On Wed, Jan 23, 2002 at 09:48:45AM +0100, Thomas Mueller wrote:
> Dear Zuikoholics,
>
> So, I did a lens test by photographing a newspaper from tripod with timer
> release to reduce vibrations. And I was a bit disappointed about the
> performance of my lenses at wide aperture with respect to sharpness,
> contrast and vignetting. This was true for the 2,8/28 (MC, Japan written
> inside filter ring), 2,0/35 (MC, Japan), 1,2/55 (probably not the rare
> earth version), 1,4/50 (MC, Japan). They were all okay after stopping them
> down by two fstops. But, what is the wide aperture good for if not to use
> it, that is my current feeling. The only exceptions were the 2,8/35-80 and
> the 2,0/90 which were brilliant even wide open.
>
I do agree with a most of the comments here.
But what I like most is the statement, that your test is to show what lens is
most suited
to reproduce Newspapers. - Not more - Not less.
You`ve mainly tested general purpose lenses, which are designed for best results
at infinity. None of them is a floating element design. So image deterioration
at
closer distances is unavoidable.
Some time ago I read a book about Leitz lenses. they described each lens with
comments about their pro- and contras. They adviced on any general purpose
lens, to stop it down 2-stops for best results with subjects closer than 2..3
meters.
Exeption are lenses designed for close distances and flat field, usually
macro lenses. Your test showed this (see 2.0/90 Macro).
The surprise of your test is the good result of the 2.8/35-80.
Your wide open tests are also affeced with the curvature of field problem,
which is not that importand for 3D-subjects. So lens designers do compromise
on general purpose lenses at this point. Any lens is a compromise
(at least regarding to the price tag).
This is another good reason why your OM has interchangable lenses.
Frieder Faig
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