8x10 lens comparison question

[Paddy]

Aside from the slight difference in focal lengths, will an image appear that different with a 210mm Symmar-s, compared to say a 240mm G-Claron? Beleive me I'd simply check this myself, if I had the G-Claron available. (a newer purchase, it's away for servicing) I'm not referring to contrast differences due to S/C vs M/C. Maybe more issues of sharpness/resolution.

I ask because I'm fairly used to using the 210mm, and if the 240 g-claron can stand in, then I'll look at letting go of the 210mm because I hate having unused glass gathering dust.

Also, since I'm moving into 8x10, it would seem that the g-claron might be better suited to handle double duty between 4x5/8x10

 

[df cardwell]

They are essentially the same lens.

.

 

[Donald Miller]

My 210 Symmar S will not cover 8X10 at infinity. A 210 (8 1/4 inch) Dagor that I have will cover 8X10...different lens design.

 

[Paddy]

My 210 Symmar S will not cover 8X10 at infinity.

Sorry,...the devil's in the details. Donald, my last sentence was misleading; I do realize that the Symmar-S isn't meant for 8x10 use. Overall, my question had more to do with concerns regarding lens design issues/differences. And now that I've been mulling this over, I think that the Symmar & G-Claron are both Plasmats aren't they? Doh. I'll quietly shuffle off to a corner now,....

 

[John Kasaian]

The 240 G Claron is a heck of a lens. It is one of my most used 8x10 lenses. If you're used to a 210 on your 4x5 I think you'll find the 240 a very workable substitute if your 4x5 has the bellows to handle it.

 

[Paddy]

Thanks John, that's good to hear.

 

[jimgalli]

Actually, if you're planning on keeping the 4X5 as well, the 240 G-Claron is smaller and lighter than your Symmar. A nice plus at the cost of 1 1/3 stop. Hey, nothings free. 240 G-Claron's filter size is 52mm as opposed to Symmar's 77, also a plus. Image wise, it would be a very similar view. If the 210 was packed in and barely fitting, you might not get it all with the 240.

 

[Paddy]

If the 210 was packed in and barely fitting, you might not get it all with the 240.

Jim, could you explain what you mean by this? (Sorry, I just crawled out of bed, and the old grey matter ain't up to speed yet)

Are you referring to the coverage of each lens at close focus?

 

[jimgalli]

Jim, could you explain what you mean by this? (Sorry, I just crawled out of bed, and the old grey matter ain't up to speed yet)

Are you referring to the coverage of each lens at close focus?

Angle on the 240 used on a 4X5 is slightly narrower than what the 210's would be. The difference in magnification is slight but noticeable. A view that would "just fit" with the 210 might not quite fit in the frame with the 240.