Shortcomings of a Rodenstock Geronar 150mm f6.3?

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I recently got a great deal on a Toyo 45AX and a Rodenstock Geronar 150mm f6.3 lens. I know that the Geronar line is Rodenstock's 'econo' product line, but what are it's actual shortcomings and are they enough of a handicap that I will need to look for a 'first line' 150 for my nature/landscape work. Is the 180mm image circle going to be a problem in this kind of usage?

-- Murad Sayen (murad@megalink.net), October 30, 1999

Answers

For landscape and nature photography, this lens should be your first choice. This lens might not be able to give you enough coverage for the extreme movements one might find in other types of shooting, but you'll be fine for outdoor work.

On the plus side, your lens is much lighter and takes smaller filters. Two real advantages when you're working with large format outdoors. I love these modern lenses for landscapes and portraits - the are much easier to carry and do a great job.

Brian in Queens, NY

-- Brian Yarvin (byarvin@mindspring.com), October 30, 1999.


Also, the image circle gets larger the closer you focus. I doubt if you really focus at infinity for many shots, as you will usually be at some hyperfocal setting. It should be a fine performer.

-- Ron Shaw (shaw9@llnl.gov), November 01, 1999.

You'll likely find this to be a lens you'll like. BTW, it is essentially a modern version of the Cooke Triplet. With so little air glass surfaces and multicoating, the contrast should be wonderful.

Use with confidence.

I hear that in the same range, the 90mm Geronar is another budget buy worth checking out if you don't require much movements.

-- K H Tan (kahheng@pacific.net.sg), November 19, 1999.


For what its worth, I would just shell out a little more cash and get a 150mm W used(plasmat design) from one of the majors. Then you will not have to worry about the coverage or the focusing image quality in the periphery when wide open.

-- Pat Raymore (patrick.f.raymore@kp.org), November 19, 1999.

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