Sharpest large format lenses. One downside is that it is a big, heavy lens with not a lot of focal length range; you also might not find that 28-50mm equivalent is your cup of tea. Lens Equivalents The first problem most people encounter is choosing a focal length. The GF20-35mm a proper, next-gen, ultra-high-resolution, state-of-the-art medium format lens. Wide angles are the case where modern lenses are really the best choice, there are few older lenses 90mm or wider than can be used with any movements on 4x5 and those few with really wide coverage are rather soft. Some are not so cheap any more because they have unusually large image circles: the Fujinon W 210mm f5. Find the best wide angle lens for Canon, the best wide angle lens for Nikon & more I want to buy a new 75mm lens for my 4x5. In practice: First try to Any slower lens will be sharper wide open. Sharpness tends to be one of those things where the image is either sharp enough, or it isn't. Whether you want to excel at photography, videography, or a little of both, the best Fujifilm lenses will help you get the most out of your Fujifilm camera. Looking for X Mount lenses Introduction The subject of lenses and lens selection for large format cameras can be quite daunting for photographers new to the medium. 8 is sharper than most faster lenses, etc. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. 6 Plasmats of 240mm above are huge. Apr 5, 2013 · Discussion about the sharpest medium format lenses for scientific projects, focusing on high-resolution options across various focal length ranges. Jun 8, 2000 · Well, in many cases these older lenses offer something not found in the current product lines from the few remaining large format lens manufacturers. Look at the more practical distinctions like weight, shutter and filter size, and cost factors instead. 4 (these three are the best Canon wide angle primes and some of the sharpest 35mm wide angle lenses ever made for SLR use) shows Apr 15, 2010 · The OP didn't mention for what 4x5 camera the lenses are intended. 6 and the excellent Schneider Makro-Symmar 120mm f/5. And this is one of the styles this lens is ideal for – landscapes. For 4x5 one of the fastest lenses that will still produce a sharp image that's not filled with edge smearing and swirling bokeh like the aero Ektar is the Schneider Xenotar 150mm f/2. Although you might want a fast F5. 5 APO Grandagon). In an ideal world, you would always be able to use the sharpest aperture on your lens. All budget X-Mount lenses reviewed. The Symmar is a decent lens even though it's old. Wista DX II/III. I was looking into getting a super wide angle lens for my 4x5. 5 or 4. They seemed the same to me, though the Nikkor's shutter was easier to work with. Feb 3, 2024 · Ideally suited for architectural, landscape, and interior photography. Is AMED lens sharp enough to work well with a modern small pixel sensor? Wide-Angle (75mm - 120mm): Ideal for landscape and architectural photography, wide-angle lenses offer a broad view. I love Schneider optics, but it is my opinion the Grandagon is a tad better in the area of edge sharpness, though not by much. Share your photos, discuss gear and techniques, and buy or sell equipment in our marketplace. Its exceptional optical quality, robust build, and versatile performance make it an indispensable tool for photographers seeking to push the boundaries of their creativity. Two optical effects are taken into account: defocus and diffraction. A rule of thumb is that diffraction limits the maximum possible resolution to 1500 / f-stop (see Ctein's book). Re: sharpest lenses for 8x10 FWIW, one of the sharpest lenses I've ever used in ANY format was a 240mm f/10 Process-Nikkor. Thanks for helping me help you! Ken. Is the Sironar S 210 too big for my camera? Summary: a systematic method to find the f-stop which as a function of the displacement of the standards between the far and near points, measured on the camera with a scale (the focus spread). FORGET PLANAR 110 F2 ! Near 120mm ( near 118)TO INFINITY FOCAL PLANE. Like the Apo-Sironar-N, its applications are practically limitless. 5, are regarded as some of the sharpest lenses ever made. If we were to compare specific systems, then we might also consider vignetting, not to mention all the properties of the capturing device. a. Follow along as I cover the best GFX lenses for Fuji GFX100, GFX100s, GFX50SII, GFX50S, or GFX50R (medium format) in this comprehensive guide of lens reviews. For large format or other cameras and lenses lacking depth-of-field scales we have to do a little more work. Feb 13, 2006 · All Mamiya lenses are very nice, with the 55mm "N" wide angle the sharpest and the 35mm super-wide non-"N" the not-so-sharpest. Dec 4, 2023 · For those who might be interested in such a thing, these are my honest and unbiased impressions (although non-scientific, i. Although large format lenses obviously serve the same purpose as lenses for 35mm, DSLR, and medium format cameras, they are clearly different in both appearance and operation. No need to nitpick between them. At wide open, it doesn't look very sharp on the ground glass, but stopping it down to f/22 produces acceptable results. Anecdotally, we know many people who give up large format kits for a Mamiya 7 because it’s hard to tell the difference in sharpness except at the absolute largest print size. bryansoderlind. Everything I know and don't know about Fujinon Large Format Lenses) Figure 1. 8 on another one. 6, Fujinon CM-W 125/5. 6 S-Planar and it appears to be quite sharp wide open. 7 aperture lets you shoot in dim cafes, night streets, and golden-hour rooms while keeping ISO down, and it delivers creamy background blur for stand-out subject focus. Explore large format lenses for high-resolution vision systems. 5. 6 (AMED) is in the same class as the Rodenstock Apo-Macro-Sironar 120mm f/5. Wide angle designs are not the sharpest lenses, but they are necessary for wide lenses to get enough coverage. I had access to a Nikkor and a Schneider lens in that focal range. Dec 31, 2005 · What is the sharpest 135mm lens that is light and has a good coverage for 4x5. I just developed my first roll using a 120/5. Jason Greenberg Motamedi 27-Apr-2015, 09:21 An easier question to answer (although still largely in the realm of anecdotal evidence) would be which lens is sharpest at f/2. Image sharpness is the goal of many photographers—regardless of the subject matter. 7 come to mind because they cover 8x10 and that format is gaining popularity. On this page you will find a detailed list of digital and film camera lenses from different manufacturers, sorted by sensor format Large Format Mar 22, 2004 · Curious if there is a consensus for the most clinically sharp 4x5 lenses in the 90mm, 135mm, and 150mm range? I'm talking about the type of lens that renders objects so sharp they almost cut your eyeballs, with less interest in ones which create a sense of 'presence' or delicate color rendition. Does anyone have any experience knowing which is the sharpest? I hear the Grandagon is the sharpest of the wide angles? Is a center filter necessary for all wide angle lenses? Knowing your lens’s sharpest aperture—its “sweet spot”—is one surefire way to maximize image sharpness. May 5, 2025 · There are plenty of great reasons to purchase smaller format cameras. Here’s how it works. You also get ground-glass focusing, a few other fun tricks that can improve sharpness/overall image quality. Jan 28, 2024 · Today, I love using wide angle lenses, but it took several years to reach that point. In conclusion, Nikon DX lenses offer a wide range of options for photographers using DX-format cameras. Jan 4, 2008 · I'm a long-time 35mm Leica photographer. If you are used to lenses on Mar 24, 2025 · While I've covered a lot of lenses for Fujifilm cameras on this site, this is my first guide to the best GFX lenses available for photographers that have or are considering buying a large format Fuji body. Jan 31, 2019 · Looking to buy some new glass? If so you should check out this list of the top 10 lenses you can buy according to DXO mark. FOR LARGE FORMAT CAMERAS A NEW STANDARD FOR THE CRITICAL VIEW CAMERA PHOTOGRAPHER. Hasselblad owners may take exception to this. FWIW, one of the sharpest lenses I've ever used in ANY format was a 240mm f/10 Process-Nikkor. Note that with large format lenses, a mildly dirty or lightly scratched lens, or lenses with nasty looking but harmless Schneideritis will still make fine photographs and can be a really cheap entry into the hobby (I have bought several myself) but a bad shutter is a horrible experience causing frustration and ruined photographs. Using a common Sironar-S or Symmar-L designed for 4x5 won't be as sharp. This page also contains for reference the excellent original articles of Stephen Peterson and Paul Hansma. ) Background: I am a NYC commercial cinematographer specializing i Feb 19, 2025 · If you are simply interested in the sharpest aperture on your particular lens, this is the wrong article; check out our lens reviews instead, each of which includes sharpness tests. From wide-angle to telephoto, lenses are available for every type of photography, including landscapes, portraits, sports, and wildlife. The professional choice for wide-angle, providing quality in both flash and daylight shooting. A 180mm lens is about like a 28mm lens for 35mmm film. 3 Fujinon W Introduction: Over the last couple years, I've been fortunate Oct 17, 2017 · When people first try out large format photography and they come to the choice of lens for their first kit, they typically make a few common mistakes. Jun 2, 2025 · The lenses are typically quite chunky because they need to deliver a bigger image circle than full-frame format lenses, to cover a relatively large medium-format image sensor. Aug 2, 2016 · So while large-format photographers need to use small apertures like f/64 to gain sufficient front-to-back sharpness, they can get away with it without excessive blurring of their images, too. So only get them if you think it’s fun to use them on modern cameras or if you shoot some medium format film. 6 Fujinon NW 150mm f6. 6 costs about the same price. This means an f/2. I had one mounted into shutter when I shot 8x10 and it was INCREDIBLE. I still look at the negs from that with a loupe sometimes and am still amazed. Sharpness is also the catalyst for the dozens of lens-testing and review websites that populate the Internet, as well as the impetus for endless snobbery and debates over which lenses reign May 26, 2011 · However, with wide angle lenses the Mamiya results are very good - the results match very expensive Canon wide angles. Or f:6. All these lenses are excellent solutions for portraits to landscapes. Apr 17, 2007 · What are the sharpest lenses in the market (new or old design)in the focal lenght of 65mm ? 90mm ? 150mm? 210mm? 300mm? Thank you. It was hard enough getting a person to what is the sharpest 4x5 lense ever? or one that produces the best quality colour images in terms of saturation, tonal value etc? I'm asking in terms of personal subjective experience. Here are our top picks for medium-format camera lenses from Fujifilm, Pentax and Hasselblad! Jun 27, 2019 · This time the group focused on large format cine lenses from the buyer’s point of view. Mar 17, 2021 · In some ways large format lenses don’t quite behave the same as smaller formats. 8 medium format lens (on a medium format camera) is better in low light than an f/1. For the same basic design, shorter lenses will always be slightly sharper than longer lenses and 135mm/150mm is the shortest "normal" lens design usable on 4x5. Jul 3, 2022 · I’ve read more than once that the Schneider 90mm f:4 Apo Symmar Macro PQS lens for the Rollei 6xxx and Hy6 systems is the best lens in medium format. 8. All are pretty inexpensive these days so you can check them all out and decide for yourself. 4 lens on a micro-43rds camera. Oct 21, 2022 · The brand new Fujinon GF20-35mmF4 R WR is widest zoom lens for the Fujifilm’s GFX large format cameras. Medium format lenses come in a variety of focal lengths, from wide-angle Jan 10, 2025 · Discover the best wide angle lens for your camera with this useful guide. Get answers to your questions in our photography forums. These lenses are known for their exceptional sharpness, clarity, and color rendition, making them ideal for professional photography and high-end commercial work. Also consider what kind of large format camera you have and how much movement it can do. Aug 31, 2025 · Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1. The X-mount glass has a reputation for being pin-sharp, highly reliable, and durably built. Hopefully, this article will address some of these and also expand on what makes the large format lens such a unique object. 8 aperture wins back much of what you give up when you don’t opt for FX (compared to f/2. Each holder weighs about 8 oz (4x5) and holds two sheets Welcome to Kerry's 1 Fujinon Large Format Lens Page! (a. Dec 3, 2004 · As Chris Perez, who's tested a lot of medium and large format lenses, has commented, the sharpest lens is a tripod. A Dagor at F6. Let get this out right away; this is the sharpest ultrawide lens I have EVER shot with. 8) as well as the normal and short tele lenses (frequently macros, since they typically are flat field lenses and have better edge sharpness than other lenses). Sep 22, 2006 · Few LF lenses are really sharp wide open, on most LF lenses wide open is for focusing and composition, not for making photographs. 3 is sharper than a Tessar IC at F4. com Apr 14, 2024 · Looking for the sharpest lens on the planet? A lens so optically precise that it has virtually no flaws? I think you just found it. NIKKOR LARGE FORMAT LENSES: FORMULA, PERFORMANCE AND APPLICATIONS WE MAKE OUR OWN GLASS FOR UNLIMITED DESIGN CAPABILITIES Most lensmakers buy glass on the open market which limits them to the types and quality control standards that are available. Oct 31, 2022 · Long Lenses in Practice Long lenses in large format are large and deceptively heavy. I recently bought a Shen Hao, a Schneider 72XL, and a Nikon W 150. In 4x5 I have found that I prefer a 135 or a 150. Hi, For those occasions when the slow working method of the generally large 54 and tripod etc aren't possible to get the shot what handheld (and sometimes tripod if you can) options do we think will provide the sharpest large prints from the smaller, more portable 67 (not 69) options, whilst still having the ability using different focal length lenses, etc? By large prints I am talking about Large Format Lenses (Nikon UK) Catalog of Nikon Large Format lenses (in Japanese, sorry) FILM You use the same film (Tri-X, Velvia, etc. 5x-7x bigger. Do they have essentially the same performance? I would like to keep it reasonably light for backpacking but like the idea of a Oct 27, 2021 · Fujifilm's GFX series of medium format cameras and lenses has brought some incredible image quality and capabilities to photographers at prices that significantly undercut traditional medium Apr 11, 2020 · A list of the best 135mm prime lenses available for the most popular camera brands. Shooting 6x7 on LF, you (normally) use the sharpest portion of the lens' coverage, and potentially get at least limited movements, which are uncommon on MF. The prices do climb steeply once you get into later, more desirable models. Apr 23, 2019 · See our guide to Nikon's best DX (crop sensor) lenses, with reviews of top zoom and prime DX-format lenses from wide angle and portrait to telephoto. Aug 9, 2016 · The lists of the sharpest lenses for each camera system in this article have also been filtered for some degree of affordability, leaving out any lens priced above £2,000. A good lens is one that's usably sharp across the entire focal length and aperture range that you normally wish to use. For example, while a regular 50mm lens cannot be used with negatives larger than 35mm, a wide angle 50mm lens can be used with negatives larger than 35mm. Apr 19, 2025 · When it comes to sharpest lenses in the world, the answer depends a bit on what you’re measuring — lab results, real-world use, focal length, etc. Re: Sharpest Large Format Lenses Additionally, if you are shooting in color, you may wish to settle on 1 or 2 manufacturers (if you can) of your lenses for color consistency. A poor lens is one where you have to avoid a lot of otherwise desirable apertures, focal lengths, and shutter speeds. Read this article if you’re interested in investing, renting, or using large format cinema lenses. All were used on 44x33mm digital medium format bodies (Fujifilm GFX50r and Pentax 645z), as well as 56x41. But I currently now fill that particular niche a 200 Nikkor M instead, which is superb in every respect. The Mamiya RZ67 is the younger F:3. 5 Fujinon C 180mm f9 Fujinon A 135mm f5. This is Fuji’s super-wide offering. With a focal length equivalent to 18mm in the 35mm format, this Fujifilm GF 23mm f/4 R LM WR super wide-angle lens is optimal for shooting landscapes and architectural photography. Normal (150mm - 180mm): Offering a field of view similar to the human eye, these lenses are versatile for various subjects, from portraits to still life. Really - the maximum sharpness in the center is a function The Schneider Kreuznach 35mm LS lens is designed for ultimate quality wide angle imaging on medium format 645 format. With a 12 groups and 15 elements construction using two aspherical lenses, one super ED lens, and three ED lenses, this lens suppress distortion Apr 9, 2025 · Find the best lens for landscape photography, with our run-down of the most capable wide-angle zoom lenses for mirrorless and DSLR cameras. I use it at its softest least telephoto length, about 300mm F8. Despite its Nov 1, 2020 · Learn all about 4x5 cameras and large format lenses. what is the sharpest 4x5 lense ever? or one that produces the best quality colour images in terms of saturation, tonal value etc? I'm asking in terms of personal subjective experience. Or f:9, on the one that doesn't have larger apertures. k. It has a focal length equivalent to 18mm in 35mm format, so you can really fill the frame with a lot of landscape detail. 6, SSXL 110/5. MACRO CAPABILITY IS OUTSTANDING 1:2! As a practical matter, the only lenses whose apertures are scaled in mm instead of f/numbers are high performance macro lenses for, usually, use above 1:1. 6, Nikkor M 200/8, Nikkor M 300/9 Picking a good set of lenses for a 4x5 view camera can be a fun exercise if you are into gear and the technical aspects of large format photography. Of course the Mamiya Oct 21, 2024 · There are so many lenses on the market that finding the best camera lenses for you can be tricky. I would like to do larger print sizes (up to 24 inch high), therefore I would like to know if anyone can recommend any sharp/contrasty lenses for those focal lengths as that criteria is of utmost importance. My own criteria are: Sharpness (score Jan 29, 2023 · Fujifilm's GF lenses are designed for their GFX medium format cameras like the GFX 100S. Jan 13, 2025 · A guide to the best Sony FE lenses in 2025, including a complete list of all Sony E-mount lenses and the latest firmware updates. Does anyone have any experience knowi ng which is the sharpest? I hear the Grandagon is the sharpest of the wide angl es? Is a center filter necessary for all wide angle lenses? Mar 1, 1999 · With a wide angle lens you can also use a larger negative format and work with the head lower toward the easel. ) that you use in any other format. If "ordinary" large format lenses were scaled down to produce such small image-circles, they'd also yield much higher lp/mm figures than they do on large image circles that are 2. Sure the N/G have advantages, but if the plain Rodagon outresolves the sharpest negatives, what will be the benefit of using an N ? beyond having a faster lens Jul 22, 2018 · Expert news, reviews and videos of the latest digital cameras, lenses, accessories, and phones. Just curious to hear which Hasselblad lenses are sharpest wide open. Of course you need a superior scanner and technician/skills to realize the difference as well, no point in having a $10K camera and trying to scan it on an Epson. Mar 17, 2003 · On two LF lenses I tested, good coverage was not obtained at f11, so I wouldn't call f11 the sweet spot for those lenses for LF -- f11 might be the sweet spot if the lenses were being used for medium format. Hi, I'm considering a purchase of a Fotoman 624 camera with either a 90mm or 180mm focal length lens. High quality modern lenses are better than these older medium format lenses. 4 or 1. Aug 1, 2025 · We pick the best Nikon lenses to buy for F-mount DSLRs – lenses that can also be adapted to fit Nikon Z mirrorless cameras. 6, Sironar-S 150/5. Obviously you need a specialist camera -- introducing Hasselblad ArcBody, featuring swing/tilt camera movements and large format Rodenstock Optics (that include a 35mm f/4. Sifting through the chaff to find the wheat is an arduous task. However at that aperture the corners are typically quite soft with significant light falloff. Jun 22, 2006 · First, a million thanks for all the helpful info on these forums. Dec 5, 2019 · Best Nikon Lenses Best for: FX DSLR DX DSLR FX Mirrorless DX Mirrorless Manual-Focus for 35mm Film Classics This all-content, junk-free website's biggest source of support is when you use any of these links to approved sources when you get anything, regardless of the country in which you live. Fujinon Lenses From Top to Bottom - Left to Right 300mm f5. See full list on photographylife. Tracy Calder speaks with three photographers who have mastered it, plus the best vintage lens to use Jun 30, 2025 · The best Fujifilm lenses are some of the finest lenses in all of photography. March 2020 All Nikon Reviews: Mirrorless Mirrorless Lenses All . As such they have an image circle way more than you need for 5×4. The first decade of my own large format usage, all I owned was a 210 lens. 3 is a tessar design that's sharp The Dallmeyer Adon is an interesting lens; confusing in that it seems to share its name with other lenses of different formula and purpose, but this lens is an early zoom telephoto lens (and not a add on adaptor). May 23, 2025 · Discover the best Fuji lenses of the year in this mammoth guide which includes sample photos, expert opinions and more. I want to buy a new 75mm lens for my 4x5. If you want a modern 90mm lens for 6x24cm, the latest lenses from Schneider and Rodenstock are probably the only options that cover the format, and don't forget to include the cost of a center filter. But for people who don't enjoy that side of things, I think it's worth sharing a couple of shortcuts to However, any of the lenses listed will be the sharpest lens you own (unless you get a 135mm version and a 120mm Super Symmar would be a pretty close call). All that light bouncing around in your camera can cause issues. Comparing the 645 to the 5DII with lenses such as the 17mm F4 TS, 24 mm f3. The lens has some limitations. 35mm f/2. com Medium format lenses are specifically designed for cameras that utilize medium format film or digital sensors, offering superior image quality and resolution. Definitely not for portraits, like the one above, but still a specialist lens among the Fujifilm GFX 100s lenses. For example, a Protar V. com. This is the gold-standard of medium-format wide-angle lenses, a must have for any serious digital medium-format landscape photographer. The best aperture turns out to be dependent only on the depth of your image. I currently use a 180mm Nikkor-W as my 'normal' lens. For non-wide angle lenses, a Tessar IIB at F6. I love the Leica optics; they're super sharp with high-contrast. If you can live with modest movements the Fujinon W 150mm f6. Feb 28, 2019 · 8. If that sounds familiar - you’re constantly comparing wide angles - hopefully this article helps. The Hasselblad XCD 20 Re: Widest and Sharpest 4x5 Lens The Zeiss 30mm fisheye (for Rollei and Hassy) covers the full 6x6cm frame and its full-circle image would probably be just what you were looking for to use on 4x5in. I would also use this lens for 6x17 panoramas with movements as well. Either the Mamiya 7 lenses or using the Digital View Camera lenses on the Alpa will be the absolute sharpest. Remember, due to the larger format, a 75mm lens behaves more like a 24mm lens on a normal camera. It is true that around the turn of the 20th century Zeiss made lenses with apertures scaled in mm. Sep 10, 2024 · Hasselblad just launched its first ever ultra-wide zoom lens – and its center sharpness is as good as a prime When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As a Nikon photographer, I certainly wasn’t short on options; it’s just that none seemed to work quite right. I'm just getting into 4x5, and over the past few weeks I must have spent 50 hours reading them for advice. Jun 3, 2020 · Whether you’re just starting out with large format photography or looking for the next lens to expand your shooting style, choosing the proper focal length for the scene makes a big difference. Some offer large coverage in a small package (Dagors and Wide Field Ektars). It served Ansel Adams in his earlier photographs including 'Monolith the face of Half Dome' (1927). Feb 9, 2021 · Which lens is better, the 75mm or 90mm? Read the article to see the pros and cons and learn about wide lenses on large format film. When I shot 35mm and medium format (6x7, 645) I preferred a wide angle lens (75mm in 6x7 and 35mm in 35) These lens worked best for my vision. Jun 25, 2025 · Only the very finest lenses will get the best out of the Nikon D850's high-res full-frame sensor, and here are my top picks EXTRAORDINARY LENSES Get inspired! For Leica M-Mount From extreme wide-angle to the popular portrait focal length” Designed for our rangefinder cameras, but can also be used with modern SLR cameras using an extra adapter. To all, I would appreciate any comments or opinions regarding a 300mm lens for shooting primarily landscapes in the 5x7 format with movements with the least fall off in image sharpness out to the edge of the image circle. Any advice on the best wide angles? Also are there any lens that do circles on 4x5? Any help on the topic would be greatly appreciated. Mar 24, 1999 · I want to buy a new 75mm lens for my 4x5. Here is a full list of Fujifilm GF lenses, their specifications and a buying guide. Hasselblad has dropped a new lens that marks two big firsts. This is my first post here but have been an avid reader here for years and years. On par with 35mm optics. 6 Apo-Sironar-S Lens is a 4x5 format lens for universal use which has been modified to provide the highest image reproduction quality. 5 II TS, and 24mm F1. Some lenses mentioned are rather large diameter/heavy. I'm looking for a very good used 210mm lens for 4x5 (I ma Lens Description: The Rodenstock 150mm f/5. Beautiful lens but because of it's uniqueness being high speed and sharp it's rather expensive. 6 but is there a better lens? For instance, the new Schneider APO Symmar L f/5. Should I use a field camera or monorail? How much coverage do I need and which brand lenses are the best? Re: Sharpest Large Format lenses. The early single-coated Fujinon large format lenses are relatively cheap and offer good performance. ONE OF SHARPEST Of FASTEST WIDE ANGLE LARGE FORMAT LENS. A massive 6x7 negative in the convenience of an SLR (single-lens reflex) design, and a fantastic range of lenses to compliment. 8 Rodenstock Heligon Made by Rodenstock of Munich, Germany, famed for its superb line of large format lenses, this 6-element 4-group beauty dates from the ‘50s and ‘60s and was made in Leica screw (LTM) and bayonet mount for Kodak Retina (whch can be adapted for mirrorless cameras). 6 lens, bear in mind they are really designed for 8×10. Good 4x5 Lenses A few of my favorites: SSXL 80/5. 7 | Extra-large aperture wide-angle prime lens for APS-C size/DX format Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model, Black (Images from Amazon) That f/1. Aug 13, 2021 · Nikon’s large format 1x APO macro lens, the Nikkor-AM ED 120mm f/5. The center of the lens is often sharpest rather close to wide open, say around f11. PetaPixel has compiled a list of the best lenses for each APS-C system. Feb 6, 2023 · The wide angle lenses, in particular the 43mm f4. Mar 11, 2003 · Normal medium format wide angle lenses have their their inherent limitation and will not satisfy you. For every generation of Nikon lenses the sharpest primes are generally the 85mm (f/1. 8 FX zooms). But there are a few lenses that consistently come up as legendary for sharpness. We frequently get requests for examples of the sharpest lens and less frequently get requests for the look of soft focus lenses. This is a true architectural quality lens, challenged only by dedicated technical camera lenses. Get the best deals on 210mm Focal Camera Lenses when you shop the largest online selection at eBay. Usually you load each sheet by hand into a special film holder in a darkroom as it has been done for a hundred years. To push myself, I'm thinking of buying a large format field camera, probably a Walker Titan SF 4x5. Mar 28, 2006 · When I shot people in telephoto large format, I found that lens sharpness meant nothing compared to camera-tripod vibration, or depth of field focus issues. Nevertheless I thought I should compare it to other lens I had access to. 5, depending on which lens. You need a lens that's compatible with your camera. Mar 9, 2021 · Coming in at nearly five times larger than a full frame sensor, the RZ has resolution for days and can produce tack-sharp images, making it great for landscape work. What 150mm 4x5 lenses have properties like that? Is there a significant difference between Apr 9, 2022 · A standard lens for large format tend to be relatively cheap, with perfectly serviceable older lenses fetching under £200. - My main question is this: What lenses have the highest resolving power and/or are the sharpest of all lenses? (Ideally for a s35 sensor. Obviously, others disagree and love those lenses. May 31, 2025 · SPECIAL EDITION WIDE ANGLE UHD LENS. I have seen some glowing comments about the Rodenstock APO Sironar-S f/5. 5 Planar is an excellent lens that is measurably sharper than the 80. The idea was quickly dropped for general purpose lenses. Ot f:7. 6 and 250mm f6. The end-all sharpest LF lens simply doesn't exists ! If you use it for architecture, landscapes, portrait, reproduction and copy work, you'll never need the same lens. The Rodenstock APO Sironar S or Schneider APO Symmar-L just barely cover the format and are very well regarded. e. Its special strengths can be seen when complex, fine structures in the adjustment range have to be reproduced. Which other lenses good wide open? May 25, 2024 · Overall, the Fujifilm GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR Lens sets a new standard for ultra-wide-angle zoom lenses in the medium format realm. Along with reviewing a series of lenses, I hope that I’ve also shown that in large format you can actually take great portraits relatively cheaply, and you certainly don’t need a posh lens to find a proper audience for your work. I'd pick either of the same two lenses in the 180mm focal length, however you aren't coverage limited at that point. Here are some collections of photographs made with large format black and white film, using a variety of large format lenses, at different apertures and film sizes. 6. FRAMOS helps you select and integrate precision optics for industrial, scientific, and aerospace applications. We've tested hundreds and hundreds of lenses over the years. Does anyone have any experience knowi ng which is the sharpest? I hear the Grandagon is the sharpest of the wide angl es? Is a center filter necessary for all wide angle lenses? Jun 18, 2006 · Your want of a lens delivering 120 lp/mm for 6x9 with movements is being very demanding. What I’ve noticed with 4x5 is that unlike smaller formats, it’s a lot harder to pick out what focal length I'd say that a 150mm lens would be a good focal length, roughly equivalent to a 24mm on 35mm film. Oct 9, 2022 · Greetings. Their 100mm f:3. 5mm film bodies (Pentax 645 and 645n). (longer lense have a larger IC than wideangles) This will influence the focal lenghts that can be used on your camera and also the type of lens (no sense in buying 240mm IC lenss or a 65mm Wideangle for a graflex for example). Received wisdom has it that the Aug 2, 2018 · A lot of lenses from the 80’s or older has this uncharming look, the Mamiya lenses don’t, not that they look like modern lenses but something in between. All lenses tend to do worse at the edges than the do at the Aug 27, 2007 · Re: Sharpest Large Format lenses. rnrnThe angle of coverage of the 150mm I am looking to buy a 150mm lens for landscape and architectural 4x5 color photography. My wide-angle lenses however, are much sharper on the ground glass and once they're stopped down, they produce incredibly sharp images (at the center at least). Also, I can't recall using the Nikkors in the 65/75mm range, but it might be interesting to see how they perform. F5. On the slighly Hands down one of the sharpest lenses you can put on your DX body, and that f/1. Sep 30, 2020 · Explore Alternative Gear & Lenses photography discussions. , based on real-world use, not lab tests) of 18 (eighteen) different Pentax 645 lenses. 2 on the old Aplanat, but only in the absolute center. www. When you’re using a medium-format camera, resolution is king. Apr 30, 2010 · The 3 sharpest 210 mm lenses for 4x5 are: Sironar S/APO Symmar my APO Symmar was for a long time my reference lens in sharpness, till a got a APO Sironar S 240 mm which holds the sharpness better to the edges even in 8x10! Jun 15, 2005 · I think you'd be hard pressed to find as wide of an angle lens as good as the 90, just because of light and resolution falloff on the edges. 8, or f4. And you need one that meets your photography needs. 5, or Nov 26, 2022 · The Pentax 67 is a glorious medium format film camera. With the best technique, including using the lenses at their "best" apertures, the differences in resolution on film between good lenses of the same focal length and maximum aperture is pretty trivial. 6 Fujinon W 360mm f10 Fujinon A 240mm f9 Fujinon A 450mm f12. All three use 8 element 4 group designs with extra-low dispersion glass. Free shipping on many items | Browse your favorite brands | affordable prices. Aug 27, 2025 · How to get creative with a vintage lens. Yet another one can't be considered "sharp" until it's stopped down to f:32 - but that might have something to do with the large chip in the front element. oyfa jajj oobkl xiuq ytiw dnpt xour ncigj troh oenp