35mm Nikkors?

[semilog]

40X ???, this is sort of pixel peeping on extreme steroids.

Why not just look at an image, either it works or it doesn't??!!

I'm a scientist. I like to know how my tools work. And I haven't done that sort of lens test in over a decade.

PS —Happy New Year!!! 😀 😀 😀

 

[Jamie Pillers]

If the decision on lens purchases is based on web-based research, most likely only the lenses that produce high MTF, low distortion, and low chromatic aberation numbers will be judged "great". And each manufacturer has produced very few lens models that have achieved "greatness".

But if instead I look at whether a lens produces the type of image I want, the range of choices expands GREATLY. In the case of Nikkors for example - I find that some of their Series E lenses produce really wonderful images. These lenses are considered the low end cheap glass of Nikon. But it turns out that they do a super job for ME. But then I'm rarely wanting my images to produce clinical perfection... imagery like that doesn't express how I feel about the world.

 

[Stuart John]

Here is one from the 35mm 2.5 E...

 

[Stuart John]

And another....

 

[alistair.o]

super job for ME. But then I'm rarely wanting my images to produce clinical perfection... imagery like that doesn't express how I feel about the world.

Happy New Year!

Jamie, IMO the desire for 'clinical sharpness' is both obsessive and unrealistic. Let me explain:-

1. Everyone sees things slightly differently (excuse the grammar)

2. The world is as sharp as what? When you get close to objects and people there are any manner of edges, bumps and blemishes - that is life, not to be confused with the quest for DVD/TV/Cinema perfection which is confusing the issue.

3. Lenses are either good, so-so or bad. Indeed a lens can be all three!

4. Very expensive glass renders beautiful images - at a price. Not everyone can see that perfection (many never will - that's life)

5. The quest for perfection is IMHO unrealistic and money driven. Some of the best 'historical images' have been taken with glass that is readily available now at 'give-away' prices.

6. Some of the best photographs today from years gone by would be rejected out of hand as being of poor quality i.e. if only they had used this lens or that lens set-up etc.

6. You have to be there with what you can afford and use it to take pictures.

Al