This lens shines at X aperture

[Pontus]

I've come to realize that most cult lenses have one or two aperture settings that can result in spectacular and sometimes almost magical results. Name a lens and the aperture setting that works for that particular piece of glass.

I'll start: Minolta 58/1.2 @ f2 produces incredibly smooth bokeh, sharpness and 3D (on crop sensors also but especially on full frame)

[Excalibur]

[Pontus]

Good point. If you know the best distance to the subject, that information is valuable as well.

[NewStuff]

As a very general rule, most lenses are great 2 stops from wide open.

[Pontus]

And a good general recommendation that is. But please, recommendations for specific lenses in this thread.

I'll continue: Contax 100/3.5 @ f3.5 ( wide open) spectacular sharpness and micro contrast, smooth bokeh as well. (I've read that it's actually sharper than Zeiss 100/2 until f5.6)

[iangreenhalgh1]

A lens is optimised for a certain aperture, sometimes the manufacturer states which it is. For most lenses it is 5.6 or 8.