240mm makes 210mm redundant?

micek · Apr 6, 2006

I have just acquired my first 8x10 camera (Double extension Tachihara) and a 240mm g-claron lens. I have also ordered a 305mm g-claron, the idea being having both a "normal" lens and a moderate wide angle. I don't know if my experience with 4x5 lenses can be extrapolated to 8x10 and I am wondering whether a 210mm g-claron would be worth getting for architectural shots or whether it would be too close to the 240mm I already have. Can anyone who has had the experience of using both lenses kindly enlighten me on this?

Richard Kelham · Apr 6, 2006

I have not tried to use a 210mm G-Claron on a 10x8 but I would be very surprised if it covered the format, let alone allowed for use of movements.

If you are serious about doing architectural shots on 10x8 why not get a 165mm Super Angulon. One of those would definitely do the business!

JohnArs · Apr 6, 2006

Yes you need an 150 - 165mm lens not a 210 mm in my opinion it is to near at the 240mm!
Hope youre Tachi is a strong one because this lenses are about from 1 to 2 Kg!

Take care Armin Seeholzer

resummerfield · Apr 6, 2006

Richard Kelham said:
I have not tried to use a 210mm G-Claron on a 10x8 but I would be very surprised if it covered the format, let alone allowed for use of movements.

If you are serious about doing architectural shots on 10x8 why not get a 165mm Super Angulon. One of those would definitely do the business!

The 210 G-Claron will cover 8x10, but no movements. I would avoid it. But I would look at a 165 SA, or the 150 Nikon or 155 Grandagon.

Nick Zentena · Apr 6, 2006

I wouldn't add a 210mm G-Claron to a 240 Claron. OTOH I did add a Fuji 210mm. Why? The fuji is faster. It also has more coverage then the 210mm Claron. The 210mm and the 240mm Claron are just too similar.

Ole · Apr 6, 2006

Don't take my advise on this. I use 121, 165, 180, 210, 240, 270, 300, 355, 420, 500 and 640mm lenses...

Steve Hamley · Apr 6, 2006

The 159mm WA Wollensak and 6-1/2" (165mm) WA Dagor are both small enough to carry in your shirt pocket. The Dagor will cover 10x12 at f:45, so you'll have some movement on 8x10 at least. There also Protars in this range that will cover with some movement.

The 150mm Scheider Super Symmar XL is a larger (95mm filters), has much more movement, but isn't a heavy lens by 8x10 wide angle standards. It could easily be used on most 4x5 field cameras if there was a reason to.

Scott Rosenberg has or had a 150mm SS XL for sale for about $1500 I think, which is a good deal considering what Dagors have been going for lately.

Steve

John Kasaian · Apr 6, 2006

Wides on 8x10 are more subjective to your subject I think. When theres not a lot of room to back up, a slightly wider lens like the 210mm would come in handy. If you often shoot in situations where this happens (like with your back to a cliff, or on sidewalks or interiors of small rooms) a slightly wider lens is a good thing. If not, then it would be redundant.

OTOH the 240mm and 3005m are awfully close together. IMHO you'd get more variety adding a 355 G Claron, or if you've got budget concerns, go with a 270 G Claron and forego both the 240 and 305.

With your subject, architecture, a 210 G Claron would work nicely, but since you already have a 240, you might look into something like a 165mm f/8 Super Angulon or similar Grandagon if your lensboards will accomodate one. If you're shooting B&W and contact printing a 159 Wolly will work fine, but you'll get more wiggle room with a 165 Super Angulon (if that is a feature you require)

Welcome to 8x10!

micek · Apr 6, 2006

Thank you all for your replies, they have been very helpful.

Jeremy · Apr 6, 2006

Don't forget the 6.5" (165mm) WA Dagor. They have a bunch of movement room (or at least mine does) and are a very nice complement to a 240mm (or the 250mm I use).

My kit goes 165mm, 250mm, 355mm, 480mm.

rbarker · Apr 6, 2006

I also have the double-extension Tachi 8x10, and use the 240mm G-Claron as my "slightly-wide" and a 150mm Super Symmar as my wide. Although the coverage of the 150mm SS XL is great, I find the somewhat-stiff bellows of the Tachi limiting for architectural shots if considerable rise is needed for the composition. That's the point I wish th Tachi had interchangeable bellows and a bag bellows option.

I'd agree that a 210mm lens would be too close, and probably unsuitable for your intended use due to limited coverage. The monster 165mm Super Angulon might be even more limited than the 150 SS XL on the Tachi due to the large rear element of the SA.

colrehogan · Apr 6, 2006

Ole said:
Don't take my advise on this. I use 121, 165, 180, 210, 240, 270, 300, 355, 420, 500 and 640mm lenses...

I also have a 210 & 240 G-Clarons which I use on my 8x10. The 240 does in general get used more often, but the 210 is a good lens too.

John Kasaian · Apr 7, 2006

G Clarons circle of coverage gets bigger as you stop down, so you can get some rise out of a 210, so it might be as wide as you'll ever need to go for architecture---then again maybe not depending on what you shoot. The 240 G Claron OTOH is a superb lens for medium wide situations. Its so small and light theres no excuse to leave it at home.

240mm makes 210mm redundant?

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