Caltar II-E vs Caltar II-N (210mm)

I'm relatively new to LF, so I'm still trying to figure out what lenses I should buy. Most of my shots will be landscape/outdoors.

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I currently have a 90mm and 150mm, but I'm wondering if I should get a 210 also. I've found a used 210mm Caltar II-E on the internet for what looks like a great price, but haven't been able to find any info on the lens. I've also seen a Caltar II-N for a couple hundred more.

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Other than the max aperture on the II-N, what's different? I assume it's a newer model and perhaps made by a different manufacturer. Would the II-N be worth spending more money?

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Thanks a lot,

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Jason

The Caltar II-E is, if I remember correctly, a four element lens. They

may be slower than the N models and they will have a smaller coverage

circle. They are also probably smaller and lighter than the six element

II-N models. Except for at the widest aperture or two, the E is

probably not visibly less sharp than the N.

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Caltar lenses are currently made by Rodenstock. Or they were the last

time I cared to look.

I believe, but don't hold me to this, that the Caltar II-E is a

Rodenstock Geronar 210/6.8 three element lens with 242 mm coverage.

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The Caltar II-N is a Rodenstock Sironar (Sironar-N?) 210/5.6 six

element four group lens wtih 301 mm coverage.

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I've found Calumet to be very helpful with things like this. If you

go to their web site you can search for "Caltar II-N" and "Caltar II-

E" and see the info.

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Hopefully Bob Salomon can clarify this more.

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DW

From Calumet web site:

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210 f/6.8 Caltar II-E

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Type of Shutter: Copal 1

Aperture Range: 6.8-64

Lens Configuration: 3 elements and 3 groups

lange Focal Distance: 195mm

Filter Size: 49mm

Image Circle @f/22: 242mm

Angle of Coverage: 60 degrees

Maximum Format: 5x7

Jason,

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I have the 210mm Caltar II-E. I bought it on sale last year. When I

questioned the Calumet employee about the quality of the lens, he

said that I would be pleasantly surprised at the quality of this

lens. He was right. I have been very happy with it. Images are sharp,

colors good. Good contrast. It is small and very light. If you don't

need the extra movements of the II-N, and it sounds like you don't,

the II-E is a very nice lens for landscaping. Don't worry about it

being only 3 elements. A lot of very nice photos were made with 3

elelment lenses, and these have the added advantage of multicoating.

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Only one suggestion. If you have enough bellows, you might want to

consider going longer than 210mm. It will cost you though.

Since you're shooting outdoors, consider the weight of the lenses.

The II-N is probably almost twice the weight of (as well as physically

bigger than) the II-E.

I own the E lens and find it to be excellant,a nice all around

lens.You have to realize this lens is designed to be used at F22

though!I shoot architecture & landscapes with mine.BTW,a 210mm will

allow you much greater movements than your shorter focals.

I believe these are Rodenstock Geronars.

Thanks for everyone's help and advice. I just ordered the lens, and

can't wait to get it.

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Thanks again!

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Jason

Jason,

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Enjoy photographing with it.