Building a Hasselblad lens kit: Planning

BrianShaw · Dec 28, 2012

Common filter size. That is about the only real (practical) benefit of having all lenses of the same type. Althopugh I ahve read about some people getting "confused" when using some lenses with EV lock and others without... but my opinion on that is that practice and regular usage cures that kind of confusion.

kreeger · Dec 29, 2012

agphotography said:
That's why I was wondering if the 60mm would be a good all purpose lens for me and then use the 150mm when I need a bit tighter framing?

Otherwise the 50 definitely sounds like a fun lens, but I suppose it would make the most sense to buy a C version as my other two lenses are C type, unless I sold both and started over. But I should probably have my body and backs tuned up first

I have been using the 60/80/120 setup for years. Had a 50mm Distagon but it always seemed too wide for my taste. I like the 60mm perspective better so I sold the 50. The 120 S-Planar is amazingly sharp lens especially in the 6-25' range. It's likely the best lens I own.
If you come across a good deal on a 100mm Planar, I would recommend one. Use 60mm and 100mm and if you need longer, get a 150mm Sonnar.

agphotography · Dec 31, 2012

I keep wondering, how wide would I really need to go? I really like the thought of the 60mm as I understand it's really easy to handhold and not have to worry so much about perspective distortion as one would with the 50mm. Though I do quite enjoy a good wide angle as they're fun to use.

I guess the best thing to do would be to rent / borrow those two lenses if possible and see which one I like better.

bdial · Jan 1, 2013

FWIW, for the C lenses, the 60 doesn't use bayonet filters, so filter compatibility isn't an issue, I think this is true for the 50 C as well. There are series to bayonet adaptors that let you use the series filters for the wides on the bayonet lenses though.

Hasselblad Historical has a nice chart for comparing focal lengths between formats;
http://www.hasselbladhistorical.eu/HW/HWequifoc.aspx

Sirius Glass · Jan 2, 2013

I found that the 60mm was too close to the 80mm.

I have only CF lenses: 38mm [SWC], 50mm, 80mm, 150mm and 250mm and I am happy with that combination. I would also recommend 38mm [SWC], 50mm, 100mm, 150mm and 250mm.

Thus the reason for my name.

agphotography · Jan 2, 2013

I figured, based on your signature as well i was wondering if you'd chime in!

My thought was that if I got the 60mm I would sell the 80mm. I would likely buy the CF version of the 60 and 150mm and sell both my 80 and 150 C lenses.
I have heard good things about both the 60 and 100mm, with some even saying that they're the finest lenses in the lineup. I seem to see the most recommendations for the 50 / 80 / 150 trio though so that will likely be the route I take.

ChristopherCoy · Jan 2, 2013

I learned today how much I need a 150!!

I photographed my camera collection as part of my project, and even at the minimum focus distance of 3 feet, the 80mm was STILL too wide!

RalphLambrecht · Jan 3, 2013

why do you think cf lenses are easier to focus?

agphotography · Jan 3, 2013

I liked the ergonomics better (focusing ring) and the fact that they don't have the EV lock (not a huge fan of that, though I can work with it)

Rolfe Tessem · Jan 4, 2013

I guess there are as many replies to this thread as there are Hasselblad lens combinations .

Having said that, nobody has thus far mentioned my combo, which is 50mm, 80mm, 120mm, 180mm. As has been mentioned previously, the 120mm is a spectacular performer and is great for full length to 3/4 portraits. The 180 is great for head shots. I have never personally felt a need for the 250mm. But if portraiture is your thing, as it is for many who use the blad, the 120mm/180mm combination will obviously offer great options.

agphotography · Jan 4, 2013

Actually portraiture is not really my thing. At least not "traditional" portraiture. I tend to do more landscape / exploration / abstract type images. At least with my personal projects. I just shoot whatever I fancy at the time with whatever I have on hand. I'm not as picky as I used to be but I do have some favorites with focal lengths.

Building a Hasselblad lens kit: Planning

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