I am looking to add a longer lens to my lens battery for 4x5. I used to own a 360mm Tele Xenar lens. As a single coated lens it was just OK, but the price was right. I am wondering, if my longest lens now is a 210, which of the 2 lengths is the better choice for landscape? I understand that with a view camera, long lenses tend toward being a specialty item in many cases and would very much appreciate feedback in the hopes of making an informed decision.
thanks!
Quick Answer:
300mm vs. 210mm: 70% 'Linear' Dimension... 49% of Area.
360mm vs. 210mm: 58.33% 'Linear' Dimension... 34% of Area.
Best regards,
-Tim.
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Why aren't you happy with your 210 for landscape? What can't you do with it as well as you'd like?
Did you like the focal length of your 360mm Tele Xenar?
Either focal length would be fine for landscape. I used to own a Nikkor 300M that was fantastic. It was sharp, contrasty, not too large in size and could even cover 8x10. Expect to spend $400 to $500 though.
How ong are your bellows? How big is your lens board?
"I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving that he can outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority"---EB White
John asked the 2 most important questions.
I have 1 4x5 that has enough bellows length for a 300mm, and a large enough lens board. Out of 3 4x5 cameras. It's a mono rail, so stays at home.
If I wanted a 360 I'd need a Tele, so you may have the same issues as before.
On a side note you can send camera lenses out to be coated. Whoever coats eyeglasses can do the same.
Thanks for kind reply. I can extend the rail system on the Sinar with an extension and the bellows extended long enough for a 360.
Alan, Thanks. I'm leaning toward the 300mm if I can find one in my price range.
A 12" lens is probably the best all round 8x10 lens and very usable on a 4x5. My 14" Dagor looks as new as the day I bought it in 1988 because I never use it! The 12" is a different story. I'd look for a 12" Dagor. L
I rarely use that long of a lens but I definitely prefer a 300mm to 360mm. Plus the Nikkor 300mm f/9 is fairly common and you can find them easily, and they even cover 8x10, so a real "value" lens. I think small/light 360mm lenses are a bit less common. I had a 360mm Tele-Xenar and I thought it was a crappy lens, but it might've just been me, that was a long time ago when I first started. On the other hand, if I'm going up to the mountains, I use longer lenses a lot more, and so I usually bring my Nikkor-T set with focal lengths of 360/500/720.
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