Big Landscape f-stops

[vaphoto]

My first major trip with the M9 is Glacier National Park and the surrounding areas. I will be using 3-lenses: 35 f/2 ASHP, the current 50 f/2 and the latest 90 f/2.8. I will be using a tripod, ND and Pol filters as needed. I will also be trying some HDR and Panoramas.
For the big landscapes what is the best f-stop working range for each of these lenses under early morning and late afternoon conditions?
Thanks
Bob

 

[thegman]

As you're using the M9, so you can see your results right away, why not shoot in a wide range of aperture sizes, and see which you like the best?

 

[flip]

Set the lens to the hyperfocal distance and you'll be aces. Just don't go by the lens scales, they're misleading.

I was thinking something similar, but then I read this. Please explain.

Assuming that the range of distance is covered, is there a compelling reason to use f5.6 over f11 that will be visible in results? I recognize the optimization exists, but I, personally, would benefit from seeing a real-world example.


As a small digression, I would say that in shooting my Canon 20D in extremely low light, i found that longer exposures yielded truer colors on a digital sensor. Something to consider.

 

[degruyl]

Have a look at this, for diffraction information:

http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/technical/diffraction.html

What this basically says is that diffraction is much more important with small sensors than with larger sensors/film. For 35mm (I believe that M9 is full frame) the maximum aperature is f/22 for an 8x10 print. Note, the print size is important. You need to reduce diffraction (and also DOF) if you want to make bigger prints. It is a balance between diffraction and DOF. You also need to focus on the hyperfocal distance for the aperture that you are using, ensuring that you get the most important part in focus.

I was going to say something glib, along the lines of "f/64, but you need a bigger camera"... but I decided to tell you why instead.

 

[Arjay]

... Just don't go by the lens scales, they're misleading.

Do you suggest to use another 'circle of confusion' value for the M9 instead of .030mm? The M9 is a full-frame 24x36mm camera, isn't it?

What's your reasoning behind this remark? Are you by default taking pictures to be printed in a larger format than that originally referenced by the old CoC definition (8" x 10" IIRC)?

BTW, when using non-standard CoC values, it makes sense to carry a specific DOF calculator. Google 'dofmaster' to find a tool that helps you make suitable DOF calculators for your CoC and focal length values.

 

[Roger Hicks]

The difference between f/8 and f/11 may be visible when shooting test targets but f/16 is usually detectably less sharp. Personally I like f/5.6 to f/8 for maximum resolution on most of the Leica 35mm-format lenses I have ever used.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Sparrow]

I would always go for f8 and focus at infinity .. not that I’m any kind of landscape expert

 

[ampguy]

I use f4 or 5.6 for landscapes and focus at infinity unless there is some close foreground. With the M8, diffraction, especially with reds kicks in sooner, than it would on the M9.

Check the MTF graphs for your lens as well, it likely is sharper somewhere way before f11 of f16.