3 way lens test 'quiz'

[RobertP]

When its a dull boring afternoon and you've got a new lens what do you do?
Try some test shots

I compared my new 17-40L with the Tamron 28-75 and the 18-55 kit lens.

I expected to see more difference that there was. Instead of a boring list that you can find on many web sites I have set the test pics out below so you can guess which is which

First the test shot.

All were taken on a tripod with cable release, converted to tiff with identical compensation in RSE and no sharpening ever.
They are 100% crops from top left corner and center frame and saved with the same jpg settings.

17mm (18mm) F4 Corner center

Lens 1

Lens 2

The Tamron only does 28mm so its not in the above
continued....

 

[RobertP]

28mm (appx from scale on lens) F4 (f4.5 for kit) Corner Center

Lens A

Lens B

Lens C

 

[RobertP]

40mm F8 Corner Center

Lens X

Lens Y

Lens Z

You can see whats what from the file names but the answer is below anyway
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Kit lens is Lens 2, Lens B and Lens X

17-40L is Lens 1, Lens C and Lens Y

Tamron 28-75 is Lens A and Lens Z


Well it kept me amused for a while!

Verdict? The test is restrictive and ignores other considerations like flare but shows what I've said before - don't knock the kit lens it's better than it feels.
Now why did I buy that 17-40.....

 

[Ally]

I really love the test, but I have to disagree about the kit lens. When I first got my 20d I would look at the photographs and was not impressed what so ever by the 18-55. It was soft as hell, my sony v1 with a carl zeiss lens could give me a sharper photograph. This is the only one that has impressed me with this lens -

After being sharpened. Thanks Ally