2 or 3 lens combo for landscapes

[Nicholas Fiduccia]

After 20 years of shooting with 35mm, I am planning to buy my first 4x5 field camera for landscape photography and would appreciate help with the lens selection. In 35mm, my favorite lens combo is 24, 35, 50, and 85mm. My most favorite lens focal length probably lies somewhere between 35 and 50 since I tend to use those lenses most frequently. In 4x5, I can see going with either a 110-180 combo or a 90(80)-150-240 combination. I understand the 3 lens combo should give me the most flexibility in framing.

Would the more experience landscape photographers care to comment on which combo (2 or 3-lens) they would prefer and why. Weight is a consideration for me since I plan on hiking and backpacking with this equipment. I know that focal length selection is personal but I would welcome the opionions of those experienced 4x5 shooters. Thanks.

[Edward Kimball]

If I were to pick a three lens combo to cover your likes (according to 35mm preferences)I would suggest 90, 150 and 210. The 90 is about the same perspective of a 28, the 150 corresponds to about 40 and the 210 to about 70. You would probably like the 80 and 240 that you mentioned but these will be huge hunks of glass and extremely expensive.

[Glenn Kroeger]

Nicholas:

Since a 120 on 4x5 is pretty close to the equivalent of a 35 (in 35mm), I might suggest an 80-135-240 combo. The 240 Fujinon A is small, and a 135 can do everything a 150 can with the added benefit of a wider view, something like a compromise between a 35 and 50 in 35mm. The 135mm Apo-Sironar S has a large image circle and is very sharp but small.

If you don't use your 24 very often, a nice combo is 110-180-300, with the 300 being very like your current 85.

[Kevin J. Kolosky]

Doesn't Mr. Wisner sell a convertible lens set that might fit your needs?

Kevin

[Matthew Runde]

Nicholas,

I would suggest that, if possible, you rent or borrow a 4x5 camera and some lenses. That would probably make it very easy to choose which lenses you would like to use for 4x5.

[Nicholas Fiduccia]

Thanks for the responses thus far! Since I got positive comments about the 3 lens combo, I'll simply go with three lenses. I don't think I need 4 large format lenses. Now I'll address your individual comments:

Edward: Is the 150 and 210mm too close? From my calculations a 150 is equivalent to a 46mm and a 210 is equivalent to a 65mm. If I chose the 210 my next lens down would probably be a 135mm.

Glenn, yes 110 -180 - 300 sound like a good spacing. The camera I have chosen (Ebony 45S) doesn't handle 300mm but I could probably chose another camera. In 35mm, sometime I use my 24mm a lot and sometimes not at all. It depends on the scenery.

Kevin, I don't know anythink about convertables. I'll check it out!

Matt, I have used a 4x5 in school with a 90mm and 210mm. I really enjoyed both lenses but I did notice a big hole in the middle. Do you think I can translate my lens experience in 35mm to 4x5? or do the lenses feel wider? For example, a 90mm in 4x5 is equivalent to a 27mm in 35 according to my calculations using the long side of the negative. Does a 90 in 4x5 feel much shorter than what a 28 mm would in 35?

[neil poulsen]

From your description, it sounds like you enjoy using a moderate wide-angle. If the 110mm is a little expensive, consider one of the later 121mm S.A.s. It's single-coated, and can be purchased for just over $500. For me, next would be 180mm. After that, probably 240mm, like a G-Claron. Inexpensive, and light. I find the 210mm to be a poor compromise for either the 180mm or the 240mm. It's a little too narrow for 180mm like applications, and a little too wide for close-up type work. As for 300mm, there are examples of 300mm tele's out there that would work on your Ebany.

I know that others do, but I don't find too much application in landscape for a 90mm. I think it's too wide. 90mm is the most used for architecture, but for me, not for landscapes.

[Matthew Runde]

Nicholas,

It sounds like you have more experience in 4x5 than I do. I don't know about the comparison of 24mm in 35 and 90mm in 4x5, but I currently use a 150mm in 4x5 and it isn't nearly wide enough for my purposes (urban this-and-that).

Depending on what you want to do with your photographs, you may be able to use a wide lens and then crop the image, but of course it would be better to have your favorite lens to begin with.

[Jean-Marie Solichon]

Hi Nicholas, in my experience the 4x5 equivalent of 24 in 35mm is a 75. This is my most used wide angle. Then I have a 120 Super Symmar (equivalent to 35 in 35mm)my absolute favourite. And if you only want 3 lenses that would be a 200 Nikkor M, very small, light and sharp. 75, 120 and 200 this is my suggestion. Jean-Marie

[Lars Åke Vinberg]

Nicholas,

When I moved up from 35mm to LF I noticed that one reason I liked superwide 35mm lenses was the DOF. With tilt, this is less of an issue, near-far compositions work well with a moderate wideangle in LF.

Since you will take the equipment for hiking/backpacking, a starting point could be one moderate wideangle in the 120-150 range that is compact and light, in case you want to take one lens only. Then add a wide lens and a moderate tele. In 35mm terms, perhaps 24-35-85. Best regards, ?ke