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Optimal Aperture on D3s
This page examines optical performance on the 12-megapixel Nikon D3s: the practical implications of the choice of aperture. The second (good) sample of the 70-200VR2 was used.
Aperture f/2.8 is definitely not optimal (based on much field shooting), showing results from very good to marginal, depending on focal length and focus distance. This page explores where the gains occur across the aperture range, from f/2.8 through f/8 at infinity focus.
While the 24MP Nikon D3x would show more detail, the same differences will readily be observed on either camera; this I can say for much experience with both. We’re looking for the gross behavior: smearing at the edges and corners as well as outright blur.
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Diglloyd DAP is DSLR-oriented, but also contains workflow and other topics. Much of the focus is on Canon and Nikon but also Pentax and Pentax medium format.
Special emphasis is placed on lens evaluation, focusing on Canon and Nikon and Sigma lenses, but with a few others like Rokinon/Samyang.
- Make better images by learning how to get the best results right away.
- Save money by choosing the right lens for your needs the first time, particularly some of the new Sigma Art lenses vs Nikon and Canon.
- Workflow discusses image organization, raw conversion and post processing. Many examples show processing parameters for direct insight into how the image was converted.
- Jaw-dropping image quality found nowhere else utilizing Retina-grade images up to full camera resolution, plus large crops [past 2 years or so].
- Real world examples with insights found nowhere else. Make sharper images just by understanding lens behavior you won’t read about elsewhere.
- Aperture series from wide open through stopped down, showing the full range of lens performance and bokeh.
- Optical quality analysis of field curvature, focus shift, sharpness, flare, distortion, and performance in the field.
Want a preview? Click on any page below to see an excerpt as well as extensive blog coverage, for example on Nikon or on Canon or on Pentax.
