The quality of the enlarging lens that you choose directly affects the quality of your final print, regardless of the technological excellence of your choice of enlarger (or camera for that matter). It really does follow that in our experience you get what you pay for when buying enlarger lenses. So trying to find value for money is very difficult. In our opinion two 35mm lenses are worthy of recommendation. The Rodenstock Rogonar gets a mention for its illuminated click-stops and wide aperture, which makes for bright baseboard focusing - ideal for students to see the image they are trying to enlarge, and the Schneider Componar S for the same reasons. When you need that extra degree of pin-sharp quality, especially on enlargements over 12 x 16 inches, you can count on these two lenses.
Manufacturer's description:
The lenses in the COMPONAR-S series are efficient enlarging lenses, reasonable in price, for the discriminating amateur. Enlargements with the four-element COMPONAR-S produce high-contrast and brilliant prints, from either color or black-and-white negatives. This lens type is suited for practically all magnifications of enlargement. Its optimal performance is in the area of 6:1 to 10:1.
The COMPONAR-S has a useful mount with an easily grasped aperture adjustment ring which makes the lens easy to use. An illuminated aperture makes it easier to use in the darkroom. The aperture adjustment ring with a linear scale has a click-stop at each full f/stop. By simply pulling down the aperture ring, the click-stop feature can be disengaged to permit fine adjustment of the aperture.
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