Long Lenses For Large Format: over 210mm up to 450mm
Over 210mm to 450mm large format lenses
This is definitely long lens territory for 4x5 camera users. The lower end of this category isn't too far outside of normal and many 4x5 photographers commonly use lenses in the mid and upper 200mm range. When getting into longer lenses there are some things that should be considered including size and weight as well as your camera's bellows extension.
 |
 Schneider 1:5.6 / 300mm lens  US $750.00
|
 KONICA HEXANON AR 300mm F4.5 CAMERA LENS WITH CASE US $31.00
|
 FUJI FUJIFILM FUJINON L 300mm F/5.6 F5.6 LENS + SHUTTER US $350.00
|
 LENS PARAGON 300MM TO FIT US $30.59
|
 400mm Lens - Screw-In Mount US $10.00
|
 LOMO 300mm optical block for 35mm camera US $99.00
|
 VOIGTLANDER HELIAR 240MM F4.5 4X5 LENS CLEAN NICE US $895.00
|
 SCHNEIDER SYMMAR-S 240MM F5.6 MC LENS +CAP CLEAN NICE US $495.00
|
As you move up in focal length you are typically going to do the same with weight and bulkiness. This is no big deal if you have a studio setup with a sturdy tripod or camera stand but if you're a landscape photographer or someone who's going to be lugging their equipment notable distances on a regular basis, it' something to consider. The ruler of longer = bigger and heavier doesn't always hold up. There are exceptions such as Rodenstock's APO-Ronar 300mm f/9. Keep in mind however that you will be sacrificing maximum aperture and therefor maximum image circle and brightness on the ground-glass.
The second issue, bellows extension, is a bit more than an inconvenience. You should be sure that your view camera is capable of expanding the rear element far enough from the lens to allow for focusing. There are plenty of formulas to determine this but to get an idea if a lens just plain won't work with your camera just take your maximum bellows extension in millimeters and be aware that a lens of that focal lenght would only be able to focus on infinity in your camera, no closer.
