150/180 for 4x5, and which at either?

[burke_griggs]

First let me thank this forum and its knowledgeable contributors for their assistance, which has far exceeded that of any salesman. I use a Canham DLC with Schneider 110XL and Nikkor M 300 F/9 lenses and am thrilled with everything. But last weekend I was in a situation that really demanded a normal focal length and am writing to solicit suggestions. First of all, 150mm or 180mm? Splitting the difference between the 110 and the 300 suggests the 180mm (perhaps a 200? doubtful). This lens reviews on this site rave about the Rodenstock Sironar-S at 150mm, but what about at 180mm? Schneider, ROdenstock, Nikkor, or Fuji? I backpack this stuff. Thanks very much.

[andrea_milano]

Burke.

if I were you I'd go for the 180, It can be used a lot more universally

than 150, 180s are Ideal for head and shoulder portrait and product

stills with a slight wide feel to them. Bear in mind that I have a 150

if choosing this last one why don't you go for a XL, this would make

the image circle considerably larger. Brans are a matter of taste and

availability on the market, major brands are all very good.

Good luck.

[trevor_crone]

Burke, One of the biggest mistakes I've made in photography is selling my Fujinon 180/AS. It was extremely sharp providing you kept it away from f90, compact(46mm filter thread) and light, it weighed 170g. This lens will easily cover 5x7.

Good luck,

[marv5]

I started out with a 135 and a 210, added a 90mm Super Angulon along

the way. I ended up about 40% 210, 30% 135 and 30% 90. All the while

I had a 150 on loan from a friend, which was just to close to the 135

to be of much use for my purposes. I stumbled across a 180 at a price

I liked and went ahead an picked it up. Now I use about 40% 180, 40%

90 and 10% 121 Super Angulon.

 

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I realize that is kind of a long story but I use it to illustrate how

sometimes equipment does make a difference, and you don't know how

much until you try. As to brands, I have Rodenstock and Schneider,

and access to a Fuji and frankly I can't tell the difference in Black

and White from one to the other. A quality modern lens is going to

perform well beyond the naked eyes ability to discern a difference.

 

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By the way I vote for 180.

[glenn_kroeger]

Burke: I use the 110, a 300 and a 180 and find it to be nearly an

ideal set. While I use a Fuji 180, any of the big 4 are fine. The

Rodenstock Apo Sironar-S is a spectacular lens, but larger and

heavier than some others.

[michael_briggs2]

I too recommend 180. Added to your 110 and 300, it makes a good set.

The 150 would be too close to the 110. Also, the difference in

coverage for 4x5 between a 150 mm plasmat-type lens and a 180 mm is

pretty significant.

[stewart_ethier1]

Here's a general rule of thumb. If you want a focal length exactly

between two existing ones, take the geometric mean, that is, the

square root of the product of the two existing focal lengths. In the

case in question, we get square root(110 x 300) = 181.66. Yes, the

180 would be perfect.

[charlie_strack]

Most 180's have a much bigger image circle than 150's, making them

much more versatile. I had a Rodenstock 180 and was very pleased with

it. I've never had a 150, and don't miss it.

 

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I currently have an Angulon (not Super Angulon) 90, a Fuji 120 and a

Fuji 210.

 

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I really like the 210, and most lanscape photographers consider this

a "normal" focal length, though it is slightly long. You might

consider this size as well.