8X10 portrait lens

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What is your best 8X10 portrait lens and why?

-- Gil.Langlois (langloisgilles@yahoo.com), May 17, 2001

Answers

Gil,

My "best" 8x10 portrait lens is the 305 G-Claron. Why?...because it's the only one I own.

Seriously, I like it because it provides a good perspective for the type of portrait I usually make: full length, subjects in their environments, with that generally pleasing longer focal length look that a 12" lens provides on the 8x10 format. I also like that sharp, contrasty, well-defined (unflattering?) look the Schneider gives; I don't like that flattering, soft look of traditional portrait lenses.

If I wanted a bit tighter shot, something like a 14" lens would be nice. But, since I don't have one of those, it's not an option. I've also tried my Fuji 450 for portraits, but I don't like it as much, and I cannot precisely tell you why.

Good luck, Sergio.

-- Sergio Ortega (s.ortega@worldnet.att.net), May 17, 2001.


I use a 210mm Schneider Symmar for all my 4x5 portraits. On 8x10 I have been using the 14" APO Artar, since it was the only lens I owned for that format. I'm about to pick up an old Kodak 21" (533mm) which I'll be using for 'bust' (head to waist) type portraits. Go with what you're comfortable with. If doing full length portraits then a 10" to 14" lens would be my preference.

-- David Hosten (dahosten@yahoo.com), May 25, 2001.

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