The Schneider Super-Symmar XL 210mm F5.6 is the widest lens I own that has enough coverage at infinity on my 8×20 and 16×20 cameras. I think it is the widest ultra-wide lens available for these formats that allow room for front and/or rear standard movements.

The focal length equivalent in 35mm terms is about 16mm which is crazy wide in ultra large format photography.

My Schneider Super-Symmar XL 210mm F5.6 is mounted in a Copal 3 Shutter and has a front filter size of an astounding 135mm.

The lens weighs 2002g/4.41 lb and has a minimum aperture of F90 and a maximum aperture of F5.6. The F5.6 aperture makes focusing a dream on the huge ULF ground glass.

I especially love this ultra wide lens on my 8×20, and I have verified coverage on 8×20 in this YouTube video.

This lens is the smaller and lighter version of the 210mm Super Angulon, which is nearly twice as heavy, and it’s an F8 lens vs. F5.6. If you can afford this lens, it is the obvious choice in every way.

My lens is mounted in a Copal 3 shutter, which is typically how you will find these.

You can still find these lenses on eBay and via some private sales, especially in Japan, if you are willing to crack open your piggy bank and not cry too much. It’s crazy expensive, but if you want an ultra-wide ULF lens, this is the one to have.

I also use this for still-life studio work at 1:1, 2:1, and even 3:1 on my 8×20 and 16×20 cameras. At only 210mm, it is easy to get 2, 3, and 4 times the focal length in bellows draw on the bigger ULF cameras. I even use this lens for macro work on my 8×10 as well.

The 135mm filter size makes using filters with this lens challenging and expensive, so understanding the cost of using this lens goes beyond the initial purchase.

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