David Karp
13-Feb-2002, 19:14
I have been going round and round trying to determine what long lens to purchase for my 4x5 outfit. I think that some expert input will help.
Currently, my lenses range from 75 to 210mm (two Rodenstocks, a Caltar, and a Fu jinon). My camera is a Calumet 45NX monorail, which has a short (approximately 1 1.5") monorail, and a longer (21") monorail. Normally, I use the short monorail for all landscape photography with all of my lenses. Now I am trying to decide w hat to do for a longer lens, probably my last (at least for a long while).
One consideration is a Nikon M 300mm f/9.0 or a Fuji C 300mm f/8.5. I have read threads on these lenses and both seem outstanding. I would be interested in comm ents from any photographer that has used both of them. At first blush, I don?t t hink that I want to go any longer than these lenses because I don?t want to have to move to a bigger lens with a #3 shutter.
When thinking about these lenses, the small size and light weight are very attac tive. However, I believe that I will be pushing the envelope using the short rai l with these lenses. I know some tricks to grab a little extra extension with th is camera, and I would always be able switch to the long rail and have plenty of extension for these lenses..
It would be easier (and more compact too) to use the short monorail as much as p ossible, so this started me thinking about a telephoto lens. The Nikons are too expensive for me, even used, so I am looking at either a 300mm or 400mm Fujinon. After reviewing the threads discussing telephotos, I am still not certain that I understand the practical differences in operation between the telephoto lenses and standard designs other than greater weight and size.
I would appreciate some comments on using the 300mm standard lenses vs. a 300mm or 400mm telephoto. I have seen various rules of thumb on how much extension you need with a given telephoto photo length (.9 x focal length comes to mind), but what does this mean practically? How close can I focus with that much extension ? Are the telephotos that much more difficult to work with? Would I be better of f biting the bullet and carrying the longer rail with me and switching when nece ssary when using a 300mm or 360mm lens of normal design?
Thanks in advance. I appreciate the input.
Currently, my lenses range from 75 to 210mm (two Rodenstocks, a Caltar, and a Fu jinon). My camera is a Calumet 45NX monorail, which has a short (approximately 1 1.5") monorail, and a longer (21") monorail. Normally, I use the short monorail for all landscape photography with all of my lenses. Now I am trying to decide w hat to do for a longer lens, probably my last (at least for a long while).
One consideration is a Nikon M 300mm f/9.0 or a Fuji C 300mm f/8.5. I have read threads on these lenses and both seem outstanding. I would be interested in comm ents from any photographer that has used both of them. At first blush, I don?t t hink that I want to go any longer than these lenses because I don?t want to have to move to a bigger lens with a #3 shutter.
When thinking about these lenses, the small size and light weight are very attac tive. However, I believe that I will be pushing the envelope using the short rai l with these lenses. I know some tricks to grab a little extra extension with th is camera, and I would always be able switch to the long rail and have plenty of extension for these lenses..
It would be easier (and more compact too) to use the short monorail as much as p ossible, so this started me thinking about a telephoto lens. The Nikons are too expensive for me, even used, so I am looking at either a 300mm or 400mm Fujinon. After reviewing the threads discussing telephotos, I am still not certain that I understand the practical differences in operation between the telephoto lenses and standard designs other than greater weight and size.
I would appreciate some comments on using the 300mm standard lenses vs. a 300mm or 400mm telephoto. I have seen various rules of thumb on how much extension you need with a given telephoto photo length (.9 x focal length comes to mind), but what does this mean practically? How close can I focus with that much extension ? Are the telephotos that much more difficult to work with? Would I be better of f biting the bullet and carrying the longer rail with me and switching when nece ssary when using a 300mm or 360mm lens of normal design?
Thanks in advance. I appreciate the input.