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maddog10
Joined: 08 Apr 2008
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Location: Maryland, USA
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 Posted: Sat May 03, 2008 6:31 pm Post subject: Testing Opinions |
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maddog10 wrote:
As I have a lot of lenses that I have yet to shoot with, I was wondering what your opinion of a good all around test for a lens would be. I would like to come up with a some kind of 'standard' that I could use when I attach a new lens. I would like for it to be a combination 'real life' and 'bench' shooting.
I would think it should include architecture, landscape, close focus/macro and studio shots. What about the aperture, should it be tested at all stops or just wide open, middle and fully closed. Should shots using flash be included or just available light.
Do you have any suggestions or ideas. What would you do if making this test.
I am looking to evaluate my equipment (and sharpen my skills).
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Attila
Joined: 24 Feb 2007
Posts: 57850
Location: Hungary
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| Posted: Sat May 03, 2008 6:49 pm Post subject: |
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Attila wrote:
My method is next:
1) Nice subject (not bookshelf, neighbour roof etc.)
for portrait lens portrait
for wide angle lens architeture or landscape etc.
2) three aperture set if possible
a) wide open
b) stoped down
c) f5.6 or above
Provide at least 5-6 Mpx image to see resolution , not just crop from one part.
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Katastrofo
Joined: 26 Feb 2007
Posts: 10405
Location: USA
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| Posted: Sat May 03, 2008 8:11 pm Post subject: |
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Katastrofo wrote:
Attila,
By stopped-down, isn't f5.6 and above, stopped-down? Or are you talking
about one stop from wide open?
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Attila
Joined: 24 Feb 2007
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Location: Hungary
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| Posted: Sat May 03, 2008 8:40 pm Post subject: |
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Attila wrote:
I am talking stoped down from wide open or f5.6.
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Katastrofo
Joined: 26 Feb 2007
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Location: USA
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| Posted: Sat May 03, 2008 8:43 pm Post subject: |
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Katastrofo wrote:
| Attila wrote: |
| I am talking stoped down from wide open or f5.6. |
OK, understand.  |
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LucisPictor
Joined: 26 Feb 2007
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Location: Oberhessen, Germany / Maidstone ('95-'96)
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| Posted: Sun May 04, 2008 9:19 am Post subject: |
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LucisPictor wrote:
| Attila wrote: |
My method is next:
1) Nice subject (not bookshelf, neighbour roof etc.)
for portrait lens portrait
for wide angle lens architeture or landscape etc.
2) three aperture set if possible
a) wide open
b) stoped down
c) f5.6 or above
Provide at least 5-6 Mpx image to see resolution , not just crop from one part. |
- I found my test set-up (camera on desktop, some stuff in the bg) quite useful to judge on sharpness and bokeh.
- Additionally, a landscape shot and a portrait would show a lot.
- I agree on the different apertures approach. My suggestion:
1) wide open
2) f2.8
3) f5.6
4) f8 or f11 (not more, because diffraction on the sensor side can reduce quality)
- Of course, it would be the optimum to test on a full frame cam, but if you only use a crop DSLR, there is no reason why you shouldn't test with it. (I do not have a 5D either, and tests with film cams also include the "scanner" aspect.)
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maddog10
Joined: 08 Apr 2008
Posts: 1072
Location: Maryland, USA
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| Posted: Sun May 04, 2008 11:29 am Post subject: |
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maddog10 wrote:
Thanks for the input guys!
I am starting to develop a plan (by stealing yours) 
Anyone else have some pointers/advice/theory?
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Michael Hill |
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bob955i
Joined: 15 Apr 2007
Posts: 2495
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| Posted: Sun May 04, 2008 1:56 pm Post subject: |
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bob955i wrote:
| Quote: |
| Anyone else have some pointers/advice/theory? |
Just one thing; since there's no such thing as the perfect lens, don't get too hung up on testing - establish each lens' strengths and weaknesses and once you've done that, take photographs with them that exploit those strengths.
Doing that will lessen any possible disappointment. |
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maddog10
Joined: 08 Apr 2008
Posts: 1072
Location: Maryland, USA
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| Posted: Sun May 04, 2008 6:41 pm Post subject: |
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maddog10 wrote:
That is exactly what i am trying to do Bob. i do not have the experience as some of the others and do not know what works well in certain situations. I want to test lenses through a wide range of situations and figure out where it fits with my other equipment. I also expect to get a few surprises, both good and bad, during this process.
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Michael Hill |
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bob955i
Joined: 15 Apr 2007
Posts: 2495
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| Posted: Sun May 04, 2008 9:07 pm Post subject: |
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bob955i wrote:
That sounds reasonable Michael - my comments were based on what I've seen on some other forums where some individuals have gone too far with their testing and as a result have ended up thinking that their lenses are junk, or pretty close to that, when in fact the reverse is true. |
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