D2X vs EOS: Depth of Field—D2X

Nikon D2X, 28-70/f2.8 AFS, Point B1
Top row is no sharpening, Bottom row is Unsharp Mask 500, 0.3, 4

Peak sharpness is reached by f8, then contrast begins to decline at f11, and by f22, both contrast and sharpness suffer.

© Copyright 2005 digLloyd, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any form requires explicit, written permission. No part of this document may be copied, distributed, disseminated in any form, electronic or tangible, whether in whole or in part, without the prior written authorization of digLloyd, Inc or its authorized representative.

Nikon D2X, 28-70/f2.8 AFS @45mm, Point C
f2.8	f4	f5.6	f8	f11	f16	f22

Center sharpness of the 28-70/f2.8 AFS is outstanding, with little improvement as the lens is stopped down. Sharpness begins to decline at f11 due to diffraction, worsens at f16, and seriously degrades the image at f22.

Nikon D2X, 28-70/f2.8 AFS, Point B2
f2.8	f4	f5.6	f8	f11	f16	f22

Peak sharpness is reached at f16, a balance between depth of field and the effects of diffraction. f11 is close, and might be preferable to preserve foreground sharpness.

	Nikon D2X, 28-70/f2.8 AFS, Point P
f2.8
f4
f5.6
f8
f11
f16
f22
Peak sharpness is reached at f22 because the benefits of the increased depth of field outweigh the image degradation due to diffraction. While f22 is helpful for the background, it will seriously degrade the sharpness near the plane of focus.