Is f11 max practical in the field?

[Martin Aislabie]

Buy a good quality darkcloth and you should be fine.

I have a Blackjacket and I really like it - its very dark under there.

Martin

[Andrew O'Neill]

My Fujinon 600C has a maximum aperture of 11.5. I've never had any issues focusing with it under a BTZS hood. Nice and bright image.

[Jac@stafford.net]

I have a 45cm Apo-Nikkor f/9. Stopped down to f/11 on 8X10 - still very easy to focus - and I have tired old eyes.

That's excellent. My vision is so dim that I'm considering drilling the ground glass for aerial focusing.

[Vaughn]

That's excellent. My vision is so dim that I'm considering drilling the ground glass for aerial focusing.

That's why I like clipped corners on the GG. Very easy to check what is happening in the corners.

[Jody_S]

I have focused a 120mm f16 wide angle indoors without much trouble, but I have exceptionally good night vision so I might not be representative of the average lf-er.

[John Layton]

Just reread this thread...and want to make another suggestion - that you contact Bill Maxwell at Maxwell Precision Optics. I'm not sure what Bill does larger than 8x10...but he can certainly help you with the specifics of focal length/maximum aperture, viewing angle and overall screen brightness/contrast - and very likely offer you the best solution possible to address your specific needs.

[Thalmees]

I may be able to acquire an f11 lens in a focal length useful for 8x10 (and maybe larger). But, max aperture is only f11. Most of my experience is with f5.6 lenses. I know I need a better dark cloth situation but going 4x lower light, I wonder if I will find it usable or how to focus in available light. It was a process lens used with several high wattage flood lights. One advantage of f11 is it weighs a lot less and takes up less space than my ff5.6 lenses. Thoughts comments suggestions?

Hello Mark,
Used an APO Ronar 300/9. It was Ok even at late afternoon(well before sunset).

[Vaughn]

Just looked at my notes...judging by what I generally made my exposures at, there is about 8 stops (give or take a couple) of light between out in the open, and under the redwoods (usually between 10am and 2pm).

One might see a significant difference between a f/5.6 lens and a f/11!

[Michael Jones]

I have two lenses that are f18 at the widest. Not impossible to use in the field as they tend to have brighter centers, but the edges are difficult to confirm focus. I just stop down and have not been disappointed (other than my own mistakes), but I contact print and that gives me a serious edge over those who enlarge.

Mike

[Thalmees]

Just looked at my notes...judging by what I generally made my exposures at, there is about 8 stops (give or take a couple) of light between out in the open, and under the redwoods (usually between 10am and 2pm).
One might see a significant difference between a f/5.6 lens and a f/11!

Hello Vaughn,
I think the OP means the the lens speed, not the actual "f/stop" at which he/she photograph.
My apologies if I misunderstood your post, or the OP.