Finding a Lens' Sweet Spot - How?

ka$h

ka$h

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Paul
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OK,

I understand every Lens has a sweet spot and is sharpest at a certain aperture. Now, how do you determine that? Is it simply trial and error? if so, can you conduct a set of test shots to find it out? Any pointers? Is there one subject that brings it out better?

I have an 18-200 VR and I obviously want the best from this. When I first bought it I was super impressed with it. Now, i feel it's a little soft. Is that because I am comparing it with the results from the 50 I bought? Probably :|


So, will the Lens be sharper at different apertures at different focal lengths?

AAAAARRRRRGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!! how do I get the best from my Lens please?
 
ka$h said:
AAAAARRRRRGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!! how do I get the best from my Lens please?
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by going out and taking pictures.

It's a nikon lens, it'll be good, if you're worried then stop it down to f8 and it'll probably be good.... but let the picture decide what depth of field you want rather than letting some arbitrary technical value determined from hours shooting test charts and brick walls define your pictures...
 
Soewhere in the middle...take pictures and find out...
 
Thanks guys, some trial and error required, but stopping down sounds like a first step :)

Ben, the graphs look great, but I've not a clue what they are showing though, sorry :$
 
You need to walk around snapping pictures at different settings then obsessively spending 5 minutes zooming in on your SLR's display screen convincing yourself then lens isn't sharp enough.

You then need to go out and buy a new lens or return it to the shop, and repeat.

After a while you will come to realise it's the body at fault and upgrade.

Give it a few months and things just won't be right. I think then the only option is to take out a loan and buy a D3S.

(:D)

Seriously *** dpreview.com has some lens reviews and a cool slider thing that turns a picture pretty colours and lets you know where is sharp and where isn't based on the f stop!
 
jojo90 said:
You need to walk around snapping pictures at different settings then obsessively spending 5 minutes zooming in on your SLR's display screen convincing yourself then lens isn't sharp enough.

You then need to go out and buy a new lens or return it to the shop, and repeat.

After a while you will come to realise it's the body at fault and upgrade.

Give it a few months and things just won't be right. I think then the only option is to take out a loan and buy a D3S.

(:D)

Seriously *** dpreview.com has some lens reviews and a cool slider thing that turns a picture pretty colours and lets you know where is sharp and where isn't based on the f stop!
Click to expand...


He's right, you know...:D
 
jojo90 said:
You need to walk around snapping pictures at different settings then obsessively spending 5 minutes zooming in on your SLR's display screen convincing yourself then lens isn't sharp enough.

You then need to go out and buy a new lens or return it to the shop, and repeat.

After a while you will come to realise it's the body at fault and upgrade.

Give it a few months and things just won't be right. I think then the only option is to take out a loan and buy a D3S.

(:D)

Seriously *** dpreview.com has some lens reviews and a cool slider thing that turns a picture pretty colours and lets you know where is sharp and where isn't based on the f stop!
Click to expand...


Spot on!! :D
 
I found ISO 200 & F11 was the sweetest for me this weekend:

_DSC0671.jpg

_DSC0032.jpg
 
Dogmatix said:
Got to admit, even though the monkey stepped into my shot, it works soo well! haha.
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It really does, because without his foot there would be no focal point in the photo :)
 
jojo90 said:
You need to walk around snapping pictures at different settings then obsessively spending 5 minutes zooming in on your SLR's display screen convincing yourself then lens isn't sharp enough.

You then need to go out and buy a new lens or return it to the shop, and repeat.

After a while you will come to realise it's the body at fault and upgrade.

Give it a few months and things just won't be right. I think then the only option is to take out a loan and buy a D3S.

(:D)

Seriously *** dpreview.com has some lens reviews and a cool slider thing that turns a picture pretty colours and lets you know where is sharp and where isn't based on the f stop!
Click to expand...

Here's that dpreview link http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/nikon_18-200_3p5-5p6_vr_afs_n15/page3.asp To save you the trouble, it's worst around 135mm and peaks at 24mm f/8.

But basically, around f/8 at any focal length it's going to be pretty damn sharp in the centre, regardless.

If you're not happy, make sure it's the lens and not something else, possibly humanoid aberration. And if you're still not happy, prepare for a very expensive ride ;)
 
jojo90 said:
You need to walk around snapping pictures at different settings then obsessively spending 5 minutes zooming in on your SLR's display screen convincing yourself then lens isn't sharp enough.

You then need to go out and buy a new lens or return it to the shop, and repeat.

After a while you will come to realise it's the body at fault and upgrade.

Give it a few months and things just won't be right. I think then the only option is to take out a loan and buy a D3S.

(:D)
Click to expand...

I think this is the point I'm fast heading to now! :lol:

The 5D Mark II is becoming ever more appealing by the day!
 
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