G Claron vs. a "normal" telephotos

[todd_tiffan]

I'm thinking of getting a 270/300mm lense for 4x5. I was ready to settle on the G Claron but then did some checking on the Schneider web page. They say that the G Clarons are optimized for 1:1 reproduction (macro - close up work) but can be use for infinity focus if stopped down to F22+.

 

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Does this mean the lense really doens't perform well at infinity focus as far as actually focusing sharply on a distant object and relys mainly on small aperature (F22+) depth of field to achieve sharpness? Intending to do only infinty focus work (no macro/table top) and being a stickler for sharpness, would I be better off getting a "regular" 270/300 lens, like the Nikon M or one of the Rodnestock/Scheider F5.6 lenses?

 

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THX in advance,

 

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Todd

[neil_poulsen1]

See WWW.WISNER.COM for numerous discussions of g-clarons, their light

weight and their use at infinity. He's a proponent of these lenses.

Check the Q&A board.

[michael_briggs2]

The G-Clarons have a good reputation for performing at infinity. Here

is my comparison of the 305 mm G-Claron with the 300 mm Nikkor-M:

 

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The similiarities: both are in Copal 1, both are f9, both do well at

infinity, both have plenty of coverage for 4x5 (the 305 mm G-Claron

has greater coverage and might be a better choice for 8x10).

 

The differences: the Nikkor-M is designed for infinity and

multicoated. The G-Claron is not. The Nikkor-M is cheaper (based

on prices on B&H web site).

 

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For distant subjects and 4x5, each comparison is either a tie or the

Nikkor-M is better. The biggest problem with Nikon large-format

lenses seems to be spotty availability.

 

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The f5.6 offerings have lots of coverage (might make a difference for

8x10), but weigh and cost a lot more. In this focal length for 4x5, I

don't find ground glass brightness to be a problem at f9.

[pete_andrews]

Something else to consider, aside from purely optical considerations.

 

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If you will be using this lens outdoors a lot, the extra "sail area"

of 300mm of bellows is considerable, and quite a light breeze will

shake even the sturdiest setup enough to ruin sharpness. A stronger

wind can even push the bellows into the light path.

 

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There are long lenses available for large format which are of

telephoto design, (Tele-Arton, Nikkor-T, etc.) which means that the

bellows extension is much shorter than their focal length, a real

advantage for outdoor work.

[sergio_ortega]

Todd, If you have not already done so, you may want to review Thalman's, Sparks' and Herman's comments in the equipment review section of this LF site. See the following sections: A selection of modern lenses, Specific lenses: long for 4x5, and More thoughts on selecting a long lens for 4x5. Good luck, Sergio.