rich815 said:
According to this extensive test:
http://www.rickdenney.com/bokeh_test.htm
....that's a bunch of hooey.
"Apertures shapes are not really an issue with bokeh, especially near wide open. In none of these tests was aperture shape the main determinant in apparent bokeh quality. So, we should stop counting aperture blades. The lens with the most aperture blades was the B&L Tessar, but it had uniformly the worst bokeh. "
Well whoever did that test is on some wacky tabacky then, the shape of the iris definately affects the appearance of the boke. If you don't believe me, try out a Canon 50 f1.8, or like I said, an Olympus XA. I'll pull the scanned neg with the funky background boke from the Q17 if you still think I'm crazy.
It also depends on what near wide open is. Near wide open where the DOF is extremely small, it will hard to tell any shapes in the background anyway. But when you get to lenses with blur that is more subtle, you will see the shape of the iris reflected in the boke.
And sorry, but I hardly find internet tests definitive. Plently of people will tell you that an Epson V700 just can't scan 35mm, and believe me, it does quite well and makes very exceptional prints. Also a test for something like boke, which is possibly the most subjective element of a lens, is like comparing scotch to vodka. Some hate one, and like the other. You'll never find a winner.
Like I always say, test it out yourself.
And shoot lots of pictures. Both of which are very fun
🙂
PS: Personally I like Scotch and Vodka :-D
Catch ya,
-Tim
