Nikkor 200mm M lens...

[Former Member 8144]

Hi all,

I know how pretty much most modern 210mm lenses are all really good...but how does the nikkor 200mm M f9 lens compare to them for landscape work only.

Thanks,

Marc

[Ron Marshall]

Lens test results:

http://www.hevanet.com/cperez/testing.html

[Steve Hamley]

Very well IMO. I have one and use it as a lightweight alternative to the 180mm Apo Sironar-S, 210mm not being one of my favorite focal lengths. You will not be disappointed. It is a very good and very sharp lens. I've popped mine on an 8x10 along with a 180mm Fuji A and the Nikkor has more even illumination, surprising for a tessar versus a plasmat.

I'm not implying either will cover 8x10 to the corners sharply, and I think they both fall down in sharpness beyond 5x7 - which is the maximum format for which they are specified. But the Fuji had dark corners on 8x10 and the Nikkor did not (nearly as much).

I just finished a 3-day trip to the Blue Ridge, and the 200mm Nikkor was in the pack. I prefer the 180mm Apo Sironar-S overall, but the Nikkor means I can carry another lens. Versus the 210mm plasmat, you can probably carry the Nikkor and two more lightweight lenses.

Cheers,

Steve

[Former Member 8144]

Sorry, I should say it's intended for 54 use only with the odd bit of rise, shift and front tilt.

Thanks,

Marc

[Steve Hamley]

It will do wonderfully.

Steve

[Scott Rosenberg]

once upon a time i had a 210 sironar-s, a 210 apo-symmar, and a 200-m... the only lens i still have is the nikon. it's really the best option going if you shoot 4x5 and size / weight is a concern... it's small, SHARP, and positively tiny. one of my personal favorites...

[Former Member 8144]

Thanks for the info guys.
Yes I am getting a (documentary landscape) location lens set together..my one for interior/exterior work will have to be different but lenses can't be both ultra light and have the best coverage!

Marc

[Former Member 8144]

Scott, Steve,
Does the lens hold up at print sizes of 40x30 inch etc compared to the others?

Marc

[Steve Hamley]

Never made one at that size from the Nikkor, but at most it is a 10X enlargement, which I would think about the limit for 4x5. If you want top quality at 10X on 4x5, maybe you need to be looking at a 16-1/2" Artar on 8x10, or similar lens like the 360mm WA Apo Nikkor. Then you're into only a 5X enlargement and lens quality is of less concern.

Also, if you're scanning and printing, the printing service has as much or more to do with it as lens quality.

Cheers,

Steve

[Luca Merlo]

I have read in an article that it is one of the favourite lenses of John Sexton. Apparently he switched from the Nikon 210 to the 200 gaining at least in weight. I think it is a superb lens under every aspect.