The Group Antiplanetic was originally patented in 1881. It has two non-symmetrical pairs and is rectilinear. As can be seen in the reference, the asymetrical design featured a relatively thick cemented rear doublet. This was done in the belief that certain aberrations would be reduced, but in actuality, coma increased.

Steinheil believed the Group Antiplanetic to be good for just about anything a photographer would ever want to do: Portraits, Groups, Architecture, Landscape, Instantaneous Work and Enlargements.

This lens is mounted on the St. Louis Reversible Back Camera. It is 33 mm, corresponding to a No.3 (7¼" focal length) in this reference.