Which 65-72 mm lens for 5x4?

[Tom Stanworth]

I am considering three lenses for 5x4 landscapes which are available to me 2nd hand at the moment:

Schneider 72XL
Schneider SA 65 5.6
Rodenstock Grandagon 65 4.5

I am aware of the huge coverage (and size) of the 72XL and would like to hear from anyone who can compare these lenses from actual experience. Essentially I am looking for the very best optical performance. Is there an optical pecking order, visible on the print?

I am leaning towards the 72XL for the coverage tho it is more than I need, but am concerned that the size is a bit bit for backpacking, or the 65 Grandagon for its small size and fast aperture.

The Schneider 65 is the cheapest however...

I'm sure I would be happy either way, but any help would be appreciated.

Tom S

 

[Loose Gravel]

I have only the 72xl. It is a wonderful lens. I use it on 57 mostly, where it is extremely wide. Altho the front element is large, the lens is not especially heavy. For filters, I use 4 inch gels in cardboard frames with a little slide on adapter that I made from foam core. I have a 58 SA that I use on 45, and it too is very sharp and wide.

 

[glbeas]

I have a schnieder 65 and I'm quite pleased with it for backpacking and it's pretty darn sharp. I just had to learn to move everything to the front of the camera bed so the front of the bed didn't show in the picture.

 

[removed account4]

hi
i have been using a 65 SA for about a month shooting architectural subjects ( inside and out ) as well as archaeological sort of stuff ( remnants ) i wasn't sure how i was going to like it, but now, it has replaced the 90mm SA
great lens, don't know how i lived without it for so long ...