Are there any outstanding compromises on lenses that would meet the following requirements. Corrected for 1:1 but useable to infinity. 150-180 mm focal length. Compact size. Available used for <$400.

I have a Symmar 210 and a Grandagon 90. Both are excellent lenses but not very ideal for 1:1 and 1:2 magnification range.

-- Dave Schneider (dschneider@arjaynet.com), April 03, 1999

Answers

the perfect lens compromise

The G-Claron fits most of the critiria but I don't know how it fits in the last catagory ($400) That would be my choice if I could find one and I had the money. For that price you might have to mount it in the shutter yourself.

-- Lee Carmichael (click@flash.net), April 04, 1999.

I agree that the Schneider G-Claron 150mm/f9 ought to meet your requirements. At about $520 new ($519 from Badger Graphic Sales), you should be able to pick up a used one in the $400 range. Another to consider is the Fujinon-A 180mm/f9. Fuji A series lenses are widely reported to be excellent. A used 180 sold on eBay a couple of weeks ago for $442.

-- Greg Lawhon (glawhon@unicom.net), April 04, 1999.