rodenstock or Schneider). You won't be able to tell the difference unless you are a goofy pixel peeper like I used to be and revert to being sometimes. Sample variation will matter much more than make/model comparisons in many cases. What will matter even more in getting sharp and contrasty pictures is your own technique, your tripod, the wind conditions, etc.

**Rod Klukas** · 27-Mar-2012, 14:37

Originally Posted by Noah A

Your question is still general, but I'd generally recommend buying used, late-model modern lenses. This way you get great lenses for a fraction of what they cost new. And, if one doesn't work for you for whatever reason, you can sell it for pretty much what you paid.

I built my kit that way. I have a bunch of lenses, all Schneider and Rodenstock, but I could work with my 115 Grandagon-N and 210 Apo-Sironar-S and that would cover 95 percent of my needs.

The focal lengths you mentioned, at least the 90, 150 and 210, are common on the used market. I'd say you can't go wrong with late-model Super Angulons or Grandagons for the 90mm and Apo-Sironar-S or Apo-Symmars for the 150 and 210. Actually, for the 150, you might want to go with the Apo-Sironar-S since at that focal length, the extra coverage is beneficial for many photographers. The Apo-Symmar L would also give you that extra coverage, but it's more rare on the used market. For the 210, all of the plasmats have a ton of coverage so it's less critical. The Apo-Symmar 210 has always been something of a reference lens and is plentiful on the used market.

Others are going to tell you that you can get great results with 50-year-old lenses. They're right, of course, but it depends on what you're after. The fact that you mentioned a 90XL was a hint that you're after modern glass.

Any of the modern lenses from Nikon, Fuji, Rodenstock and Schneider will be very good and should be able to give you negs you can enlarge quite a bit, if that's what you're after. The main differences are image circle, color rendering, contrast and of course, price. I tend to like the look of the german lenses, but that's just a personal preference.

The lenses of 135-210mm are exceptional in the newer offerings from Rodenstock, Apo-Sironar 'S', and Schneider, Apo-Symmar 'L'.
These lenses are not only excellent in 'color contrast' but have large coverage circles as well. Additionally they are excellent at 1:1 and even greater reproduction ratios, being better than anything else available except a true macro at close ups. They are also the best at infinity and low distortion. Try lensfielders.com or Lens&Repro, or Igor Camera, they had some used ones.

Rod