Newbie; so many lens options!

[aFeinberg]

Ok...so having shot digital for...well...most of my life...I'm pretty blown away by the lens choices for LF...especially considering the very close name systems.

I believe 3 lenses is where I will sit for now. Going to have a 90/6.8.

Looking for recommendations around 150mm (ish) and 240mm (ish).

Landscape/nude work and portraiture, so fast apertures are better (though I have no idea what kind of shallow dof I'm getting in to :P).


Thoughts and opinions appreciated!

aF


PS; Will be using a CHAMONIX 45N-2 4x5

[Peter De Smidt]

Get one to start. After using it awhile, you'll get a feel for what else you'd like. While I don't use one, 150mm would be a very inexpensive and high quality lens, well suited to full figure work. Another good option would be a 210mm/5.6, a very common lens. If you really want to go for more than one off the bat, a 90/6.8 and a 210/5.6 would be fairly inexpensive, and you would be able to cover a large range of subjects. (With 4x5 I use 90mm/6.8, 120mm/8, 210/5.6mm, 300/9. The 120mm and 210mm are my most used lenses in 4x5.) A 240mm is a nice lens, but they're much more expensive in compact form, such as a Fuji A, or Doktor Optic. They also tend to be f9 max lenses.

I like Fujinon lenses. They are just as good as the other name brands, but they're often a little cheaper. The other biggies are Nikon, Schneider, and Rodenstock.

[aFeinberg]

Thanks Peter. I think a lot of the confusion (at least for myself) is trying to figure out which are MC and have good image circles. I have heard a bunch about the 90/210 combo...just figured the 240 would be a bit longer to move it away from the 150. Though you're right, the 240s are generally f9. boo

[Dan Fromm]

Go here http://www.largeformatphotography.info/ and read the lens FAQs. Read this one http://www.largeformatphotography.in...ic-bullet.html too.

The lens FAQs are incomplete and some of the assessments they report are idiosyncratic. Here http://sdrv.ms/1i4czGa is a link to a large list of lens catalogs. Use it.

For LF lenses single-coated isn't a deal breaker.

Don't torture yourself. Its easy to find out which lenses have low coverage. 90/6.8 Angulon, for example, and the equivalent 90/6.8 Raptar and 88/6.8 B&L. Its hard to make a bad mistake with a modern lens from, in alphabetical order, Fuji, Nikon, Rodenstock and Schneider. There are other good lens makers. With used lenses condition is more important than maker or a measly couple of mm of coverage.

[Peter De Smidt]

Perhaps something like this: https://www.keh.com/256257/210-f5-6-...42-mt-4x5-lens

[Jac@stafford.net]

Perhaps something like this: https://www.keh.com/256257/210-f5-6-...42-mt-4x5-lens

Right on. OP: do not underestimate the Fujion lenses. They are usually a best buy.
.

[aFeinberg]

Well...just got a Shen Hao w 4 lenses so grip it and rip it!

90 5.6 super angulon
Fuji W 125mm F5.6
Schneider Symmar S 180mm F5.6
Fuji W 210mm F5.6

Thanks all for the advice!
aF

[Jody_S]

Well...just got a Shen Hao w 4 lenses so grip it and rip it!

90 5.6 super angulon
Fuji W 125mm F5.6
Schneider Symmar S 180mm F5.6
Fuji W 210mm F5.6

Thanks all for the advice!
aF

Those are all superb lenses, so have fun!

[Peter De Smidt]

Nice setup. Have fun!

[biedron]

I think a lot of the confusion (at least for myself) is trying to figure out which are MC and have good image circles.

I find the following a great source of info on "modern" LF lenses:

http://www.ebonycamera.com/articles/lenses.html

If doesn't indicate lens coatings or filter sizes, but shows max apertures, image circles, shutter sizes, and flange focal distances.

Bob