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  3. SCHNEIDER 68-171038

SCHNEIDER 68-171038 Diopter 138MM

68-171038 Schneider 138mm Diopter Full 1 Gen 2 With Case

( Brand: Schneider ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 68-171038 ), ( Part Type: Case ), ( Filter Shape: Circular ), ( Filter Effects: Close-up ), ( Country Of Origin: Germany ), ( Filter Size: 138 Mm )

Review SCHNEIDER 138mm Diopter Full Gen Case

The **Schneider Kreuznach 68-171038 138mm Diopter Gen** lens is a meticulously engineered, high-performance telephoto zoom designed for professional photographers and videographers who demand uncompromising optical excellence in demanding environments. Part of Schneider s legendary *Xenon* series, this lens combines cutting-edge optical design with robust mechanical construction to deliver razor-sharp imagery across a vast focal range, from 138mm to 200mm (35mm equivalent), making it an ideal choice for wildlife, sports, and portrait photography, as well as cinematic applications. Its **138mm minimum aperture** ensures exceptional light transmission, minimizing flare and ghosting even in bright conditions, while the **Gen (Generation) optical formula** incorporates advanced elements including aspherical and low-dispersion glass to correct chromatic aberrations, spherical distortion, and off-axis color fringing, resulting in images of breathtaking clarity and fidelity. The lens features a **manual focus ring with a smooth, tactile feel**, allowing for precise control, and its **weather-sealed construction** ensures durability in harsh outdoor settings, from dusty game reserves to unpredictable weather. The **fast, silent autofocus mechanism** (when paired with compatible cameras) and **rugged metal mount** (E-mount for mirrorless systems) further enhance its versatility, catering to both stills and video shooters who require reliability without sacrificing performance. Whether capturing the delicate details of a bird in flight or the dynamic motion of a sports event, this lens excels in delivering professional-grade results with minimal distortion and maximum optical precision. Its **compact yet substantial build** also makes it a practical choice for photographers who need a high-performance telephoto without the bulk of larger systems.

### **Pros and Cons of buying a Schneider 68-171038 (138mm Diopter Gen) Lens**

#### **Pros:**

1. **Exceptional Optical Quality** Schneider lenses are renowned for their high-resolution performance, sharpness, and minimal chromatic aberration. The 138mm diopter lens is particularly well-suited for macro and close-up photography, delivering crisp, detailed images even at extreme magnifications.

2. **Durable and Robust Construction** Schneider lenses are built with high-quality materials, including metal bodies and glass elements, making them resistant to wear and tear. The 138mm diopter lens is designed for professional use, ensuring longevity with proper care.

3. **Versatility in Macro and Close-Up Photography** This lens is ideal for macro photography, allowing photographers to capture fine details of small subjects like insects, textures, and miniature objects. Its fixed focal length and high magnification make it a specialized tool for precision work.

4. **Minimal Distortion and Vignetting** Unlike some zoom lenses, fixed-aperture lenses like this one typically exhibit less distortion and vignetting, resulting in more natural-looking images.

5. **Compatibility with Schneider s Extender System** Schneider offers extension tubes and bellows that can further enhance magnification capabilities, making this lens even more versatile for extreme close-ups.

6. **Weather-Sealed (Depending on Model)** Some Schneider lenses in this series feature weather sealing, protecting against dust and moisture, which is beneficial for outdoor and field photography.

7. **High-End Reputation** Schneider Kreuznach is a premium brand with a long-standing reputation for optical excellence, often preferred by professionals in industries like advertising, scientific photography, and fine art.

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#### **Cons:**

1. **Fixed Focal Length and Aperture** The lens has a fixed 138mm focal length and a fixed aperture (likely f/4 or f/5.6, depending on the exact model), which limits flexibility in composition and low-light shooting. Photographers who prefer variable focal lengths or apertures may find this restrictive.

2. **Limited Low-Light Performance** Fixed-aperture lenses do not allow for adjustments in low-light conditions, meaning you must rely on higher ISO settings, flash, or better lighting to achieve proper exposure.

3. **Bulky and Heavy** Schneider lenses are often larger and heavier than consumer-grade optics, which can be cumbersome for extended shooting sessions or travel photography.

4. **High Cost** As a professional-grade lens, the Schneider 68-171038 is expensive, especially compared to entry-level or mid-range alternatives. The price may not justify the purchase for hobbyists or casual photographers.

5. **Mount Compatibility Issues** Schneider lenses are typically designed for specific camera mounts (e.g., Canon EF, Nikon F, Leica M). If your camera body does not support the required mount, you may need an adapter, which could introduce additional costs and potential quality compromises.

6. **Limited Availability of Secondhand Options** Due to their specialized nature, finding used Schneider lenses in good condition can be challenging, and prices for used units may still be high.

7. **No Image Stabilization** Like most fixed-lens optics, this lens does not include image stabilization, requiring steady tripods or monopods for sharp handheld shots, especially at high magnifications.

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### **Conclusion:**

The **Schneider 68-171038 (138mm Diopter Gen)** is a high-end, specialized lens designed for macro and close-up photography where optical precision is paramount. It excels in delivering razor-sharp images with minimal distortion, making it a favorite among professionals in fields like product photography, scientific imaging, and fine art. However, its fixed focal length, aperture, and high cost may not align with the needs of casual photographers or those who require versatility in different shooting scenarios.

If you are a professional or enthusiast who prioritizes image quality and specializes in macro work, this lens is an excellent investment. For general photography or budget-conscious buyers, the trade-offs may not be worth the expense, and alternative lenses (e.g., Canon MP-E 65mm, Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8) might offer a better balance of features and cost.

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### **Recommendation:**

- **Buy if:** You are a professional or serious macro photographer who needs the absolute best optical performance, has the budget to invest in premium optics, and primarily works in controlled environments where fixed focal lengths are not a limitation.

- **Avoid if:** You require flexibility in focal length or aperture, shoot in low-light conditions frequently, or are on a tight budget. In such cases, consider a high-quality zoom macro lens or a more affordable fixed-lens alternative that still meets your needs.

For those unsure, it may be worthwhile to rent the lens first to test its performance in your specific workflow before committing to a purchase.

Details:

The 1 strength is a reciprocal of focal length in meters. Diopter comes with slipcase. Used condition: Great, No scratches. This filter is a suitable option for reducing the MOD of isomorphic and zoom lenses.

This is done by increasing the magnification while field of view decreases, but depth retained.

part #: 68171038 prices

  • $445.50-$526.50

specifications filtecam:

  • brand: Schneider
  • mpn: 68-171038
  • part type: Case
  • filter shape: Circular
  • filter effects: Close-up
  • country of origin: Germany
  • filter size: 138 Mm

general filtecam:

  • condition: Used
  • Cameras Photo > Lenses Filters > Filters

payments filtecam:

  • wallet: Paypal
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  • credit card: Mastercard

seller filtecam:

  • # reviews: 349
  • city: Brooklyn, New York
  • rating: 100.0%

returns filtecam:

  • policy: No Returns

shipping filtecam:

  • carrier: UPS
  • class: Standard
  • service: UPS Ground
  • transit: 3-9 Days
  • type: Calculated
  • cost: $23.63

offer filtecam:

  • availability: In Stock
  • started: February 18, 2026
  • quantity: 1
  • sold: 0
  • options: Ship-to-home
part type: case, filter shape: circular, filter effects: close-up, country of origin: germany, filter size: 138 mm,
category: camera & photo > cameras photo > lenses filters > filters, sku: 15209462475777603,
Schneider 68-171038 Is Similar To:
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3 offers $445.50–$526.50 USD
  • New. Offer #1 priced at $445.50 + $0.00 shipping estimate = $445.50* total. This filter is a suitable option for reducing the MOD of anamorphic and zooms lenses. This is done by increasing the magnification while the field of view decreases, but the depth of field is retained.FREE SHIPPING
  • New. Offer #2 priced at $526.50 + $0.00 shipping estimate = $526.50* total. Schneider Diopters are made from the finest optical glass. 138 MM DIOPTER FULL +1 - GEN2 (MULTI-COATED) - NEW IN BOX.FREE SHIPPING
  • New. Offer #3 priced at $526.50 + $0.00 shipping estimate = $526.50* total. FREE SHIPPING

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