Comparison of Nikkor 90mm f/8 versus Super Symmar 80mm in focus ability

[Timothy So]

I have been playing around with my Nikkor SW 90mm f/8 for some time now, mainly for landscape shots. In bright daylight there is no problem. But when it's getting dark there is a slight difficulty to check focus at the upper and lower side of screen and at the corners.

While in the process of getting a slightly wider lens for the type of stuff I do, I'm thinking whether I should get an second hand Super Angulon 75mm f/5.6 in addition, or just sell my 90mm Nikkor and replace it with the Super Symmar 80mm f/4.5 altogether. The cost will probably balance out with either of the options.

My question really is this: Is the 80mm Super Symmar XL easier to focus than the Nikkor 90mm especially in low light conditions? Have you guys got any first hand experience with both of theses lenses in the field?

[Eric Brody]

The 90 f/8 Nikkor is one of the sharpest lenses available in its focal length. I use mine outdoors almost exclusively and have minimal problems. If it's dark, cinch up the cloth, get out the loupe, place it at an angle for the corners and shoot away. The 80XL is an f/5.6, I believe and will, of course give you a stop more light but at considerable cost, especially if you already own the Nikkor. You might also want to see if an brighter screen, a fresnel, or ground glass might help with all lenses. You do not mention what camera you are using.

I'd be loathe to get into the lens switching game over such an issue, my 2 cents.

Eric

[naturephoto1]

Actually the Schneider 80mm Super Symmar XL is an f4.5 lens.

Rich

[paulr]

My question really is this: Is the 80mm Super Symmar XL easier to focus than the Nikkor 90mm especially in low light conditions? Have you guys got any first hand experience with both of theses lenses in the field?

It would certainly be. A couple of stops more speed not only makes it brighter, but reduces depth of field so things snap into focus more obviously.

How big a difference this would make for you I don't know. Personally I have no trouble with my f8 120 super angulon. It's dim and huge and heavy, but so sharp and beautiful, and I have yet to feel like it's getting in my way, even at night. maybe for certain kinds of studio work or natural light indoor work it would be an issue.

[Timothy So]

The 90 f/8 Nikkor is one of the sharpest lenses available in its focal length. I use mine outdoors almost exclusively and have minimal problems. If it's dark, cinch up the cloth, get out the loupe, place it at an angle for the corners and shoot away. The 80XL is an f/5.6, I believe and will, of course give you a stop more light but at considerable cost, especially if you already own the Nikkor. You might also want to see if an brighter screen, a fresnel, or ground glass might help with all lenses. You do not mention what camera you are using.

I'd be loathe to get into the lens switching game over such an issue, my 2 cents.

Eric

Thanks Eric,

Ah yes I forgot to mention my camera. It is an Ebony 45S with a regular fresnel screen. I do agree with you that the Nikkor is tack sharp.
Actually on top of the focus issue I'm also thinking of getting a wider view as well, so my choice is between getting one more (75mm) lens or to get one 80mm lens that replace both.

[Edwin Beckenbach]

Hello Timothy,

A word of warning about the 80XL...It's not very good wide open. I need to close down a couple stops before even thinking about checking corner focus. At regular working apertures it's a great performer but if your primary reason for considering it is for bright and accurate focusing you might be disappointed.

[roteague]

My question really is this: Is the 80mm Super Symmar XL easier to focus than the Nikkor 90mm especially in low light conditions? Have you guys got any first hand experience with both of theses lenses in the field?

I did exactly what you are contemplating, and I have no regrets. I just wish I had done it sooner. The 80mm Schneider lens is stunning.

[Eric James]

My question really is this: Is the 80mm Super Symmar XL easier to focus than the Nikkor 90mm especially in low light conditions?

With so many used 80mm dogs out there and the cost of a new US version >2K$, why not buy a Maxwell Screen, and continue to shoot with the 90mm/f8?

Reference:

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=9823&highlight=80mm

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=15123&highlight=80mm

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=15341&highlight=80mm

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=20294&highlight=maxwell

And then there is the issue of falloff and center filter requirements, and the 90mm f8 wins.

[Timothy So]

With so many used 80mm dogs out there and the cost of a new US version >2K$, why not buy a Maxwell Screen, and continue to shoot with the 90mm/f8?

Reference:

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=9823&highlight=80mm

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=15123&highlight=80mm

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=15341&highlight=80mm

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=20294&highlight=maxwell

And then there is the issue of falloff and center filter requirements, and the 90mm f8 wins.

Thank you Eric for the load of information. I only knew the early batch of the 80 XL has soft focus problems, and now it seems that there's another problem of haze. Although it's claimed that the problem has been "solved", I'm starting to wonder about the QC of Schneider~~:confused:

[Timothy So]

Thank you guys for all your helpful replies. I will probably live with my Nikkor 90/8 for a longer while:) ~~

[eric t]

i'm just about to buy a second hand nikkor 90mm f/8.
do you need a center filter with a 50-60mm rise ??

[Timothy So]

I believe most people including myself do not use a center filiter on the Nikkor 90/8. Never tried that much of rise for the type of landscape stuff I did, but I suppose it doesn't make much difference...