I am looking to obtain a barrel lens, 180-250 mm (wide angle) for 8x10 with some room for movements. Primarily for landscape subjects. Anyone have some suggestions or personal experience? Since I will mostly be using slow shutter speeds with this lens anyway, I am looking to save a few bucks by going with a barrel lens. Thanks in advance.

-- S. Eidukas (sveiks2u@earthlink.net), May 20, 2000

Answers

You may want to find a JML Optical 209mm f8 lens from a copy camera. They can be had for a very small amount on Ebay, and show up there regularly. I got one about 6 months ago in perfect condition. The prices range from 35-75 dollars depending on condition. The one I have is reputed to cover 11x14, so there is plenty of coverage for 8x10. It's single coated, and stopped down, seems as sharp as any other I'm using. I only do contact prints, so your mileage may vary.

The lens is fairly modern in manufacture, so optically, it should out perform the older copy lenses around that would be in the same price range.

---Michael

-- Michael Mutmansky (psu4ever@ix.netcom.com), May 20, 2000.

Ditto for the f10 Nikkors. I've seen them in the 210-260 mm range.

-- sheldon hambrick (sheldon_hambrick@hotmail.com), May 20, 2000.