Assessing a lens "in store"

[davidedric]

This is related to my last post on Panasonic M4/3 lenses.

On DPReview, there is a suggestion that different examples of the Panasonic 14-140mm lens, in particular, vary in sharpness. The suggestion is to try them hands-on in store.

My question is, how would you assess a lens sharpness in store?

The back of the camera lcd seems hardly adequate?

Dave

[inkista]

Bring your own memory card. Take the images home and examine them at 100% crop. That's probably what they mean.

[Manfred M]

Bring your own memory card. Take the images home and examine them at 100% crop. That's probably what they mean.

That is almost exactly what I did. We were considering two different lenses, so I brought the body and tripod in and took test shots with both lenses. I had a laptop along and had a look at the shots right after I took them.

[Shadowman]

Hopefully you can get more than a few minutes. You really need some extra time with a heavy lens and no tripod.

[Manfred M]

Hopefully you can get more than a few minutes. You really need some extra time with a heavy lens and no tripod.

Actually, the 14-140mm is a fairly compact and light lens (I use one on my video camera all the time). It is sharper than the Panny 100-300mm.

[Black Pearl]

First you're going to have to find a store that is willing to lets you spend more than the usual buying time testing what amounts to a fairly in expensive product.
You're going to have to pick a time when they're not busy and equally they aren't wanting to close/open/arrange lunches.
You will have to find a store with several in or your tests will be meaningless - might be harder than you think.
You will have to prove to the sales person that you will buy one of the lenses offered or he'll tell you to take a walk.
When you do buy one make sure when you go home and compare it on dpreview if you're still not happy - which sounds likely - you do not go back to the store but deal direct with Panasonic or they're likely to take you round the back and beat you with a stick.

[davidedric]

Thanks, folks. Thanks to CiC I have found a store that has more than one in, and which one of our members has found good to deal with. I'm planning to head up there shortly - hopefully Tuesday morning will be a quiet time

[RustBeltRaw]

If it's not too late, I recommend shooting the lens with whatever settings you're likely to use, and then with the settings most likely to produce bad results. In my case, those settings are identical. This will give you a feel for the lens at its worst, and where you'll actually use it.

Last lens I tried in-store was a Sigma 150mm f2.8 ultrasonic macro. Store tests were good, and a used on would be a good bargain, but the time isn't right.

[Glenn NK]

I suspect he has already been to the store, tested the lenses and may have already bought one - I think England is a few hours ahead of us.

I use the aforementioned process when selecting an ultra wide a few years ago. Tripod, MLU and/or LV is essential to eliminate vibrations (and watch out for customers/staff that walk by causing the floor to vibrate).

[davidedric]

Yes, I took the plunge and tested as well as I could in store. Bought the Panasonic 14-140mm from ukdigital, as recommended here UK members - where do you buy your gear by John2

Thanks for help.