Also, can anyone tell me what the optimal f-stop range for each of my 5 lenses are, or how I can calculate it? While I want my images to be as sharp as possible from corner to corner, I want to also make sure I avoid diffraction and subsequent degradation of image quality.
So far, this is my estimate. Please let me know if and where I’m wrong. (I’m almost certainly wrong.) :/
-65mm Nikon Nikkor-SW f/4 ——— f/11-f/16 (the more I stop this lens down, the more pronounced the vignetting)
-90mm Sinar (Rodenstock) Sinaron W f/8 (Multicoated) ——— f/16-f/32
-150mm Schneider Symmar-S f/5.6 (Multicoated) ——— f/16-f/32
-210mm Schneider Symmar-S f/5.6 (Multicoated) ——— f/16-f/32
-360mm Rodenstock Sironar-N f/6.8 (Multicoated) ——— f/16-f/45
This is a set of modern multi coated lenses. They would be optimized for about f22, ideally used between f11 to f45. f5.6 was done to aid focusing.
As for the smallish image circle of the 65mm f4 SW nikkor, the image circle would be much the same for other 65mm lenses of this type. To gain a larger image circle, moving to a slightly longer focal length makes a significant difference. The 65mm f4 has a spec image circle of 170mm at f16 which is very, very good. The 75mm f4.5 SW nikkor is spec'ed at 200mm at f16.
http://www.galerie-photo.com/manuels...%20cameras.pdf
The other way to gain a larger image circle would be the Schneider XL series of 110 degrees -vs- the typical and more common about 105 degrees LF wide angle lenses. Choice really depends in image making needs. Know larger image circle often produces more internal lighting flare due to light bouncing off the bellows on to the film. As with most things, it is a trade off.
Bernice
It turns out that I have the 90mm Sinar (Rodenstock) Sinaron W f/6.8 (not an f/8, as I had originally written).
Any word on how good this lens is? Should I trade it in for a 90mm Rodenstock Grandagon-N f/4.5?
The Sinaron W is a Sinar branded Grandagon-N, unless you need the larger image circle of the 4.5 lens (236mm vs 221mm) I'd suggest you stick with the 6.8. The 4.5 lens is going to have a larger 82mm filter thread, almost twice the weight at 700g vs 460g, is in a larger #1 shutter and has no major differences in image quality other than image circle. The Rodenstock mtf and distortion data suggests that the 6.8 lens is ever so slightly sharper in the corners while the 4.5 has a little less distortion.
Jim
Since you're shooting color chromes, how is the vignetting with the 90mm and 65mm without a center filter? Can you show us samples?
Flickr Home Page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/alanklein2000/albums
Well, I just sold my enormous 360mm Rodenstock Sironar-N f/6.8 (Multicoated) lens on eBay just yesterday. It was a good performer, but just way too massive and heavy to carry.
That said, I wanted to ask you guys if you had any recommendations on what to replace it with. I'm looking for a good telephoto lens in the 300mm - 500mm range to round out my set.
Here's my current lineup:
-65mm Nikon Nikkor-SW f/4
-90mm Sinar (Rodenstock) Sinaron W f/6.8 (Multicoated)
-150mm Schneider Symmar-S f/5.6 (Multicoated)
-210mm Schneider Symmar-S f/5.6 (Multicoated)
-360mm Rodenstock Sironar-N f/6.8 (Multicoated) [Sold]
I wanted to also ask if you guys think I should replace any of the other 4 other lenses I currently have. I have a 6x17 Shen Hao medium format back that I like to use with my Linhof Technikardan 45, but the only lens that has enough coverage for it is my 150mm Schneider Symmar-S f/5.6. :/
Nikkor-T 360mm , and maybe if you want it, the extra 500mm rear group (convertible) would be the best choice in that focal length range.
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