Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/06/08
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Yesterday Bob Roseman wrote this on the EOS list: >All right Ladies and Gentlemen, it's put up or shut up time. I have been = on >this list long enough to know that there are those of you out there who >feel that lens sharpness is the be all and end all of lens performance >(with occasional comments concerning damping, lens droop, and my favorite >topic, self destruction of Sigma lenes). > >But, folks, what in the world do all of you do with that sought after >sharpness? I can't imagine that you all have framed and mounted 16x20's >hanging on your walls. Do you shoot slides that are subject to critical >judging at photoclubs? Have you once had a scathing rejection by a stock >agent because your stuff wasn't 'pro' quality? I am curious because I have >started to look carefully at what I have seen published that I know is = 35mm >and a lot of it isn't that sharp. Have any of you seen the last two Sigma >ads for their macro lens in Pop Photo - the praying mantis and the fungus = ? >Those pictures are awful. (I throw away pictures better than that.) > >If sharpness is the holy grail why are you shooting 35mm? > >Lenses have a lot of characteristics. Weight, Speed (maximum f-stop), >focusing speed, contrast, flare resistance, durability, minimum focusing >distance, mechanical ruggedness, weather resistance, sharpness, zoom = range, >cost, and beauty - to name some. > >Yet, we see constantly, that some echew zooms for primes because they are >sharper. That's okay I guess as one reason, but it seems to be the central >theme of lens selection. I don't believe that in the real world (as = opposed >to list bragging) it is. So here is my challange. > >Let's all cut out the posturing about being pros, experts, wealthy, poor >what ever it is we use to justify the lenses we buy and level about >subjects we shoot, what lenses we have, and whether what we own fills the >bill or leaves us wanting. > >That way, we will all benefit far more from one another's experience. >Remember the truth! > ..... ... .. Bob Roseman Atlanta, GA http://www.electronicego.com/rosemanphotography/ Well, Don=B4t you think Bob=B4s opinions also fit our Leica list? Claes