Good light lens for 8x10’

[stefanoB]

I need an advice to buy a good lens as light as possible, cause I love take photos in the mountain and with a 8x10 camera and it is difficult to carry such a heavy weight for several kilometers. so I'm looking for a light lens but that doesn't compromise the quality and above all its movements.
does anyone have any advice for me? thank you so much


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[peter schrager]

look up the thread on Terry Thalman recommended lenses....or just go with barrel lenses and a neutral density filter....eliminate the awesomely large #3 copal shutter

[MAubrey]

I need an advice to buy a good lens as light as possible, cause I love take photos in the mountain and with a 8x10 camera and it is difficult to carry such a heavy weight for several kilometers. so I'm looking for a light lens but that doesn't compromise the quality and above all its movements.
does anyone have any advice for me? thank you so much


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If those are your parameters and budget isn't, I'd recommend a Fujinon A 300mm f/9.

Super well-corrected, 420mm image circle.

The more rare Fujinon A 360mm f/10 will give you a 500mm image circle if you need more, but with a much higher asking price.

Both come in a small Copal #1 shutter.

[Mark Sawyer]

Modern coated Dagors are always nice, reasonably light, and fairly bright.

[Peter De Smidt]

240 G Claron.

[John Layton]

...or a 305 G-Claron.

[stefanoB]

If those are your parameters and budget isn't, I'd recommend a Fujinon A 300mm f/9.

Super well-corrected, 420mm image circle.

The more rare Fujinon A 360mm f/10 will give you a 500mm image circle if you need more, but with a much higher asking price.

Both come in a small Copal #1 shutter.

In this moment I have 300mm f5.6 Rodenstock Sironar-N, 300 and 360mm f5.6 Schneider Symmar-S, three lenses very heavy to transport in a bag! Usually I trip with only one lenses.
Fujinon A 300mm f/9 seems to me good lens, but maybe too much expensive. how much does it weight?

[stefanoB]

look up the thread on Terry Thalman recommended lenses....or just go with barrel lenses and a neutral density filter....eliminate the awesomely large #3 copal shutter

thank you! where I can find Terry Thalman recommended lenses? Sincerely I prefer lenses with shutter.

[stefanoB]

240 G Claron.
yes, I was also thinking about this lens

[stefanoB]

...or a 305 G-Claron.

thanks! Do you know his image circle?

[Jody_S]

I 2nd or 3rd or whatever the G-Claron. If I had to limit myself to 1 single lens for 8x10 it would be the 240 G-Claron in a decent shutter.

[Greg]

for me:
330mm f/6.8 IA Raptar in an Alphax. Convertible to 508mm and 647mm, but I rarely use these focal lengths. Replaced my 305mm G-Claron. Just preferred the Bokeh of the Raptar. It was very negligible but every now and then just enough to make a difference in my mind. Second choice is a 250mm f/6.7 Fujinon-W COPAL. These two lenses comprise 95% of my 8x10 shots for this past year.

[Corran]

210mm f/9 Graphic Kowa

300mm f/9 Nikkor-M

Pick your focal length. Both will be about the same size.

[Luis-F-S]

The 3 lenses I carry with my 8x10 camera are the 12” Dagor a 19” Artar and for wide a 6.5” WA Dagor!

[Peter De Smidt]

Germinar W 240mm. Converts to an excellent 450mm lens. Multicoated.

[MAubrey]

In this moment I have 300mm f5.6 Rodenstock Sironar-N, 300 and 360mm f5.6 Schneider Symmar-S, three lenses very heavy to transport in a bag! Usually I trip with only one lenses.
Fujinon A 300mm f/9 seems to me good lens, but maybe too much expensive. how much does it weight?

The Fujinon A 300mm weighs 410g.

The G-Clarons mentioned are also great for a lower price.

[David Lindquist]

thank you! where I can find Terry Thalman recommended lenses? Sincerely I prefer lenses with shutter.

I'm sure Peter meant Kerry Thalman, see here for example: http://www.thalmann.com/largeformat/

Last updated in 2002 but I don't think there's been any new large format lenses since then.

David

[Bob Salomon]

I'm sure Peter meant Kerry Thalman, see here for example: http://www.thalmann.com/largeformat/

Last updated in 2002 but I don't think there's been any new large format lenses since then.

David

But there were an awful lot of lenses that were current in 2002 that he never listed so it is at best an incomplete list of dubious tests of mainly used lenses of unknown history using non repeatable tests.

[John Layton]

My 305 G-Claron covers 11x14 at infinity...so more than enough for 8x10.

[Vaughn]

I'll second the Fuji W 250mm/6.7. Mine sees a lot of use on 8x10. I carry it with the Fuji 300/5.6 in the 8x10 pack. My Fuji W 360/6.3 goes with the 11x14, but occasionally replaces the 300mm in the 8x10 pack.

The 250mm would give you a focal length you do not already have.

[Jim Becia]

210mm f/9 Graphic Kowa

300mm f/9 Nikkor-M

Pick your focal length. Both will be about the same size.

Both of these lenses fit the criteria the poster requested covering 8x10 and "very" lightweight. You could add the Fuji 240A, Fuji 300C and 300A, Fuji 450C, G Claron 210, Germinar 240,

[Michael Kadillak]

Both of these lenses fit the criteria the poster requested covering 8x10 and "very" lightweight. You could add the Fuji 240A, Fuji 300C and 300A, Fuji 450C, G Claron 210, Germinar 240,

The Fuji 240A and 300C are your best light weight / cost effective alternatives. The 450C and the 300A are inordinately expensive when you can find them. I have both of them and use them regularly on packing trips with 8x10.

[Keith Fleming]

If "super light" 8X10 coverage is the goal, then at least consider Protar VII lenses. I have a set of two German-made Zeiss Protar VII cells mounted in an Alphax shutter. The two cells, when used together, give only about a 7 inch focal length (and 5X7 coverage), but the cells used separately give focal lengths of 290 mm and 350 mm, and both easily cover 8X10.. The single cell goes in the rear of the shutter, and I protect the shutter's front with a S.K. Grimes adapter ring that also accepts 52 mm filters. Colored filters can be used to increase contrast if needed--as can increased development. An old Nikon lens hood also screws into the filter. If 8X10 contact prints are the goal, the Protars are more than adequate. If the goal is to enlarge the 8X10 negative to more than 16X20, my guess is that Protars may not be what you want. I only make contact prints from 8X10, but have made acceptable 11X14 prints from 4X5 negatives exposed with the Protar VII cells. The one caveat would be to recommend re-checking the ground glass after stopping down.
Keith

[Oren Grad]

When I want to go ultra-light with 8x10 I take the 270mm G-Claron.

Another option not yet mentioned is the 300mm Rodenstock Geronar.

[neil poulsen]

thanks! Do you know his image circle?

The image circle of a 305mm G-Claron is 381mm. High as that is for a small lens, it's conservative. G-Clarons are known for their substantial coverage when stopped down.

See . . . https://www.largeformatphotography.info/lenses/LF8x10in.html

By comparison, a 355 G-Claron has a specified image circle of 444mm. But stopped down, it's known to cover 14x17.

[Jim Graves]

But there were an awful lot of lenses that were current in 2002 that he never listed so it is at best an incomplete list of dubious tests of mainly used lenses of unknown history using non repeatable tests.

Well, Bob ... if you know of a better list ... please give us a link.

I found Kerry's list to be extraordinarily helpful ... I ended up choosing one of his recommendations for my kit a number of years ago ... the Fujinon A 240 and found it to be everything Kerry said it would be. I appreciate all the efforts he made and time it must have taken. His list makes a great starting point and a valuable resource.

[gary mulder]

From left to right my lens set for 8x10"
Super-Symmar 5,6/110mm 477 gram
Fujinon-A 9/240mm 293 gram
Fujinon-C 12,5/450mm 330 gram
Sironar-N 5,6/300mm 1053 gram

https://garymulder.nl/largeformat/NZ7_1160.jpg

[stefanoB]

From left to right my lens set for 8x10"
Super-Symmar 5,6/110mm 477 gram
Fujinon-A 9/240mm 293 gram
Fujinon-C 12,5/450mm 330 gram
Sironar-N 5,6/300mm 1053 gram


interesting comparison! I would like to know what image circle the Fujinon 240mm has.
Anyway, I thank everyone for the interesting discussions, I will certainly reflect on what to buy later

[gary mulder]

I would like to know what image circle the Fujinon 240mm has.


https://www.largeformatphotography.info/lenses/LF8x10in.html -> 336mm

[Tin Can]

This just for new people as closeup imaging is vastly different with magnification

I have used my 120mm Sironar N (https://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?112818-Sironar-N-120mm&p=1358471&viewfull=1#post1358471) for close 8x10 work

[John Kasaian]

240 G Claron is light and compact, single coated and found in modern copal shutters. Very bright for focusing, too even though it's an f/9. I tend to shoot at f/45 unless I run out of image circle, then I stop down as needed. It will take screw on filters you may already have if you've shot 35mm SLRs

19" Artars are comparatively lightwieght for a long lens---some have aluminum barrels which are even lighter.

These are the two lenses I often take on hikes in the Sierra.

Click on LF Homepage on the light blue banner at the top of this page and scroll down to 'Equipment Reviews' and 'Lenses' for a lot of valuable information.
QT has graciously provided our LF commuity with the best forum ever!:D

[Bob Salomon]

Well, Bob ... if you know of a better list ... please give us a link.

I found Kerry's list to be extraordinarily helpful ... I ended up choosing one of his recommendations for my kit a number of years ago ... the Fujinon A 240 and found it to be everything Kerry said it would be. I appreciate all the efforts he made and time it must have taken. His list makes a great starting point and a valuable resource.

How helpful can it be when in left out mainstream lenses? How helpful is a test that is unreliable and unreproducable?

If you wanted a list of specs look to the old B&H or Calumet listings. They at least included all modern lenses but not the out of production lenses.

[Jim Becia]

How helpful can it be when in left out mainstream lenses? How helpful is a test that is unreliable and unreproducable?

If you wanted a list of specs look to the old B&H or Calumet listings. They at least included all modern lenses but not the out of production lenses.

Bob,

The poster stated "lightweight." From the lenses mentioned, they certainly meet that requirement. And as someone who backpacks with an 8x10 at the age of 68, if you have other lightweight suggestions, I am all ears.

[Len Middleton]

Ok, not mentioned is my 355mm / 14" Repro-Claron in a Compur 2 shutter.

Not common, but have owned two over the years, so they can be found.

Compact enough that I can insert the lens mounted on a Technical lens board, and that mounted onto a Technika to 6x6RC Deardorff style adaptor board backwards and close the camera with a lens in the camera.

Covers 8x10 (sorry do not know the official specs) but does handle some front tilt at landscape distances. And do not know the weight.

Dialyte design commonly used for reproduction, so maybe include others like that (Apo-Artars, Apo-Ronars, etc.).

Shutter is old, but still robust.

[Kevin Crisp]

G Claron 240/270 [harder to find] both in Copal 1

210 G Claron gives you about an inch of rise, it is quite small.

the 305 G Claron is a fine lens, but not one I'd call small and light.

For a wide angle one of the Wolly f:12.5s.

[Peter De Smidt]

The Wolly F/12s are certainly small, but they aren't the easiest to focus.

[Scott Davis]

The Wolly F/12s are certainly small, but they aren't the easiest to focus.

Yeah- they're a bit dodgy when focusing unless you're in bright daylight, but they're TINY and very lightweight, and extremely wide-angle. In the wide-angle end of things, also look at a 190mm Kodak Wide-Field Ektar. Wide open it just misses the corners on 8x10 if you apply anything more than the most minimal of movements, but that field of view!

Otherwise, any of the f9 240mm lenses mentioned (G-Claron, Germinar W. Fujinon) are great lightweight options, and while not ultralight, a 305 Commercial Ektar in Ilex 4 is not a bad option. A 12"/19"/25" Turner-Reich triple convertible atones for the sin of being in a brass barrel by giving you three lenses with the weight of one.

[Drew Wiley]

I've done a lot of LF photography in the mountains, both 4x5 and 8x10, up to a hundred miles at a time, PLUS all necessary gear and supplies in the same pack too. And now in my 70's, finding ways to minimize weight in more important than ever. Many of the lenses in my kit are cross-purpose for several format, all the way from 6x9 roll film backs to 8x10 itself. For semi-wide on 8x10 I use either a 240 GC or 250 Fuji A, intermediate focal length, 360 Fuji A (nice light no.1 shutter, huge image circle, but expensive), and longer, a 450 Fuji C. Once in awhile, I'll carry a 600C too. I don't generally carry a 300 in my 8x10 kit. I have a 300 Nikkor M which is tiny and great for 4x5, but skimpy image circle on 8x10; either a 305GC or 300A, or maybe a 300C would be preferable. There is also a 270 GC which would cover 8x10; just be careful which GC's you buy because not all were designed for general photography usage. All of these lenses are superb for both color and b&w work.

[G Benaim]

One more vote for the 240 g claron. Tiny and light, it's also one of the sharpest lenses I own.

[Alan Gales]

thank you! where I can find Terry Thalman recommended lenses? Sincerely I prefer lenses with shutter.

http://www.thalmann.com/largeformat/lightwei.htm

[Alan Gales]

And it's Kerry, not Terry. :)

[Drew Wiley]

Part of Kerry's stipulation is that a backpacking lens also be capable of using a small 52mm filter, which would eliminate some excellent choices needing slightly bigger filters. Therefore I wouldn't consider his opinions ideal for 8x10 users. It's not difficult to put together a good 4x5 lens set which all accept 52mm, or even smaller with step rings. But for 8x10 work, standardizing on 67mm filters and rings makes more sense.

[Michael Kadillak]

The Wolly F/12s are certainly small, but they aren't the easiest to focus.

Yes I completely agree that the older Series III lenses fit that "hard to focus" description. However the post Series III lenses with coatings are a completely different/improved design and are far easier to focus and also perform much better.

[John Kasaian]

Yes I completely agree that the older Series III lenses fit that "hard to focus" description. However the post Series III lenses with coatings are a completely different/improved design and are far easier to focus and also perform much better.

I'll 2nd that!

[Kiwi7475]

Best combo for hiking is the Fuji C 300, 450 and 600 mm, and a Fuji W 180mm (the old one that covers 8x10).