90 Super Angulon XL or 65 Super Angulon?

[jwarren116]

I'm new(ish) to large format. I just got myself a decent Burke & James 5x7/4x5 (sometime in the next 9 months I'd like to get a better field camera). I'll primarily be using the 4x5 back. I'm now going to buy a lens, and I'm torn between two. One is a Super Angulon XL 90mm f/5.6, the other is a 65mm f/5.6 Super Angulon. Both are in great condition. Most of my work is outdoor architecture, with some indoor work. Both lenses are a good price, as I am employed where they are being sold. Should I go all out and get the 90? Or get the 65 and put the extra money away for a new camera?

I really appreciate the help, folks! Thanks!

James

[Aender Brepsom]

If it is going to be your first lens, I'd go for the 90mm simply because 65mm is extremely wide on 4x5 while the 90mm is still a wide angle lens, but more usable. The image circle of the 65mm is rather limited too.

[Keith Pitman]

I would recommend against the Super Angulon XL. It's a huge lens and takes 90mm filters. The rear element will not fit through the front end of some 4x5 cameras.

I would suggest something that takes 67mm filters: Nikon SW or the Schneider Super Angulon for example. These are both f/8 lenses.

[Aender Brepsom]

I would recommend against the Super Angulon XL. It's a huge lens and takes 90mm filters. The rear element will not fit through the front end of some 4x5 cameras.

I would suggest something that takes 67mm filters: Nikon SW or the Schneider Super Angulon for example. These are both f/8 lenses.

I agree with you Keith. I would not buy the 90mm XL either, but James just asked about those two specific lenses. I would also recommend the Grandagon-N 6.8/90mm (67mm filter thread) as my best compromise.
Besides, I would not start with a 90mm as a first lens, but with a 135mm or 150mm, but again, that was not his question.

[Ron Marshall]

65mm is extremely wide on 4x5. It is certainly useful for interiors, but a 90mm would be a better choice for a first lens. If you are planning on taking it away from a car or using filters, check the table on the LF Home Page for weights and filter sizes of the lens options: http://www.largeformatphotography.info/lenses/LF4x5in.html

[IanG]

As Ron says 65mm on a 5x4 is extremely wide, and will allow very little in the way of movements, it's also a little tricky to use for architectural work. I do use mine but not very often, in comparison my 90mm f6.8 Grandagon gets a lot of use and is a very practical focal length roughly equivalent to a 28mm on a 35mm camera.

Ian

[JPlomley]

65 and 90 make a great pair of wide angles. Anyway that you could swing both (no pun intended)?

[Alan Davenport]

I think the 90mm SA would be a great choice. Plenty wide (almost like a 24mm on 35mm film) plenty of image circle for movements (needed for architecture) and wide enough for many interior shots.

[Richard Kelham]

Can you even get a 65mm lens to focus on a 7x5 B&J?

[Ole Tjugen]

Get a 90mm. If you need even wider angle, use 5x7" film!

[jwarren116]

Thanks for the advice folks. I think I'm going to go with the 90 for right now, seeing as it's a good deal. Down the road I'll get a 150 or so.