Tag Archives: sharpness

Still Trying to get the sharp shot

September 28, 2020 ronaldscheckelhoff Leave a comment

Figure 1: Still coming up short

So, I upgraded my kit to have a camera without the anti-alias filter (a Pentax K5 /iis), and a Sigma lens. Yet, the results so far leave me still wanting that sharpness factor. I’m using the Sigma 18-250 mm lens in the shot shown in figure 1. Click the picture to see it in full size. Doesn’t the detail of the pic just lack something in terms of the sharpness factor? Do I need a full frame camera to get what I want? Is it the lens, the camera, or the picture taker that’s at fault?

There was plenty of light, a quick shutter, apperture set at f/8 or so, focal length set to about 50mm equivalent in order to stay away from the extreme end of the len’s capability, and a steady hand. In addition, the IBIS mech was enabled. The shot should have been just tastey, right? Am I too picky?

The focus point was selected to be about the half way point of the scene (distance) – which was pretty close to the infinity mark.

Vintage Lens Honeymoon

June 13, 2019 ronaldscheckelhoff Leave a comment

Is Over.

Well, I kick-started my photography hobby for a second time recently after a hiatus of about 37 years. I bought into the theory that I could populate my lens arsenal with vintage stuff and save a bundle. In short order I had over a dozen lenses in my possession, none made after the date they want to check on driver’s licenses in order to purchase hard whiskey. Some were made not only that many years ago – but multiples of that many years.

Vintage Lens Sharpness List

April 20, 2019 ronaldscheckelhoff Leave a comment

I’ve been collecting quite a few vintage lenses, and I consider some of them to be very good lenses, while others seem lacking. I’ve decided to create a “Sharpness list” for these old lenses (most are older than 30 years old, and some are over 40 years old).

I should mention the methods I’m using to determine what is (at least according to my eyes) a sharp lens. I am using an image focus comparison chart (a “fine resolution” spoked star chart), affixed to a wall, and illuminated with daylight.