Gentlemen, I have researched much in the thepast, excluded the Nikon 200mm M for its small image circle(though appreciate its 52mm filter size-I have Fuji 300 and Fuji 125), considering the purchase of a 210mm from Nikon or Rodenstock(Schneider and Fuji's too heavy). My work is strickly landscape, with moderate movements, willing to sacrifice some weight(the Fuji's 505grams and Schneider's 590grams just sounds too heavy) and size, but overall sharpness, detail, clarity is paramount. But, and that's a big but, if I have to go to the gym and work out to carry more weight, that may be the only option for me. Any comparitive comments on both the Nikon or Rodenstock? Another 210mm? Thanks,

-- Gary Albertson (garyalb@oulawnet.com), January 15, 2001

Answers

Gentlemen, Forgot to ask one additional question-has anyone done a comparitive sharpness test between the Nikon 200M and the Nikon 210W? That minimum weight is remarkable. Agreed, the image circle is very small, but if that is the only sacrifice, I may reconsider its purchase(Again, also like its 52 mm filter size) Thanks again, Gar

-- Gary Albertson (garyalb@outlawnet.com), January 15, 2001.

Gentlemen, I apologize, in my first question I incorrectly typed my email address. If it is of any concern, the second question I posted the corrected address. Sorry, Gary

-- Gary Albertson (garyalb@outlawnet.com), January 15, 2001.

the nikkor W 210/5.6 is a superb lens. you cannot go wrong with it.

-- jnorman (jnorman@teleport.com), January 15, 2001.

The Rodenstock 210/5.6 APO-Sironar-S is superb. I use it for landscapes and in all respects (sharpness, contrast, color) it is a winner.

-- john costo (mahler@lvcm.com), January 15, 2001.

You might consider Osaka 210, 4-element design. It's much smaller than 6-element lenses, with a respectable image circle.

-- Charlie Strack (charlie_strack@sti.com), January 15, 2001.

How about a nice, little 8 1/4" coated Goerz Dagor? Stop it down, and see what all the fuss is about.

-- Bill Mitchell (bmitch@home.com), January 15, 2001.

I happen to think the G Clarons in a Copal 1 are superb. Very small, sharp at f22+/-, and with much larger than the advertised image circle. I don't hesitate to use mine on my 8X10 although I don't move it around much on that. Tell me if I'm wrong, but didn't these "grow" out of the wide angle dagors after Schneider bought Goertz?

-- Jim Galli (jimgalli@sierra.net), January 16, 2001.

Jnorman wrote:"The nikkor W 210/5.6 is a superb lens. you cannot go wrong with it."

I fully agree with that statement. Optical quality: resolution, color, etc. is excellent. For me the minimal weight gain and larger filter size is worth the larger image circle. But that is something you'll have to determine for yourself isn't it?

-- Ellis Vener (evphoto@insync.net), January 16, 2001.