The 8×10 Lenses I Suggest the Most

The larger your movie measurement, the more durable it’s to search out lenses that work effectively. For 8×10, the most important frequent movie format, that rings very true. So, what must you search for in an 8×10 lens? There are a number of elements, from protection to lens sharpness. At this time, I’ll undergo these elements and introduce a few of the greatest 8×10 lenses accessible right this moment.

As a panorama photographer, I wish to make it clear that I’m not the man to debate bokeh, rendering, and different traits that portrait photographers or soft-focus shooters could also be after. My familiarity is principally with newer 8×10 lenses optimized for a “trendy” look, significantly these with multicoating, intensive room for actions, and good sharpness and distinction traits. I do point out some older lenses all through this text, however for extra and higher info, you need to search the wealth of information on largeformatphotography.data to see in case your query has been answered earlier than.

Earlier than moving into my 8×10 lens suggestions, I’d like to say just a few necessary factors for consideration. I encourage you to learn the following pointers first with the intention to higher perceive the lens selections forward of you.

Equal Focal Lengths for 8×10 Photographers

In case you’re used to taking pictures with smaller movie or digital cameras, the focal lengths for 8×10 movie could sound misplaced. As an illustration, 150mm is a large lens moderately than a protracted lens, and one thing like 600mm is simply reasonably lengthy.

Photographers who already shoot with 4×5 movie will discover it very straightforward to calculate equivalence – simply double your current focal lengths to get the 8×10 model. For instance, a well-liked 4×5 focal size of 150mm is solely equal to a 300mm lens on 8×10.

8×10 movie has a diagonal of roughly 312mm. This may be barely bigger or smaller relying in your movie holder, however not sufficient to alter the mathematics by a lot. By comparability, an ordinary body of 35mm movie (or a full-frame digital digicam sensor) has a diagonal of roughly 43.0mm. Because of this the equivalence issue between the 2 programs is technically 7.26x.

I took the photograph beneath with a 210mm lens at f/64. Divided by the equivalence issue, this may be like utilizing a 29mm lens on full-frame digital at an aperture of about f/9.

Nevertheless, as a result of 8×10 is extra of a squarish side ratio, I discover that every thing feels a hair wider than on 35mm movie, at the very least whenever you shoot horizontally. You don’t seize as a lot of the world from left to proper, however from prime to backside, you seize extra. (You can too make a lens really feel wider within the foreground by utilizing rear base tilt as one in all your actions – although conversely, when you give attention to one thing close by, your focal size will increase.)

At the very least at infinity focus, I imagine that 8×10 lenses really feel a bit wider than they “ought to.” I contemplate something from 7.25x to 7.5x to be a good equivalence calculation between 8×10 and full-frame digital digicam sensors, leaning towards 7.5x whenever you’re selecting a focal size. Right here’s a chart with the values assuming 7.5x equivalence:

8×10 Focal Size	Full Body Equal
110mm	15mm
120mm	16mm
150mm	20mm
165mm	22mm
180mm	24mm
190mm	25mm
200mm	27mm
210mm	28mm
240mm	32mm
250mm	33mm
270mm	36mm
300mm	40mm
360mm	48mm
450mm	60mm
480mm	64mm
600mm	80mm
720mm	96mm
800mm	107mm
1200mm	160mm

These are the most typical focal lengths you’ll discover for 8×10 lenses. Within the excessive broad and telephoto instances, “commonest” could imply that just one or two lenses exist within the first place. However that’s nonetheless loads higher than nothing.

Most Aperture Values

Photographers who’re new to massive format could also be stunned to be taught that quick aperture lenses don’t at all times command a premium value in the identical method that they sometimes do with smaller codecs. As a substitute, photographers typically prioritize lighter 8×10 lenses given how big and heavy a brilliant 8×10 lens can get. To not point out that many massive format photographers by no means shoot at bigger apertures within the first place.

In any case, the equivalence calculation above additionally applies to aperture – divide the f-number by 7.26 to get the full-frame equal. Whenever you do, you’ll see that an 8×10 lens with an f/9 most aperture can lead to the identical depth of area as an f/1.2 lens on full-frame digital (9 divided by the crop issue of seven.26). And a lens with an f/5.6 most aperture is akin to an f/0.77 the place depth of area is anxious. Even portrait photographers don’t want such a shallow depth of area more often than not.

That stated, massive most apertures are nonetheless useful for focusing extra exactly and for seeing your floor glass higher, particularly in low mild. If all else is equal, that’s the principle factor you’re giving up when you go together with an f/9 lens moderately than an f/5.6 lens. Particularly with wider focal lengths, the place the bottom glass may be more durable to see, it’s possible you’ll discover that it’s simpler to compose when you go for the brightest accessible lens.

Lens Availability and Pricing

Sadly, massive format lenses are now not made new. A few of the final batches of Schneider and Rodenstock lenses are nonetheless bought “new” at a few web sites, however even these lenses have been manufactured a number of years in the past, and the brand new inventory simply hasn’t run out but. (No shock given the small vary of lenses and really excessive costs that this is applicable to.)

I’m positive you’re already comfy shopping for used when you acquired into this enviornment within the first place. However my level right this moment is extra delicate. One of the best massive format lenses have gotten more and more laborious to search out – there’ll by no means be extra of them, and the extra that folks love a lens, the much less doubtless they’re to promote it. It’s already an issue with 4×5 lenses, and eight×10 solely compounds the issue as a result of there have been fewer 8×10-optimized lenses made within the first place.

The bottom line is persistence. A few of the lenses I’m recommending on this article are laborious to search out, however they aren’t ghosts. It might be a matter of months or years, however each lens listed right here will seem in some unspecified time in the future. I’ve seen each lens on this article on the market at the very least twice in the previous couple of years. With persistence, you’ll get the lens that you simply’re after.

Talking of costs, what you’ll pay for a big format lens can differ enormously. The worst costs are often discovered on eBay’s “purchase it now” part. One of the best are are usually on the massive format pictures classifieds discussion board (solely accessible when you’ve had an account for a month). Generally, the variations shall be drastic. Except you’re desperate to get the lens as quickly as potential – or if it’s a uncommon lens that you could be not see once more for some time – it’s greatest to be affected person. Additionally, costs for big format lenses don’t at all times instantly mirror high quality; typically, they merely mirror provide. Lots of the following lenses are underpriced or overpriced relative to their capabilities.

Picture Circle and Digital camera Actions

One of many nice advantages of taking pictures 8×10 is the power to make use of digicam actions to realize extra flexibility over your composition and depth of area. I favor lenses with a 400mm picture circle or bigger, which covers the 8×10 format (312mm diagonal) with loads of room to spare in any course.

Nevertheless, particularly within the wider angles, it may be troublesome to search out lenses with this a lot capability for actions. There, you will want to make compromises in issues like value, weight, or most aperture if you need a bigger picture circle. Or, alternatively, you may stay with a picture circle of 350mm or much less and simply know that you simply don’t have a lot capability for actions.

The picture circle values proven all through this text are primarily based upon infinity focus. As you focus nearer, your picture circle will increase. Some lenses which can be marginal for panorama pictures may match effectively for one thing like portraiture, even when you want important actions.

Observe that many lenses can illuminate a bigger space than the official picture circle. Nevertheless, the optical efficiency outdoors the official picture circle can differ. Upon stopping down, it could be a lot sharp. Wherever potential, I’ve added related notes for lenses whose circle of illumination is bigger than the acknowledged picture circle.

What You Have to Know About Filters

I contemplate filters to be important equipment for big format movie. I additionally contemplate it helpful to shoot with a filter holding system moderately than customary screw-in filters, because it permits for graduated impartial density filters for use, and the identical filters may be swapped throughout lenses extra simply.

Customary filter holding programs (i.e. people who accommodate 100x100mm sq. filters or 100x150mm rectangular filters) solely work when your lens has a filter thread measurement of 95mm or smaller. Each Lee and NiSi make such filter holding programs, though the Lee method makes use of an unconventional (and hard-to-find/discontinued) push-on filter holder in case your lens particularly has a 95mm thread. Loads of different firms additionally make filter holding programs, however to my data, Lee and NiSi are the one two that max out at 95mm moderately than one thing smaller like 86mm.

Some actually good 8×10 lenses have filter thread sizes of 100mm or 105mm. In principle, you might be able to use customary filter holding programs with these lenses by utilizing a step-down ring. For instance, a 105mm to 95mm step-down ring together with NiSi’s 95mm adapter ring ought to permit using NiSi’s filter holding system. Nevertheless, I haven’t tried this, so I can’t assure that there aren’t any bizarre points with it. Even in the very best case, it would more than likely scale back the picture circle of the lens.

Different choices for filtering lenses with a 100mm+ thread diameter are very restricted. The simplest answer is mostly to purchase devoted screw-in filters for that measurement – for instance, there are many 105mm polarizers and coloration filters – however this comes with added bulk and expense. If 105mm filters are nonetheless too small, two different customary screw-in filter sizes are 112mm and 127mm. You should utilize these filters with most lenses given the fitting step-up ring. Only a few 8×10 lenses will want something bigger than 127mm filters.

That stated, it’s greatest to stay with lenses which have a 95mm filter thread diameter or smaller, if in any respect potential. This may assist standardize your filter set and let you use conventional 100x100mm filter holders, protecting the scale and complexity of your filter system to a minimal.

Take into account that your lens is simply as sharp (and flare-resistant) as your filter. Don’t put low-cost, low-quality filters in your massive format lenses. I additionally suggest towards utilizing filters on the rear threads of your lens. Filters hooked up to the rear will make focusing harder and infrequently hurt your picture high quality, particularly if there are any scratches or mud specks on the filter.

Finest 110-120mm Lenses

Schneider Tremendous-Symmar XL 110mm f/5.6
Picture Circle Said by Producer	288mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 1
Filter Thread Measurement	67mm filters
Weight	425 g (0.94 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$1000-1400 on eBay
Extra Notes	Optically wonderful. Extra standard as a 5×7 lens however barely covers 8×10 (true circle of illumination at slim apertures is about 315mm). Higher to make use of by cropping barely and pondering of it as a 120mm lens.
Schneider Tremendous Angulon MC 120mm f/8
Picture Circle Said by Producer	288mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 0
Filter Thread Measurement	82mm filters
Weight	700 g (1.54 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay Affiliate)	$250-400 on eBay
Extra Notes	Optically wonderful. Additionally extra standard as a 5×7 lens (true circle of illumination at slim apertures is about 315mm). Crop a bit and consider it as a 135mm.
Nikkor SW 120mm f/8
Picture Circle Said by Producer	312mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 0
Filter Thread Measurement	77mm filters
Weight	610 g (1.34 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$500-600 on eBay
Extra Notes	Optically wonderful. Covers 8×10 by a hair (true circle of illumination at slim apertures is about 320mm). An incredible possibility when you want an ultra-wide lens for 8×10 with none cropping, or to simulate a 135mm or 150mm lens with modest crops.

These are the one three trendy lenses that cowl 8×10 at a perspective wider than 150mm. They don’t have any room for actions (aside from rear base tilt). Additionally, at such broad angles, nook falloff is a matter that can darken the perimeters of your picture considerably. Particularly when you plan to shoot with slide movie, it’s possible you’ll wish to get a middle filter with any of those lenses. This could add additional expense and may make it troublesome to remain beneath the magic 95mm filter thread measurement. (To be particular, frequent 82mm heart filters have an outer filter thread diameter of 105mm.)

Of the three lenses right here, I might primarily contemplate both the Schneider 110mm f/5.6 SSXL or the Nikon 120mm SW f/8. The good thing about the Schneider 110mm f/5.6 is that the 67mm filter thread measurement makes it potential to make use of smaller heart filters such because the Schneider IIIb, which itself has an 86mm diameter filter thread. (You’ll positively wish to use a middle filter with this lens; the falloff is excessive in any other case.) The draw back is that the Schneider 110mm f/5.6 XL doesn’t actually cowl 8×10 at infinity focus and is extra of a 5×7 lens. Nevertheless, since 8×10 movie has a lot decision, cropping a 110mm picture is suitable and won’t value you a lot picture high quality.

The good thing about the Nikon 120mm SW f/8 is that it doesn’t have to be cropped with the intention to barely cowl 8×10. It’s additionally cheaper. The draw back is that, when you determine you need a heart filter, there are not any available 77mm heart filters for this lens. You would want to make use of a step-up ring with an 82mm or 86mm heart filter that was meant for a distinct lens. This may more than likely stop using customary 100x100mm filter holding programs. The Nikkor SW 120mm f/8 has much less vignetting than the Schneider 110mm f/5.6 XL, however it’s nonetheless fairly excessive. The theoretical falloff on this lens is a minimal of two.14 stops and shall be extra in follow.

Finest 150-190mm lenses

Schneider Tremendous-Symmar XL 150mm f/5.6
Picture Circle Said by Producer	386mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 1
Filter Thread Measurement	95mm filters
Weight	740 g (1.63 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$2500-3500 on eBay
Extra Notes	Modestly uncommon. Optically wonderful. True circle of illumination at slim apertures is about 450mm. Advantages considerably from heart filter.
Nikkor SW 150mm f/8
Picture Circle Said by Producer	400mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 1
Filter Thread Measurement	95mm filters
Weight	1050 g (2.31 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	None not too long ago bought, however many accessible. Costs are about $2600-2800.
Extra Notes	Optically wonderful. True circle of illumination at slim apertures is about 450mm. Much less want for a middle filter. Some glass screw-in filters will bump the entrance component of this lens whenever you connect them (although this doesn’t apply to any heart filters that I’m conscious of).
Rodenstock Grandagon-N 155mm f/6.8
Picture Circle Said by Producer	382mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 1
Filter Thread Measurement	105mm filters
Weight	1460 g (3.22 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	None not too long ago bought. Costs are about $2800-3500.
Extra Notes	Modestly uncommon. Optically wonderful. True circle of illumination at slim apertures is about 450mm. Much less want for a middle filter.
Schneider Tremendous Angulon MC 165mm f/8
Picture Circle Said by Producer	395mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 3
Filter Thread Measurement	110mm filters
Weight	1605 g (3.54 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$1300-1500 on eBay
Extra Notes	Modestly uncommon. Optically wonderful. True circle of illumination at slim apertures is about 450mm. Much less want for a middle filter. Be certain that to get the newer multicoated model within the black barrel and shutter.
Computar 165mm f/9
Picture Circle Said by Producer	Not relevant
Shutter Kind	Copal 1
Filter Thread Measurement	No filter threads; use customized adapter (see word in “Computar 210mm f/9” entry)
Weight	250 g (0.55 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	None not too long ago bought. Complete value is about $2000 (rear component and entrance component eBay hyperlinks).
Extra Notes	Optically acceptable. This can be a Frankenlens – a mix of the Computar 150mm f/9 rear component (uncommon) and Computar 210mm f/9 entrance component (uncommon). The circle of illumination is about 350mm. I’ve gotten sharp outcomes from mine, however the periphery is a little bit weaker. Advantages from a middle filter. Single coated.
Fujinon W 180mm f/5.6 (inside lettering)
Picture Circle Said by Producer	305mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 1
Filter Thread Measurement	58mm filters
Weight	391 g (0.86 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$120-200 on eBay
Extra Notes	Optically acceptable. Solely the sooner model with lettering written contained in the barrel illuminates 8×10. Circle of illumination about 315mm. Nice on smaller codecs, however nook efficiency on 8×10 is marginal except stopped down considerably. In line with one in all our readers, this model within the Copal 1 shutter has a little bit extra picture circle than the same “WS” model within the Seiko shutter. Single coated.

Though there are some good lenses above, all of them have some compromises. There aren’t any apparent decisions right here – you’ll sacrifice one thing a method or one other.

Probably the most cheap decisions are the Schneider 150mm f/5.6 XL and the Nikkor SW 150mm f/8. Each are optically wonderful, they usually’re the lightest ultra-wide lenses for 8×10 which have important room for actions (although nonetheless on the heavy facet). I’ve the Schneider 150mm f/5.6 XL and have even taken a photograph with it on an 11×14 digicam the place the corners are illuminated! This factor gained’t run out of actions.

Of the 2, the Schneider is lighter and brighter, however it has extra falloff. The minimal theoretical falloff on this lens is 2.12 stops (and shall be a little bit greater in follow). A middle filter is beneficial, particularly if taking pictures slide movie. Sadly, the surface diameter of the middle filter shall be too massive to accommodate customary 100x100mm filter holding programs.

The choice is to get the Nikkor SW 150mm f/8. It additionally has important falloff, however rather less as a result of “tilted pupil” development of the lens – in principle, a minimal falloff of about 1.59 stops. That is an enchancment of about half a cease in comparison with the Schneider. At that time, you might be able to settle for the vignetting even with slide movie. Nevertheless, on each lenses, any important actions will improve the falloff noticeably. So, possibly you’re again at utilizing a middle filter anyway.

I didn’t checklist them above, however I really feel like I must also point out just a few noteworthy older lenses that cowl 8×10. The Kodak Huge-Area Ektar 190mm f/6.3 doesn’t have room for actions and have to be stopped down loads to get respectable corners, however it’s not too costly (although unusual to search out). Loads of Dagors cowl with small room for actions, just like the 6 1/2” f/8 Dagor, often at $1000+ costs. There’s additionally a Wollensak Sequence III 8×10 159mm f/9.5, which is a fairly standard finances possibility at about $400. You’re unlikely to search out it in a contemporary shutter, however it’s low-cost and has acceptable picture high quality when stopped down, so it’s in all probability my best choice among the many older glass. There are others that pop up once in a while on eBay, however these are the most typical ones you’ll see.

Finest 200-210mm lenses

Rodenstock Grandagon-N 200mm f/6.8
Picture Circle Said by Producer	495mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 3
Filter Thread Measurement	135mm filters
Weight	2600 g (5.73 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	None not too long ago bought. Costs are about $9000-10,000.
Extra Notes	Uncommon. Optically wonderful. Heavier than what some 8×10 cameras can deal with comfortably. True circle of illumination at slim apertures is about 570mm. The simplest option to filter this lens is to make use of the Linhof XXL filter holder with greater 150x150mm sq. filters.
Schneider Tremendous-Symmar XL 210mm f/5.6
Picture Circle Said by Producer	500mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 3
Filter Thread Measurement	135mm filters
Weight	2010 g (4.43 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$5000-6000 on eBay
Extra Notes	Uncommon. Optically wonderful. True circle of illumination at slim apertures is about 590mm. The simplest option to filter this lens is to make use of the Linhof XXL filter holder with greater 150x150mm sq. filters.
Rodenstock APO Sironar-W 210mm f/5.6
Picture Circle Said by Producer	352mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 3
Filter Thread Measurement	100mm filters
Weight	950 g (2.09 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	None not too long ago bought. Costs are about $2000-2500.
Extra Notes	Modestly uncommon. Optically wonderful. Additionally goes by the identify Sinar Sinaron-WS 210mm f/5.6.
Schneider HM 210mm f/5.6
Picture Circle Said by Producer	356mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 3
Filter Thread Measurement	100mm filters
Weight	1510 g (3.33 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	None not too long ago bought. Costs are about $2000-2500.
Extra Notes	Modestly uncommon. Optically wonderful. Similar positives and negatives because the Rodenstock 210mm APO Sironar-W, however even bigger and heavier.
Computar 210mm f/9
Picture Circle Said by Producer	192mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 1
Filter Thread Measurement	No filter threads; use customized adapter (see further notes)
Weight	260 g (0.57 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	None not too long ago bought. Costs are about $1000.
Extra Notes	Uncommon. Optically good. True circle of illumination (and sharpness) at slim apertures is much bigger than the specs recommend – about 450mm. Generally used even on 11×14″ movie. To not be confused with equally named lenses. Single coated. Symmetrical optical design optimized for shut focus. Doesn’t have customary filter threads. Nevertheless, a customized filter thread may be created simply. Superglue a 52mm/46mm step-down ring to a 55mm/67mm step-up ring. This contraption will screw instantly onto the outer barrel of the Computar 210mm f/9, giving it a 67mm filter thread with no vignetting.
Schneider G-Claron 210mm f/9
Picture Circle Said by Producer	260mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 1
Filter Thread Measurement	49mm filters
Weight	285 g (0.63 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$400-600 on eBay
Extra Notes	Optically good. True circle of illumination at slim apertures is about 352mm. Older variations of this lens could also be Dagor-type with much more protection. Single coated. Symmetrical optical design optimized for shut focus.
Fujinon W 210mm f/5.6 (inside lettering)
Picture Circle Said by Producer	352mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 1
Filter Thread Measurement	58mm filters
Weight	460 g (1.01 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$200-300 on eBay
Extra Notes	Optically good. Solely the sooner model with inside lettering on the barrel illuminates 8×10. The Copal 1 shutter is nicer and a little bit lighter than the Seiko shutter (the “WS” model beneath). My side-by-side checks point out that the 2 variations have an identical protection and focal lengths. Nevertheless, the lens parts usually are not interchangeable between them. Single coated.
Fujinon WS 210mm f/5.6 (inside lettering)
Picture Circle Said by Producer	352mm
Shutter Kind	Seiko
Filter Thread Measurement	58mm filters
Weight	510 g (1.12 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$100-200 on eBay
Extra Notes	See description for Fujinon W model above – every thing additionally applies right here.

The choices open up a bit when you attain 210mm. Even when you’re usually a fan of ultra-wides, I’d encourage you to think about using a 210mm as your widest lens on 8×10 as an alternative.

For many photographers, I imagine that the plain lens to get is the Fujinon W 210mm f/5.6 with inside lettering. It’s a brilliant lens with respectable protection for 8×10 – the official ranking of 352mm is correct. Even higher, it’s available for $200-300, which is a superb worth for what you get. The “WS” model in a Seiko shutter is even cheaper, however I don’t just like the Seiko shutter as a lot. Don’t get the multicoated model of this lens (with lettering on the surface of the barrel) for 8×10; it doesn’t depart any room for actions.

In order for you multicoating and even higher optical efficiency, the Rodenstock 210mm f/5.6 APO Sironar-W is known for a purpose – as is the competing Schneider HM 210mm f/5.6. Nevertheless, these lenses are a lot bigger and have the identical picture circle because the Fujinon. On prime of that, their filter threads are too massive for conventional holders. As a lot as I want to suggest these lenses, they actually solely work when you choose a superb filter answer for them.

Photographers who want a ton of actions at 210mm are restricted to 3 choices. None of those seem in the marketplace fairly often. The Rodenstock Grandagon-N 200mm f/6.8 and Schneider SSXL 210mm f/5.6 are big, unwieldy, uncommon, and really costly, however they provide wonderful picture high quality and actions. (Of the 2, the Schneider is lighter, brighter, and extra available, although nonetheless a beast of a lens.)

In the meantime, the Computar 210mm f/9 is a featherweight lens with a giant picture circle, however it’s troublesome to search out. Its symmetrical development is optimized for shut focus and copy work, however when you cease down sufficiently, it’s sharp at infinity. If Computar had made extra of those lenses, I believe they might be the preferred 210mm possibility for 8×10 pictures right this moment.

Finest 240-270mm lenses

Docter Germinar-W 240mm f/9
Picture Circle Said by Producer	336mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 1
Filter Thread Measurement	49mm filters
Weight	229 g (0.50 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	None not too long ago bought. Costs are about $1000-2000
Extra Notes	Uncommon. Optically wonderful. Circle of illumination upon stopping down is about 400mm. Numerous similarly-named lenses gained’t cowl 8×10 – be sure you get the fitting one. Symmetrical design however nonetheless wonderful at infinity.
Rodenstock APO Sironar-S 240mm f/5.6
Picture Circle Said by Producer	372mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 3
Filter Thread Measurement	86mm
Weight	980 g (2.16 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$1700-2300 on eBay
Extra Notes	Modestly uncommon. Optically wonderful. Additionally goes by the identify Sinar Sinaron-SE 240mm f/5.6.
Fujinon A 240mm f/9
Picture Circle Said by Producer	336mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 0
Filter Thread Measurement	52mm filters
Weight	225 g (0.50 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$500-800 on eBay
Extra Notes	Optically wonderful. Get the model with lettering on the surface of the barrel for multicoating. Symmetrical design however nonetheless wonderful at infinity. One of many solely Copal 0 lenses that covers 8×10.
Schneider APO-Symmar 240mm f/5.6
Picture Circle Said by Producer	352mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 3
Filter Thread Measurement	77mm filters
Weight	820 g (1.81 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$500-600 on eBay
Extra Notes	Optically wonderful. Bought as a competitor to the Rodenstock APO Sironar-S.
Rodenstock APO Sironar-N 240mm f/5.6
Picture Circle Said by Producer	350mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 3
Filter Thread Measurement	77mm filters
Weight	780 g (1.72 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$300-500 on eBay
Extra Notes	Modestly uncommon. Optically good. A cheaper model of the APO Sironar-S with a hair extra chromatic aberration and barely decrease peripheral sharpness. Additionally goes by the identify Sinar Sinaron-S 240mm f/5.6. The older, non-APO-labeled model will promote for much less (typically labeled Caltar II-N) and is comparable optically. Oldest, single-coated model sells for a lot much less.
Schneider G-Claron 240mm f/9
Picture Circle Said by Producer	298mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 1
Filter Thread Measurement	52mm filters
Weight	330 g (0.73 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$300-400 on eBay
Extra Notes	Optically good. True circle of illumination at slim apertures is about 400mm. Single coated. Older variations of this lens could also be Dagor-type with much more protection. Symmetrical optical design optimized for shut focus.
Fujinon W 250mm f/6.7
Picture Circle Said by Producer	398mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 1
Filter Thread Measurement	67mm filters
Weight	500 g (1.10 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$250-350 on eBay
Extra Notes	Optically good. Single coated. To not be confused with the f/6.3 model that hardly covers 8×10. Additionally bought in Seiko shutter (which I don’t like as a lot as Copal shutters) with “WS” in identify for rather less.
Schneider G-Claron 270mm f/9
Picture Circle Said by Producer	335mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 1
Filter Thread Measurement	58mm filters
Weight	375 g (0.83 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$400-700 on eBay
Extra Notes	Optically good. True circle of illumination at slim apertures is about 450mm. Single coated. Older variations of this lens could also be Dagor-type with much more protection. Symmetrical optical design optimized for shut focus.

There are many nice decisions at 240mm by means of 270mm. You may go ultralight with many of those lenses, or get a brilliant most aperture with some f/5.6 choices. One that actually catches my eye is the Fujinon W 250mm f/6.7 – it’s comparatively mild and has a pleasant most aperture of f/6.7, whereas providing intensive room for actions. It’s a little bit of an older lens and is single-coated moderately than multi-coated, however that’s a superb tradeoff, particularly contemplating the value.

The optical standouts – trendy, multicoated, and with a big picture circle – are the Docter Germinar-W 240mm f/9 (although it’s very laborious to search out) and the Rodenstock APO Sironar-S (although it’s fairly large and heavy). The Fujinon 240mm f/9 additionally deserves a point out for its portability and optics, however remember that it doesn’t provide a lot in the best way of actions.

By the best way, once I point out within the desk {that a} lens is optimized for shut focus, that’s an inherent attribute of symmetrical or near-symmetrical designs. It doesn’t imply the lens is unhealthy at infinity, and particularly upon stopping down, it may be wonderful when centered at a distance. Nevertheless, with such lenses at 1:1 magnification, many lens aberrations shall be utterly eradicated.

Finest 300-305mm lenses

Rodenstock APO Sironar-W 300mm f/5.6
Picture Circle Said by Producer	490mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 3
Filter Thread Measurement	127mm filters
Weight	1610 g (3.55 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	None not too long ago bought. Costs are about $6000-8,000
Extra Notes	Uncommon. Optically wonderful. Additionally goes by the identify Sinar Sinaron-WS 300mm f/5.6. Covers as much as 14×17 ultra-large format, therefore why it’s heavy, costly, and laborious to search out. Overkill for 8×10 given the 300mm f/5.6 APO Sironar-S.
Rodenstock APO Sironar-S 300mm f/5.6
Picture Circle Said by Producer	448mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 3
Filter Thread Measurement	100mm filters
Weight	1210 (2.67 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	None not too long ago bought. Costs are about $2000-3000
Extra Notes	Uncommon. Optically wonderful. Additionally goes by the identify Sinar Sinaron-SE 300mm f/5.6.
Schneider APO-Symmar 300mm f/5.6
Picture Circle Said by Producer	425mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 3
Filter Thread Measurement	105mm filters
Weight	1155 (2.55 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$700-1100 on eBay
Extra Notes	Optically wonderful. Bought as a competitor to the Rodenstock APO Sironar-S. True circle of illumination at slim apertures is about 450mm. The newer APO-Symmar L model doesn’t have a considerably completely different optical development or protection angle.
Nikkor W 300mm f/5.6
Picture Circle Said by Producer	420mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 3
Filter Thread Measurement	95mm filters
Weight	1250 (2.76 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$400-700 on eBay
Extra Notes	Optically wonderful. Bought as a competitor to the three lenses above. True circle of illumination at slim apertures is about 450mm.
Rodenstock APO Sironar-N 300mm f/5.6
Picture Circle Said by Producer	425mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 3
Filter Thread Measurement	86mm filters
Weight	1040 (2.29 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	None not too long ago bought. Costs are about $1000-1500
Extra Notes	Modestly uncommon. Optically wonderful. A cheaper model of the APO Sironar-S with a hair extra chromatic aberration (and barely decrease peripheral sharpness, however the picture circle is massive sufficient to doubtless make that irrelevant). Additionally goes by the identify Sinar Sinaron-S 300mm f/5.6. The older, non-APO-labeled model will promote for much less (typically labeled Caltar II-N) and is comparable optically. Oldest, single-coated model sells for a lot much less.
Fujinon CM-W 300mm f/5.6
Picture Circle Said by Producer	412mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 3
Filter Thread Measurement	77mm filters
Weight	965 g (2.13 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$700-900 on eBay
Extra Notes	Optically wonderful. Additionally contemplate the comparable Fujinon W 300mm f/5.6 if it’s one of many later fashions with lettering on the surface of the barrel (that means that it’s multicoated).
Fujinon A 300mm f/9
Picture Circle Said by Producer	420mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 1
Filter Thread Measurement	55mm filters
Weight	410 g (0.90 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	None not too long ago bought. Costs are about $1500-1600
Extra Notes	Optically wonderful. Get the model with lettering on the surface of the barrel for multicoating. Symmetrical design however nonetheless wonderful at infinity.
Fujinon C 300mm f/8.5
Picture Circle Said by Producer	380mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 1
Filter Thread Measurement	52mm filters
Weight	250 g (0.55 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$800-1000 on eBay
Extra Notes	Optically wonderful. Just like the lens above however not a symmetrical design; optimized for additional focusing distances, however with much less picture circle.
Nikkor M 300mm f/9
Picture Circle Said by Producer	325mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 1
Filter Thread Measurement	52mm filters
Weight	290 g (0.64 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$500-600 on eBay
Extra Notes	Optically good. Illuminates about 450mm however falls off in acuity outdoors the rated picture circle, making it much less engaging for 8×10. Glorious on smaller codecs and one in all my favourite lenses on 4×5.
Schneider G-Claron 305mm f/9
Picture Circle Said by Producer	381mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 1
Filter Thread Measurement	67mm filters
Weight	460 g (1.01 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$400-800 on eBay
Extra Notes	Modestly uncommon. Optically good. True circle of illumination at slim apertures is about 500mm. Single coated. Older variations of this lens could also be Dagor-type with much more protection. To not be confused with Repro-Claron. Symmetrical optical design optimized for shut focus.

Round 300mm, you will discover a ton of lenses for 8×10 that ought to meet any wants you will have. The Rodenstock Sironar-S and Schneider APO-Symmar collection lenses are broadly thought-about a few of the sharpest massive format lenses ever made, and the Nikkor W is a really shut competitor that sells for a fraction of the value. In the meantime, when you want one thing smaller, the Fujinon A 300mm f/9 or Fujinon C 300mm f/8.5 are nice decisions. On a finances, I might get the Nikkor W when you don’t thoughts the burden, or the Schneider G-Claron 305mm f/9 when you do (not a multicoated lens, however fairly sharp and with tons of room for actions).

I like utilizing my G-Claron 305mm f/9 for close-up images, at which level it’s one of many best-corrected lenses at this focal size. A lot of the others (aside from the Fujinon A 300mm f/9) are optimized for distant topics, typically anyplace from about 1:10 magnification to infinity focus.

Finest 355-360mm lenses

Schneider G-Claron 355mm f/9
Picture Circle Said by Producer	444mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 3
Filter Thread Measurement	77mm filters
Weight	855 g (1.88 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$800-1000 on eBay
Extra Notes	Modestly uncommon. Optically good. True circle of illumination at slim apertures is very large, roughly 600mm. Older variations differ – some are Dagor varieties and Plasmat varieties with various protection. Symmetrical optical design optimized for shut focus. Single coated.
Fujinon A 360mm f/10
Picture Circle Said by Producer	500mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 1
Filter Thread Measurement	58mm filters
Weight	465 g (1.03 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	None not too long ago bought. Costs vary enormously from $2500-5000
Extra Notes	Modestly uncommon. Optically wonderful. Get the model with lettering on the surface of the barrel for multicoating. Symmetrical design however nonetheless wonderful at infinity.
Schneider Tele-Xenar 350mm f/11
Picture Circle Said by Producer	350mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 1
Filter Thread Measurement	58mm filters
Weight	400 g (0.88 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	None not too long ago bought. Costs are about $1800-2000
Extra Notes	Modestly uncommon. Optically wonderful. One of many latest massive format lenses made (launched in 2009).
Rodenstock APO Sironar-S 360mm f/6.8
Picture Circle Said by Producer	468mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 3
Filter Thread Measurement	112mm filters
Weight	1560 g (3.44 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	None not too long ago bought. Costs are about $3000-4000
Extra Notes	Uncommon. Optically wonderful. Additionally goes by the identify Sinar Sinaron-SE 360mm f/6.8.
Schneider APO-Symmar 360mm f/6.8
Picture Circle Said by Producer	491mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 3
Filter Thread Measurement	112mm filters
Weight	1410 g (3.11 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$800-1200 on eBay
Extra Notes	Optically wonderful. Bought as a competitor to the Rodenstock APO Sironar-S above.
Nikkor W 360mm f/6.5
Picture Circle Said by Producer	494mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 3
Filter Thread Measurement	95mm filters
Weight	1420 g (3.13 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$900-1200 on eBay
Extra Notes	Optically wonderful. Bought as a competitor to the 2 lenses above.
Rodenstock APO Sironar-N 360mm f/6.8
Picture Circle Said by Producer	435mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 3
Filter Thread Measurement	105mm filters
Weight	1560 g (3.44 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	None not too long ago bought. Costs are about $1500-2000
Extra Notes	Modestly uncommon. Optically wonderful. A cheaper model of the APO Sironar-S with a hair extra chromatic aberration (and barely decrease peripheral sharpness, however the picture circle is massive sufficient to doubtless make that irrelevant). Additionally goes by the identify Sinar Sinaron-S 360mm f/6.8. The older, non-APO-labeled model will promote for much less (typically labeled Caltar II-N) and is comparable optically. Oldest, single-coated model sells for a lot much less.
Fujinon CM-W 360mm f/6.5
Picture Circle Said by Producer	485mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 3
Filter Thread Measurement	86mm filters
Weight	1175 g (2.59 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$1000-1500 on eBay
Extra Notes	Optically wonderful. Additionally contemplate the comparable Fujinon W 360mm f/6.5 if it’s one of many later fashions (multicoated) with lettering on the surface of the barrel; it sells for a lot much less.
Graphic Kowa 360mm f/9
Picture Circle Said by Producer	523mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 3S
Filter Thread Measurement	58mm filters
Weight	665 g (1.47 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$800-1500 on eBay
Extra Notes	Modestly uncommon. Optically good. Symmetrical optical design optimized for shut focus. Single coated.

You might have a number of lenses to select from within the 355-360mm focal size vary for 8×10, however they’re all a little bit awkward. The one two light-weight decisions are the Fujinon A 360mm f/10 and the Schneider Tele-Xenar 350mm f/10 – each costly lenses, particularly the Fuji, and the Schneider doesn’t actually have the quantity of actions that I’d favor on 8×10.

As with 300mm, the Rodenstock APO Sironar-S and Scheinder APO-Symmar collection lenses listed here are thought-about a few of the greatest optical performers ever made, and the costs of the Schneider are criminally low today. However the query is if you wish to carry one thing that heavy.

In order for you a superb compromise, the Graphic Kowa 360mm f/9 could also be your greatest guess. It’s a single-coated, symmetrical lens that weighs lower than many of the different decisions right here. It has an affordable filter thread measurement and is good and sharp whenever you cease down, although a little bit decrease in distinction than a few of the different choices.

Additionally, I ought to point out that there are a lot of older 355mm lenses (typically termed 14” lenses) that you simply might be able to discover in a shutter. These may be nice decisions, however most of them endure from the identical problems with excessive weight and value. Two notable choices are the 14” Goerz Crimson Dot Artar and 14” Kodak Industrial Ektar, each of that are standard for portrait pictures, though the Goerz doesn’t have a lot room for actions at infinity focus.

I’m undecided why the 355-360mm vary has such awkward choices for 8×10 lenses contemplating that it’s so near the “regular” focal size. However typically that’s how massive format pictures goes. It’s in all probability greatest to stay with a 300mm and a 450mm lens as an alternative, except you will have the finances for the Fujinon A 360mm f/10 or don’t thoughts carrying one thing fairly heavy.

Finest 420-480mm lenses

Fujinon L 420mm f/8
Picture Circle Said by Producer	480mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 3
Filter Thread Measurement	67mm filters
Weight	975 g (2.15 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$850-1200 on eBay
Extra Notes	Optically good. A well-liked finances portrait lens. Single coated.
Fujinon C 450mm f/12.5
Picture Circle Said by Producer	486mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 1
Filter Thread Measurement	52mm filters
Weight	270 g (0.60 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$1700-2500 on eBay
Extra Notes	Modestly uncommon. Optically wonderful. In follow, brighter on the bottom glass than you would possibly anticipate.
Nikkor M 450mm f/9
Picture Circle Said by Producer	440mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 3
Filter Thread Measurement	67mm filters
Weight	640 g (1.41 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$800-1200 on eBay
Extra Notes	Optically wonderful. Has a secretly big circle of illumination of about 900mm; standard even on 20×24 cameras!
Nikkor Q 450mm f/9
Picture Circle Said by Producer	440mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 3
Filter Thread Measurement	62mm filters
Weight	605 g (1.33 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$700-800 on eBay
Extra Notes	Optically good. Similar optical design because the lens above, however with single coating and a smaller filter thread measurement. Nevertheless, the large protection means it’s considerably inclined to a lack of distinction from flare and inside reflections.
Fujinon CM-W 450mm f/8
Picture Circle Said by Producer	520mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 3
Filter Thread Measurement	86mm filters
Weight	1140 g (2.51 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$3000-3500 on eBay
Extra Notes	Modestly uncommon. Optically wonderful. Too heavy to make a lot sense, particularly given the Fujinon C and Nikkor M lenses above.
Schneider APO-Symmar 480mm f/8.4
Picture Circle Said by Producer	500mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 3
Filter Thread Measurement	105mm filters
Weight	1680 g (3.70 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$3000-3500 on eBay
Extra Notes	Modestly uncommon. Optically wonderful. Too heavy to make a lot sense, particularly given the Fujinon C and Nikkor M lenses above. (Similar for the newer APO-Symmar L model.)
Rodenstock APO Sironar-N 480mm f/8.4
Picture Circle Said by Producer	500mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 3
Filter Thread Measurement	112mm filters
Weight	2299 g (5.07 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	None not too long ago bought. Costs are about $2000-3000
Extra Notes	Uncommon. Optically wonderful. Too heavy to make a lot sense, particularly given the Fujinon C and Nikkor M lenses above.

Though the choices are slimming at this level, the 420-480mm vary nonetheless has some good decisions for 8×10. The Fujinon C 450mm f/12.5 and Nikkor M 450mm f/9 are two absolute gems. I’d even vouch for the Nikkor Q from my very own expertise – it’s a little bit susceptible to flare, and I did not too long ago change to the M, however the 450mm Q continues to be one of many sharpest lenses I’ve ever used.

As for different choices, I wouldn’t purchase the heavier lenses on this checklist no matter value. The Fujinon 450mm f/12.5 and Nikkor M 450mm f/9 are simply too good to get the rest. In the meantime, some older 420mm lenses (or 19″ lenses) are standard for portraiture, together with the Fujinon L lens listed above.

Finest 600mm lenses

Fujinon C 600mm f/11.5
Picture Circle Said by Producer	620mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 3
Filter Thread Measurement	67mm filters
Weight	575 g
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$3500-4500 on eBay
Extra Notes	Modestly uncommon. Optically wonderful. Has unusually massive protection, with a circle of illumination of about 850mm – even utilized by some 20×24 photographers.
Schneider APO Tele-Xenar 600mm f/9
Picture Circle Said by Producer	400mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 3
Filter Thread Measurement	105mm filters
Weight	600mm rear component: 465 g (1.03 lbs) Full 600mm lens: 1940 g (4.28 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	None not too long ago bought. Costs are about $5000-8000
Extra Notes	Uncommon. Optically wonderful. A convertible lens that can be utilized with a 600mm or 800mm rear component. With its telephoto design, it solely requires about 461mm of bellows extension for infinity focus, doubtlessly permitting sharper images than a non-telephoto design (particularly in windy circumstances).
Nikkor T 600mm f/9
Picture Circle Said by Producer	310mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 3
Filter Thread Measurement	95mm filters
Weight	600mm rear component: 420 g (0.93 lbs) Full 600mm lens: 1650 g (3.64 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$800-1200 on eBay (rear component alone is about $700)
Extra Notes	Optically good. A convertible lens that can be utilized with a 600mm, 800mm, or 1200mm rear component. With its telephoto design, it solely requires about 409mm of bellows extension for infinity focus, doubtlessly permitting sharper images than a non-telephoto design (particularly in windy circumstances). No room for actions on 8×10.
Goerz Crimson Dot Artar 24″ f/11
Picture Circle Said by Producer	518mm
Shutter Kind	No shutter; may be machined into Copal #3 or Ilex #5
Filter Thread Measurement	No filters; customized adapter wanted
Weight	About 1150 g (2.54 lbs) in brass barrel
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$1000-1500 on eBay (in shutter)
Extra Notes	Modestly uncommon. Optically good. True circle of illumination is sufficient for 16×20 movie at slim apertures (at the very least 650mm). A barrel lens that may be machined right into a Copal #3 or Ilex #5 shutter. I favor the Copal #3 shutter as a result of it may possibly cease down additional. Precise weight relies on whether or not it’s in an aluminum or brass barrel (and what sort of shutter, if any). Symmetrical design however fairly sharp at infinity when stopped right down to typical taking pictures apertures. Single coated.

Regardless that there are some good choices at 600mm, each nonetheless has main compromises. Probably the most pure alternative right here is the Fujinon C 600mm f/11.5, however I’m not the one one who thinks that – the recognition of this lens has led to some unreasonable costs, particularly lately.

The Nikkor T 600mm f/9 and Schneider APO Tele-Xenar 600mm f/9 are telephoto lenses which don’t require fairly as a lot bellows extension – a very nice profit – however they’re each very heavy lenses, and the Nikkor has no room for actions on 8×10. In the meantime, the burden, value, and rarity of the Schneider APO Tele-Xenar 600mm f/9 make it a very robust promote.

That leaves the Goerz Crimson Dot Artar 24″ f/11, a single-coated barrel lens, albeit an excellent one. (I’ve the longer 30″ model for ultra-large format and discover it to be fairly sharp.) I like to recommend looking for a model of the lens that has been machined right into a Copal #3 shutter and has a filter thread adapter. You might pay a mechanic like SK Grimes to machine it this fashion for you, however the value gained’t be low, particularly because you’d want to purchase a separate Copal #3.

In order for you one thing simpler in your pockets, I’d truly contemplate leaping to the Nikkor T 720mm f/16 lens within the subsequent part.

Finest 700-800mm lenses

Nikkor T 720mm f/16
Picture Circle Said by Producer	210mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 1
Filter Thread Measurement	67mm filters
Weight	780 g (1.72 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$700-1000 on eBay
Extra Notes	Optically good. A convertible lens that can be utilized with a 360mm, 500mm, or 720mm rear component – nevertheless, solely the 720mm rear component covers 8×10. Usually bought as a set; resell the 360mm and 500mm parts except you shoot 4×5. Illuminates about 380mm however has weaker efficiency on the extremes of the picture circle. Minimal actions beneficial. (Nikon’s picture circle determine is predicated upon the 360mm rear component.) With its telephoto design, it solely requires about 470mm of bellows extension for infinity focus.
Schneider APO Tele-Xenar 800mm f/12
Picture Circle Said by Producer	480mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 3
Filter Thread Measurement	105mm filters
Weight	800mm rear component solely: 650 g (1.43 lbs) Full 800mm lens: 2132 g (4.70 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$5000-8000 on eBay
Extra Notes	Uncommon. Optically wonderful. A convertible lens that can be utilized with a 600mm or 800mm rear component. Because of the telephoto design, it solely requires about 628mm of bellows extension for infinity focus.
Nikkor T 800mm f/12
Picture Circle Said by Producer	310mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 3
Filter Thread Measurement	95mm filters
Weight	800mm rear component solely: 370 g (0.82 lbs) Full 800mm lens: 1600 g (3.53 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$1200-1500 on eBay (rear component alone is about $800)
Extra Notes	Optically good. A convertible lens that can be utilized with a 600mm, 800mm, or 1200mm rear component. Really has sufficient protection for 11×14 movie (Nikon’s specs are primarily based upon the 600mm model.) With its telephoto design, it solely requires about 530mm of bellows extension for infinity focus.

800mm (and 720mm) is longer than most massive format photographers ever trouble to shoot. The dearth of choices right here in all probability isn’t a shock. Technically, there are some lengthy barrel lenses accessible just like the 30″ Goerz Crimson Dot Artar (762mm), however only a few 8×10 cameras can help such a protracted bellows extension. Contemplating that, the three lenses above are the one viable choices.

Of the set, the Nikkor T 720mm f/16 is certainly probably the most cheap simply because it’s the lightest and smallest. It’s a little bit of a hidden gem, since Nikon’s literature doesn’t even trace that it might cowl 8×10. In case you’re on a finances, I might contemplate getting this lens as an alternative of a 600mm. I like that the Nikkor T 720mm f/16 solely wants 470mm of bellows extension, serving to it keep extra steady within the wind (at all times an issue with a protracted bellows extension). Nevertheless, I might be cautious of utilizing it with actions despite the fact that it illuminates greater than the 312mm picture circle wanted for 8×10.

I personally use the Nikkor T 800mm f/12 as an alternative, which is geared a little bit extra towards versatile 8×10 pictures, however it’s costlier and far heavier as a tradeoff. Regardless of the burden, it’s one in all my favourite 8×10 lenses, since I’m a giant fan of long-lens panorama pictures. I even apply it to the 11×14 format, the place it squeaks by with minimal actions.

In the meantime, the Schneider APO Tele-Xenar 800mm f/12 is an much more huge and costly lens, however it has the very best optical efficiency of any lens this lengthy for 8×10. In case you’re a real telephoto junkie like me, it could name your identify, however in any other case, it’s going to be very laborious to justify contemplating the burden and value.

Finest 1200mm lenses

Nikkor T 1200mm f/18
Picture Circle Said by Producer	310mm
Shutter Kind	Copal 3
Filter Thread Measurement	95mm filters
Weight	1200mm rear component solely: 250 g (0.55 lbs) Full 1200mm lens: 1480 g (3.26 lbs)
Latest Promoting Costs (eBay affiliate)	$1200-1500 on eBay (rear component alone is about $1000)
Extra Notes	Optically good. A convertible lens that can be utilized with a 600mm, 800mm, or 1200mm rear component. Really has sufficient protection for 8×20 movie. (Nikon’s specs are primarily based upon the 600mm model.) With its telephoto design, it solely requires about 760mm of bellows extension for infinity focus.

At 1200mm, there’s only one cheap possibility, and as soon as once more, it’s that 600/800/1200 Nikkor telephoto lens. This time, you’re including a 1200mm rear component as an alternative of 600mm or 800mm. The result’s the Nikkor T 1200mm f/18.

I’ll grant you that f/18 is a darkish most aperture, however you’re at such a protracted focal size (160mm full-frame equal) that it’s not often an issue. The 1200mm rear component can be a bit lighter than both the 600mm or 800mm rear parts.

Capturing with a 1200mm lens on 8×10 could be very troublesome. You’ll doubtless need two tripods – one for the rear customary and one for the entrance – in addition to an umbrella to dam even the slightest quantity of wind. Draping a beanbag over the entrance of the lens will assist dampen shutter shock. You must also decrease your tripods as a lot as potential and discover some very steady floor.

I consider this extra as a terrific lens for 11×14, however it’s impractical on most 8×10 cameras. Earlier than shopping for, double examine you can even obtain 760mm of bellows extension in your digicam, which is important for infinity focus (and extra when you intend to give attention to nearer topics). Many 8×10 cameras can’t lengthen this far.

5 Beneficial 8×10 Lens Kits

Regardless that the selection of 8×10 lenses can really feel considerably restricted (particularly in comparison with 4×5 and even 5×7 lenses), there isn’t any scarcity of excellent kits you can put along with the optics above. Under, I’ll recommend just a few kits that might make a number of sense relying in your scenario. Admittedly, these are simply beginning factors, and the right package on your wants will in all probability be at the very least a little bit completely different.

1. A finances package of excellent lenses

• Reasonably Huge: Fujinon W 210mm f/5.6, inside writing
• Regular: Schneider G-Claron 305mm f/9
• Reasonably lengthy: Nikkor Q 450mm f/9
• Lengthy: Nikkor T 720mm f/16

All of those lenses are mild, sharp, and well-priced. They cowl helpful focal lengths, they usually all have some room for actions on 8×10. The entire value of this four-lens package shall be about $2200. In case you wait patiently for higher offers, you might be able to discover every thing beneath $2000.

Some photographers could really feel like they might miss the ultra-wide focal lengths, however I’d contemplate skipping these for now when you’re on a finances. The Fujinon W 210mm f/5.6 is broad sufficient for many use. Nevertheless, you would add the Nikkor SW 120mm f/8 or the Wollensak 159mm f/9.5 with out pushing your value over $3000 (although neither gives a lot room for actions).

2. A well-balanced do-it-all package

• Huge: Nikkor SW 150mm f/8
• Reasonably Huge: Fujinon W 210mm f/5.6, inside writing
• Regular: Fujinon A 300mm f/9 or Fujinon C 300mm f/8.5
• Reasonably lengthy: Nikkor M 450mm f/9
• Lengthy: Nikkor T 720mm f/16

This can be a extremely succesful five-lens package that means that you can use customary filter sizes all through. Maybe you would level to some specific issues that completely different kits do higher, however not with out operating into different compromises. These are nice lenses that strike the fitting stability between value, measurement, and capabilities. Though the mixed value is now not in “finances” territory (principally due to the 150mm f/8), these lenses are all pretty priced for what you get.

3. A package that prioritizes portability, with out sacrificing protection

• Reasonably Huge: Computar 210mm f/9 or Docter Germinar W 240mm f/9
• Regular: Fujinon A 300mm f/9 or Fujinon A 360mm f/10
• Reasonably lengthy: Fujinon C 450mm f/12.5
• Lengthy: Fujinon C 600mm f/11.5

This set of lenses makes a number of sense for 8×10 photographers who wish to journey mild. The one drawback (aside from the general excessive value) is the supply of the broader lenses. The Docter Germinar W 240mm f/9 could be very laborious to search out. So is the Computar 210mm f/9, plus it’s single-coated and maybe a little bit worse optically. However assuming that you simply discover one in all these two uncommon lenses, it makes for a really logical package.

Another lens with wonderful picture high quality is the Fujinon A 240mm f/9, though word that it solely has modest room for actions on 8×10. The Schneider G-Claron 240mm f/9 can be straightforward to search out and has extra room for actions; nevertheless, just like the Computar 210mm f/9, it’s single-coated and a little bit weaker optically till you cease down. Both of these may make a superb different when you can’t discover the Computar or Docter lenses.

In order for you one thing even wider, the Schneider 150mm f/5.6 XL is the lightest trendy ultra-wide lens with important room for actions on 8×10. However “lightest” doesn’t imply “mild” – it’s nonetheless a giant lens in comparison with the others right here, and filtering it may be robust.

4. A package that maximizes picture high quality and protection, nonetheless permitting customary filter holders

• Huge: Nikkor SW 150mm f/8
• Reasonable broad: Rodenstock APO Sironar-S 240mm f/5.6
• Regular: Fujinon A 360mm f/10
• Lengthy: Fujinon C 600mm f/11.5

This is without doubt one of the greatest high-end kits you can purchase for 8×10 pictures. You get wonderful room for actions in any respect focal lengths mixed with high-end optical efficiency. The focal size spacing can be very cheap. It isn’t the lightest package accessible, however it’ll slot in a bag. Maybe most significantly, all of those lenses can accommodate conventional filter holder programs. Sadly, they aren’t low-cost; costs vary from about $1500 to $3500 per lens.

You may lighten the load a bit by swapping the Rodenstock APO Sironar-S 240mm f/5.6 for the Docter Germinar 240mm f/9 – which is an equally good lens – however provided that you will discover one. They’re very laborious to come back by today. Plus, the brighter f/5.6 aperture is good for focusing and composing in decrease mild. You might additionally substitute the Nikkor SW for the Schneider 150mm f/5.6 XL to avoid wasting weight, however you’d must discover a option to filter it.

In full-frame phrases (35mm movie), this four-lens set approximates a 20mm, 32mm, 48mm, and 80mm package, which must be sufficient for nearly something. In case you really feel the necessity to lengthen on both facet, you may get the Nikkor 800mm f/12 on the telephoto finish – and the Schneider 110mm f/5.6 XL or Nikkor SW 120mm f/8 on the broad finish – whereas nonetheless retaining the power to make use of customary filter programs. However I are inclined to doubt that the majority 8×10 photographers will want greater than these 4 lenses.

5. A package that maximizes picture high quality and protection above all else

If measurement, weight, and value are not any concern, there may be hardly a restrict to the standard (and value) of 8×10 glass you can purchase. The lenses beneath not solely have wonderful optical efficiency, however in addition they obtain greater picture circles than most of their friends and provide intensive actions on 8×10. As a substitute of categorizing these lenses by broad/regular/lengthy, I’ll merely checklist the highest performers at every focal size that meet these standards.

• 150mm: Schneider 150mm f/5.6 XL, Nikkor 150mm f/8, or Rodenstock Grandagon N 155mm f/6.8
• 165mm: Schneider Tremendous-Angulon 165mm f/8 MC
• 200mm: Rodenstock Grandagon N 200mm f/6.8
• 210mm: Schneider 210mm f/5.6 XL (Observe: Two smaller lenses with comparable picture high quality are the Schneider HM 210mm f/5.6 and Rodenstock APO-Sironar W 210mm f/5.6, however these have a extra restricted picture circle of about 354mm, whereas the Schneider 210mm f/5.6 XL is rated for 500mm)
• 240mm: Rodenstock APO-Sironar S 240mm f/5.6 or Docter Germinar W 240mm f/9
• 300mm: Schneider APO-Symmar (or APO-Symmar L) 300mm f/5.6, Rodenstock APO-Sironar S 300mm f/5.6, Rodenstock APO-Sironar W 300mm f/5.6, or Fujinon A 300mm f/9
• 360mm: Schneider APO-Symmar 360mm f/6.8, Rodenstock APO-Sironar S 360mm f/6.8, or Fujinon A 360mm f/10
• 450mm: Nikkor M 450mm f/9 or Fujinon C 450mm f/12.5
• 480mm: Schneider APO-Symmar (or APO-Symmar L) 480mm f/8.4
• 600mm: Schneider APO Tele-Xenar 600mm f/9 or Fujinon 600mm C f/11.5 (Observe: Picture circles of roughly 400mm and 620mm respectively; the Tele-Xenar is far heavier and has much less room for actions, however permits shorter bellows extension and could also be barely sharper inside the picture circle.)
• 800mm: Schneider APO Tele-Xenar 800mm f/12 (similar lens because the 600mm above, with completely different rear component) or APO Tele-Xenar 800mm f/12 HM (older, greater model with white barrel)

I depart it as much as you to select your favourite set of focal lengths given this info. At most, I feel that six lenses is a lot – for instance, a package of 150mm, 210mm, 300mm, 450mm, 600mm, and 800mm lenses. This mimics a 20mm / 28mm / 40mm / 60mm / 80mm / 105mm prime lens package in full-frame or 35mm movie equal phrases. (I already picked a superb four-lens package within the earlier part – mainly a subset of those lenses that also accepts regular filter holders.)

In fact, most of those lenses are extraordinarily heavy and costly. They gained’t work 8×10 cameras with a flimsy construct high quality. Nearly all of them have filter thread sizes over 100mm, necessitating uncommon, specialty filters. Constructing out a package of 5 – 6 lenses may value upwards of $20,000. Suffice to say, despite the fact that all of those lenses are distinctive, I don’t suggest most of them to typical 8×10 photographers.

What Lenses Do I Use?

You may in all probability work out my package primarily based on the pattern images on this article, though I’ve modified it a little bit through the years. My latest addition is a Fujinon A 360mm f/10, which I lastly discovered at an affordable value, changing my Schneider 305mm f/9 G-Claron. My customary 8×10 package is as follows:

• Schneider 150mm f/5.6 SSXL with heart filter
• Computar 210mm f/9
• Fujinon A 360mm f/10
• Fujinon C 600mm f/11.5
• Nikkor T 800mm f/12

There’s no such factor as an ideal 8×10 lens package, however this one has nice picture high quality and gives all of the actions I may need at each focal size. That stated, my lens scenario is a little bit uncommon today, since I additionally shoot ultra-large format movie that requires its personal set of lenses. Periodically, I’ll use a few of these on 8×10 as effectively, such because the Nikkor M 450mm f/9.

A lot of the lenses above work with my customary 100x100mm filter holder. The exception is the Schneider 150mm f/5.6 SSXL with its heart filter. To make use of further filters on that lens, I’ve a makeshift adapter that works with a set of bigger 150x150mm sq. filters, which I as soon as used on digital. If I didn’t have that greater set of filters, I might in all probability purchase a 112mm polarizer and a 127mm orange filter (plus step-up ring) as an alternative.

I’ve been extraordinarily proud of these 5 lenses. Most of all, I recognize that I’ll by no means run out of actions once I shoot 8×10. I may carry all of this on a hike with out a lot issue, particularly if I depart the 800mm f/12 at dwelling. That stated, I strive to not depart it at dwelling typically, as a result of I do love long-lens 8×10 pictures…

Conclusion

There are a number of lenses in the marketplace that cowl 8×10, particularly when you embody previous and esoteric glass. In any case, 8×10 cameras have been round because the 1800s, so in fact 8×10 lenses have as effectively. (And lots of of those previous lenses may be fitted into trendy shutters when you ship the lens + shutter to a mechanic like SK Grimes.)

In case you shoot with an 8×10 system and use a number of older glass in non-Copal shutters, my apologies for more than likely not mentioning any of your favorites on this article. There are too many lenses to cowl the older ones on this already gigantic article, however it doesn’t imply they’re unhealthy lenses. Likewise for portrait lenses – lots of the lenses right here shall be nice for portraiture too, however there are older lenses with nice bokeh and even soft-focus qualities that could be fascinating for portraiture.

One useful resource that I discovered very useful when assembling my 8×10 package and researching this text is largeformatphotography.data’s checklist of 8×10 lenses in trendy shutters. It’s not a very full checklist. It misses the Computar and Docter lenses, for instance, in addition to a few of Fuji and Schneider’s glass. However as a broad overview, it’s helpful.

Right here’s my ultimate tip: Don’t purchase massive format lenses on impulse. As a substitute, attempt to be taught in regards to the lens before you purchase it, particularly when you’re treading off the crushed path or shopping for a lens with many various variations. There’s positively an “ignorance tax” in 8×10 pictures, the place the much less , the extra you find yourself paying (or the lower-quality model of the lens it’s possible you’ll get). I hope this text helps you pay much less for the lenses you want by eradicating a few of that ignorance tax, however you’ll must do extra analysis in regards to the particular person lenses that you really want with the intention to discover out some extra particulars.

Do you will have any questions in regards to the suggestions above? I’ve tried to incorporate as a lot info as I can, however I’m glad to assist in the feedback part if there’s something you’re questioning about. Even when I don’t know the reply to your query, possibly another person will discover this text and have the ability to assist. Pleased looking!