Image differences between Schneider 210mm f/8 SA and 210 F5.6 XL?

[johnmsanderson]

Hi,

Would love to hear the optical differences of these two lenses.

Thanks...

[8x10 user]

The XL is smaller (not small), sharper, and has brighter focusing.

[ic-racer]

I think you are asking "Is the cheaper, larger, dimmer lens just as good as the more expensive, smaller brighter lens"
Probably "yes," but these questions never have straightforward answers.

[Daniel Stone]

The 210XL has a massive front element, and a smaller rear element

The 210SA (F8) has a massive front element, AND an equally massive rear element. And it's heavier.
It'll probably be the easier lens to source used however.

Both use Copal 3 shutters, and getting any sort of filter to fit them will be quite hard unless you have gobs of cash in hand

[8x10 user]

Right... I once happened upon a miss-listed a NOS filter for the 210XL. I was able to trade it in to a dealer for $900 in film. They both use the same filter and I think have a cos to the 4th light fall off. The Grandagon N has slightly better light falloff (cos to the 3rd) due to a trick known as "pupil distortion".

All three lenses are more for 11x14, if you are using 8x10 there are many more affordable and smaller options with equal sharpness.

If money is no issue and you want to shoot 11x14 with the sharpest lenses then get the SSXL with center filter and you will have a system capable of truly insane resolution (when combined with a high end scanner or enlarger)... If that is the case you should also pm with an "offer that I cannot refuse" for one of my last boxes of 11x14 Provia that I have been saving in the freezer

[johnmsanderson]

Right... I once happened upon a miss-listed a NOS filter for the 210XL. I was able to trade it in to a dealer for $900 in film. They both use the same filter and I think have a cos to the 4th light fall off. The Grandagon N has slightly better light falloff (cos to the 3rd) due to a trick known as "pupil distortion".

All three lenses are more for 11x14, if you are using 8x10 there are many more affordable and smaller options with equal sharpness.

If money is no issue and you want to shoot 11x14 with the sharpest lenses then get the SSXL with center filter and you will have a system capable of truly insane resolution (when combined with a high end scanner or enlarger)... If that is the case you should also pm with an "offer that I cannot refuse" for one of my last boxes of 11x14 Provia that I have been saving in the freezer

LOL. Thanks for the feedback but think I will stick with 8x10. I am looking for something in the 210 range for 8x10 that has enough coverage for architecture... tried a bunch including the Fujinon 210 CM W didn't work out.

Maybe I'll look into the Grandagon N 200 but they look elusive

[Roger Hesketh]

If you do not need a fast lens a Cooke 8" Series VIIb may serve your purpose.

[doublezero]

hello 8x10 user ,

can you tell me more about your Provia 11x14 boxe ?
can i buy it ?
best regards

[angusparker]

Try the Computar 210mm f9 - 456mm image circle. Very small lens. Hard to find but comes up once in a while. Certainly a lot cheaper than the lenses suggested so far.

[Roger Hesketh]

An 8" Dagor stopped right down will cover 10x12. So will allow plenty of scope for movement on 8x10.