Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 12
Results 21 to 23 of 23

Thread: Is lens sharpness an amature's perspective?

  1. #21

    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Norfolk, UK
    Posts
    505
    Real Name
    Yes

    Re: Is lens sharpness an amature's perspective?

    Sharpness can be measured and so reviews etc can include this data. When Canon first introduced the FD lenses (with chrome breachlock) they had a wonderful tonal quality, rather Leica like - the images were certainly sharp but they also had something else about them, unlike Nikons which though sharp were lacking this tonal quality. Sadly this changed when magazines in the 1970's started to publish mtf date, and line pairs per mm, etc etc. Sharpness became the be all for lenses, and yes later Canons were bright and sharp, but they lost something in tonal quality.

  2. #22

    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Location
    Cambridge, UK
    Posts
    492
    Real Name
    Peter

    Re: Is lens sharpness an amature's perspective?

    The OP's "seasoned professional" does have a point - sharpness isn't the only desirable quality in a lens, just as a high megapixel count isn't the only way tp assess a camera. Both are used for marketing purposes by people trying to sell us stuff.

    On another note, the sharpness of the finished image is greatly dependent on the processing; a well sharpened image from an OK lens will often outshine one from a top-flight lens poorly processed.

    On the other hand, buying new toys is fun, learning better skills less so.

  3. #23
    Abitconfused's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Santa Barbara, CA
    Posts
    624
    Real Name
    E. James

    Re: Is lens sharpness an amature's perspective?

    Just as I walked out the door, my Sigma 18-35mm lens arrived. Once latched onto a D7100 I started testing for, well, sharpness, amateur that I am. And, to further my shame, I recall the day when a manufacturer's rep admonished me in front of assembled colleagues, "Amateurs are concerned about equipment, real photographers are concerned with substance and composition." Here several years later I am still a rank amateur. Some of us never grow up!

    Is lens sharpness an amature's perspective?

    Sigma 18-35, 33mm, f/7.1, 1/400s, ISO: 100. Sharpened twice in Photoshop initial and output. RAW adjustments to correct lens distortion, and pull highlights toward midtones and add clarity. Lens adjustment filter used to tilt both vertically and horizontally, Curves applied to add contrast in 3/4 tones.
    Last edited by Abitconfused; 14th October 2014 at 01:29 AM.

Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 12

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •