A fuzzy question

[Dez]

I hear so much about the relative merits of different lenses in their ability to deliver attractive "bokeh". Although highly subjective, it appears that out of focus highlights become more attractive with increasing fuzzyness of their edges.

It would appear that in general, the attractiveness of the bokeh may be directly dependent on the degree of abberation (Spherical + colour) of the lens. Does the group tend to agree with that assessment?

Cheers,
Dez

 

[charjohncarter]

Sorry, lens choices are like women choices (or men choices), everyone has a different opinion. The lenses that I like after using them for a very long time (sometimes years) to decide; are not predicated on bokeh. And they are not always the sharpest, maybe never.

 

[Mackinaw]

Some people like smooth bokeh, some people like swirly bokeh, and some people like bizarre bokeh. I'm in the bizarre camp, the more un-smooth and unorthodox the bokeh is, the better.

Jim B.

 

[Godfrey]

How a lens renders is extremely variable based on subject type and distance, the specific content of the image, the lens opening, etc etc. What is "pleasing" is a judgement incorporating all those factors.

Trying to find a single rule for what constitutes "good" bokeh is mostly hopeless on that basis. Study what your lenses do, with what subjects and photographs, learn what makes you happy, and go with it. 🙂

G