SUPERB 300mm for any 4x5 to 8x10 camera
Written: Mar 13 '07
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Product Rating:
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Pros: superb performance on any format from 4x5 to 11x14. An ideal 8x10 lens
Cons: huge copal #3 shutter, 2 pound weight
The Bottom Line: If you can get your hands on one, and your camera can mount and use a large lens like this, then you really can't go wrong. HIGHLY recommended.
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| uniq's Full Review: Rodenstock 300mm f/5.6 Apo-Sironar-N Lens with Cop... |
Its almost redundant reviewing large format lenses since the breed is almost universally exceptional in performance. I felt I would take the time to review this particular lens because it goes beyond the call of duty by offering extraordinary coverage with stunning sharpness.
The Rodenstock 300mm F/5.6 APO-Sironar-N lens has the following specs:
Optical Construction------ 6 elements in 4 groups
Aperture Range------------ f/5.6-f/64
Covering Power ----------- 72°
Image Circle @ Infinity 425mm diameter @ f/22
Shutter------------------- Copal #3
Shutter Speed------------- 1-1/125 sec., T, B
Flange Attachment Size---- 62mm dia. x 0.75mm - standard Copal #3 size
Slip-on Cap Sizes--------- 90mm front, 80mm rear
Filter Size--------------- 86mm
Flange Focal Distance----- 282mm
Overall Length------------ 94mm (3.7")
Weight 1kg---------------- (2.2lbs)
Maximum Format Size------- 8x10"
The lens comes with front and rear caps. Retail prices vary wildly and range anywhere from $400 for a well used example all the way to $3000+ in some parts of the world for a NIB example. The lens is no longer currently made but is still widely available.
There are a couple of things you should notice right away. This lens is a MONSTER in physical size. It weighs over 2 pounds, uses 86mm filters and mounts on a Copal #3 shutter. As a result of its size it is important to be certain that your view camera will can mount such a lens. 4x5 field cameras are unlikely to be able to use this beast without modification, although 4x5 studio cameras should have few problems. The most impressive spec of this lens is its coverage area. Not only will the lens cover 8x10 but also I used it on an antique 11x14 and I only saw the slightest edge loss with subtle movements. Suffice it to say that this lens can cover anything your 8x10 can dish out.
The field of view of this lens is dependant upon the format of your camera. On a 4x5 this lens has the same field of view as a 100mm on a 35mm camera. On an 8x10 this lens is closer to 50mm in 35mm terms. For those in the digital age it has the same field of view on an 8x10 camera as an APS sensor digital camera gets from a 33mm lens.
Construction is superb and is typical of all current large format lenses. Solid metal construction and metal adjustment dials for the shutter. The front and rear element remove from the shutter in the normal way. It's built like a tank and will last longer than YOU will. The real question is how well built is the front standard on your camera because a 2 pound lens mounted on the front will certainly stress any poorly built camera.
Performance is typical of al current large format lenses. In other words it does all the things that 35mm and digital folks drool over and it does it without fuss. There is NO distortion, there is NO light falloff even on 8x10 cameras with substantial movements, there is NO ghosting or lens flare, there is NO color aberration....sharpness is razor sharp and is limited by the grain of the film. Bokeh is simply on a different level than that seen in 35mm and most medium format photography. If you aren't getting the results you want with this lens then I GUARANTEE that the lens is not to blame.
I personally use a 4x5 Sinar P and I inherited this lens from a friend who got out of the business. I use it as a portrait lens and it rarely leaves the studio because of its size. This lens actually weighs more than my 4x5 field camera! and is too large to mount on it. I am floored by the results, but then again this is what I expect from large format photography. I'm an avid digital shooter but every time I look at one of my 4x5 chromes I remember how good photography can be. I still prefer digital for its ease of use and great results considering its price and size but WOW! what you can do with a nice large format camera and a sweet lens like the Rodenstock f/5.6 APO-Sironar N! I give it my highest recommendation.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
uniq
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Member: Bob K
Location: Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio, USA
Reviews written: 109
Trusted by: 12 members
About Me:
An unchallenged opinion is worthlessly held..... (someone important)
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