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2024-04-14 100 Megapixels coming to a Sony A7R VI ?

2024-03-25 Sony’s New 19200 X 12800 = 247-Megapixel Sensor IMX811-AAQR Implies 108 Megapixels for 35mm Format

2024-03-11 Hasselblad X2D 100C: Step Size for its Focus Bracketing Feature

2024-02-05 Interview with Michael Erlewine re Medium Format, Sony Mirrorless, Nikon Mirrorless, Diffraction, Focus Stacking, Best Lenses 📹

2023-12-09 In Praise of Digital vs Film (v4) + Reader Comments (updated late 2023-12-10 15:12)

2023-05-01 Leica M11 Monochrom: Diffraction and Brilliance Across Apertures

2023-01-28 Sony A7R V Pixel Shift: Diffraction Effects, Pixel Shift vs Single Shot, Enhance Details

2022-07-25 Fujifilm GFX100S: How Much Does Diffraction Affect Image Quality from f/5.6 to f/32?

2022-05-04 Best Camera for You? Reader Comments

2022-03-22 Challenges of 100 Megapixels in 35mm Format?

2022-02-24 Canon Goes with the Big Artillery: Canon RF 800mm f/5.6L IS, Canon RF 1200mm f/8L IS

2021-12-27 Reader Comment: Focus Stacking a Necessity

2021-12-13 In Praise of Digital vs Film (UPDATED, v3)

2021-04-01 Sony A1 vs Diffraction: Siemens Star

2021-03-15 Reader Comment: Fujifilm GFX100S/GFX100 Focus Stepping / Focus Stacking FOCUS BKT Algorithmic Error? Far Too Many Tightly-Focused Frames

2021-01-09 Zeiss ZM 35mm f/1.4 Distagon Aperture Series: Frosty Creek to Snowy Mountainside, Lundy Canyon (Leica M10-R)

2019-11-28 Need Advice/Help with Phase One Capture One Pro Sharpening Tools (UPDATE with reader comments)

2019-09-16 Sony A7R IV: Diffraction with High Grade Lenses

2019-04-13 Panasonic S1R Multi-Shot High-Res Mode: the Largest Advance in Image Quality in a Decade?

2019-04-08 Panasonic S1R Multi-Shot High-Res Mode: Evaluating How Diffraction Affects Captured Detail and Micro Contrast

2018-08-25 Nikon Z7: Pinpoint AF

2018-08-25 Nikon Z7 Diffraction Compensation

2018-07-25 Hasselblad PR: “Real World” Comparison: Nikon D850 with Decrepit Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8 Zoom Compared Without Format Equivalence or Validation of Basics

2017-11-01 Zeiss Milvus 25mm f/1.4 Stacking Examples: Glacier Canyon and Dana Lakes (Nikon D850)

2017-10-27 Nikon D850: 'Focus shift shooting' Feature Most Important Feature since Live View; Focus Stacking is the ONLY Solution to Full Resolution Images

2017-04-13 Fujifilm GF 32-64mm f/4 @32mm Focus Stack: Barroom Interior

2017-03-07 Fujifilm GFX 50s + 120mm f/4 Macro Plus Diffraction and Sharpening Evaluations

2017-02-25 MTF for Fujifilm GFX GF Lenses

2016-11-07 MTF for the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art

2016-07-15 Depth of field and Sharpness: Conventional Thinking is Unrealistic Going Forward, Focus Stacking is One Solution

Workflow, Photoshop

Getting pro results in Photoshop..

1. Diffraction and How to Sharpen to Counteract in Adobe Camera Raw 📹

Workflow, Other

Make it your best shot..

1. Diffraction: How it Damages Sharpness, Examples, How to Avoid? 📹

Bokeh and Blur

How a lens blurs when out of focus is a Big Deal..

1. Bokeh Overview
2. Concentric Diaphragm Echo Bokeh (from diffraction)
3. Diffraction Star Patterns

Sharpness and Blur by Optics

Blur from optical behavior or subject-related issue..

1. Blur by Diffraction

Blur from Camera or Support

Sharpness loss by camera or support or technique..

1. Resolving to Sensor Resolution

Appendices

Glossary and further reading..

1. Glossary

Digital Sensor Technology

Digital capture technology is discrete, and not the same as film..

1. Effects of Diffraction Blur on Color Aliasing
2. Diffraction vs Color Aliasing (Leica M240)
3. Resolving to the Sensor Resolution
4. Future Cameras and Lenses
5. Photosite Sizes of Various Cameras

Post Processing for Sharpness

Making image captures look sharp..

1. Mitigating Micro Contrast Losses from Diffraction Blur

Depth of Field

Controlling the zone of sharp detail..

1. What is Acceptably Sharp?

Depth of Field Mitigations

Increasing Depth of Field by means other than stopping down..

1. Example: Using a Tilt Lens for Product/Tabletop Photography (D800E, Pellegrino)

Focus Stacking Overview

Bypass the limits on depth of field and diffraction..

1. Overview of Focus Stacking
2. Focus Stacking = ONLY Solution for Full Resolution with High-Res Digital
3. Focus Stacking Gains in Sharpness vs Single Frame, File Size as a Proxy Measurement
4. Automated Focus Stepping for Stacking (Nikon D850 in Particular)

Focus Stacking Examples

Examples of Focus Stacking..

1. Example: Getting Close to 50 Megapixels in Real Photography (Spotted Boulder, Canon 5Ds R)

Diffraction

Getting peak performance from your lens.

1. Diffraction—Resolution Taxed to Its Limits
2. Influence of Pixel Size
3. Example—Resolution Chart
4. Field Example (San Francisco, Canon 1Ds Mark III)
5. Diffraction Limits for High Resolution DSLR (Dolls, Nikon D7100)
6. Diffraction Flare with Stopping Down (Barn Interior)
7. Diffraction: How it Damages Sharpness, Examples, How to Avoid? 📹
8. Diffraction and How to Sharpen to Counteract in Adobe Camera Raw 📹
9. Diffraction: Resolution Taxed to Its Limits (P.T. Jan/Feb 2009 PDF)

Understanding Modulation Transfer Function (MTF)

Understanding resolution and contrast graphs..

1. MTF Introduction
2. Fantasy MTF

How to Test A Lens

How to verify a good sample and assess all aspects of lens performance..

1. Testing for Bokeh

Image Quality Issues

Unique challenges of digital infrared..

1. Choice of Aperture / Depth of Field

Panasonic S1R Multi-Shot High-Res Mode

Evaluating Multi-Shot High-Res Mode..

1. Panasonic S1R: Diffraction Limits for Multi-Shot High-Res Mode
2. Panasonic S1R: Best Shooting Practices for Multi-Shot High-Res Mode

Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro OIS

All-arounder entry-level mid-range zoom for L-Mount..

1. Aperture Series @ 35mm: Mosaic

Panasonic Lumix S PRO 70-200mm f/4 OIS

Image stabilized classic 70-200mm for L-Mount..

1. Aperture Series @ 87mm: Mosaic (Panasonic S1R, HighRes)

Leica 28mm f/2 APO-Summicron-SL ASPH

Fast short wide angle lens for L-Mount cameras..

1. Examples: Tenaya Canyon (Leica SL2)
2. Aperture Series: Landslide Hillside (SL3)

Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron-SL ASPH

Non-APO normal lens..

1. MTF for Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron-SL ASPH

Sigma SD1 Merrill

Sigma/Foveon true-color sensor in a DSLR body..

1. Aperture Series: 18-35mm f/1.8 @ 35mm (SD1M, Red Barn)

Nikon D850

The best becomes better..

1. Sensor Resolution: Technical Challenges in Exploiting It

Nikon D800E

36 megapixels in a compact full-frame DSLR..

1. Diffraction and Optimal Aperture (Mosaic, Leica 100/2.8 APO)
2. LENS Evaluations: Notes
3. LENS: D800 + PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED
4. LENS: D800 + 85/2.8D PC-Micro-Nikkor
5. LENS: D800 + AF-S 105/2.8G ED-IF VR Macro
6. LENS Evaluations: Conclusions
7. Optimal Aperture, Depth of Field

Nikon D800E vs D800

D800E supplement and comparisons with Nikon D800..

1. D800E Diffraction and Optimal Aperture (Mosaic, Zeiss 50/2)

Nikon D4

Nikon’s pro-body high speed low light wonder..

1. Diffraction and Optimal Aperture (Mosaic, Zeiss 100/2 Makro-Planar)

Nikon D3200

24-megapixel APS-C consumer DSLR..

1. D3200 Sharpness from ƒ/4 - ƒ/45

Canon EOS 5DS / 5DS R

50 megapixel successor to the 22 megapixel Canon 5D Mark III..

1. Moiré and Diffraction Across Apertures: Canon 5DS R vs 5DS (Window Screen)

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR

Nikon’s finest 70-200 zoom as of 2017..

1. Aperture Series @ 135mm: 'The Claw' Fountain at Night (Nikon D810)

Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/4 ED VR and 70-200mm f/2.8 ED VR II

Which speed zoom for the Nikon D800/D800E?.

1. Aperture Series: Church Doorway (200mm)

Nikon D3x 24.4-megapixel DSLR review

Includes: D3x resolution comparisons (res chart) with Nikon D3, Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III, resolution comparison on outdoor shot with Nikon D3, large examples, large wildlife examples, Nikon 200mm f/2 VR on D3x, long exposure noise ISO series, D3x sensitivity on diffraction, D3x dynamic range at ISO 100 vs ISO 50, D3x vs D3 color and noise..

1. Diffraction with the D3x
2. Diffraction Mosaic

Canon 1D Mark IV

Canon 1D Mark IV 16-megapixel DSLR..

1. Sharpness Example over Aperture Range

Canon TS-E 17/4L

Ultra wide angle tilt shift with tremendous versatility.

1. Aperture Series: Wyman Canyon Cabin Interior (5D Mark III)

Pentax K-1 Mark II

Verions 2 — 36-megapixel full-frame DSLR with SuperRes Pixel Shift Mode..

1. Overview/Comparison of Resolving Power with Pixel Shift

Pentax K-1

36-megapixel full-frame DSLR with SuperRes Pixel Shift Mode..

1. Pentax K-1 Innovative Features
2. Focus Stacking in SuperRes Mode (Pair of Pears)
3. SuperRes Pixel Shift Mode: Golden Trout Closeup

Pentax HD FA 15-30mm f/2.8 ED SDM WR

Full frame ultra wide angle zoom..

1. Aperture Series @ 15mm, with Pixel Shift: Mosaic (Pentax K-1 SuperRes)
2. Aperture Series @ 21mm, with Pixel Shift: Mosaic (Pentax K-1 SuperRes)
3. Aperture Series @ 30mm, with Pixel Shift: Mosaic (Pentax K-1 SuperRes)

Pentax HD FA 50mm f/1.4 SDM AW

All-new high performance design..

1. Examples: White Mountains

Pentax smc P-D FA 50mm f/2.8 Macro

Macro lens focusing to life size 1:1 in a normal lens..

1. Aperture Series: Tiled Water Fountain (Pentax K-1 SuperRes)
2. Aperture Series: Church Mosaic, Sunlit (Pentax K-1 SuperRes)

Pentax smc Pentax-D FA 100mm f/2.8 WR Macro

Macro lens focusing to life size 1:1..

1. Aperture Series: Map of the World (Pentax K-1 SuperRes + StdRes)

Pentax HD DA Limited 15mm f/4 ED

APS-C wide angle lens equivalent to 22mm on full-frame..

1. Aperture Series: Sidelit Barn (Pentax K3)
2. Aperture Series: Ice on Beaver Pond at Sunrise (Pentax K3)

Pentax HD DA Limited 35mm f/2.8 Macro

APS-C normal lens equivalent to 53mm on full-frame..

1. Aperture Series: Sidelit Barn (Pentax K3)
2. Aperture Series: Map of the World (K-1 Full Frame, SuperRes, Shade Extended)
3. Aperture Series: Map of the World (K-1 Full Frame, SuperRes, Shade Retracted)

Canon 40mm f/2.8 STM

Canon’s tiny and lovely pancake lens..

1. Aperture Series: Industrial Feed Plant in Oakdale (5DS R)

Canon 35mm f/1.4L II

Canon’s updated fast 35mm prime, evaluated on Canon 5DS R..

1. Aperture Series: Lundy Canyon

Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art

A whopping 4/3 stop faster than other lenses in its range..

1. Aperture Series + Focus Stack: Dead and Live Aspen, Dusk
2. Focus Stack: Two Aspen at Beaver Pond, Sunset
3. Aperture Series: View to High Peaks from Chickenfoot Lake, Sunset

Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art

Sigma’s fast high performance wide angle..

1. MTF for Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
2. Examples: Mt Conness Watershed (Canon 5DS R)

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art

Sigma’s best portrait lens..

1. Shootout: Sigma 85/1.4A vs Zeiss Milvus 85/1.4 vs Nikon 85/1.4G (Snowy Spur of Mt Conness, Nikon D810)

Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art

Fastest 135mm lens yet, with ultra high performance..

1. Aperture Series: American Hotel, Cerro Gordo (Nikon D810)

Sigma Telephoto APO Macro Lenses: 150mm, 180mm

Sigma’s fast telephoto APO macro lenses..

1. Sigma 180/2.8 APO vs Leica 180/2.8 APO vs Voigtlander 180/4 APO (Mosaic)

Schneider PC-TS Perspective Control Tilt/Shift Lenses

Tilt/Shift by Schneider for Canon and Nikon and other brands..

1. Using Tilt to Isolate (Aero), 90mm
2. Diffraction from f/4.5 - f/32, 90/4.5

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G

Nikon’s latest 50mm lens compared with the Zeiss ZF 50/1.4, Nikon 50/1.4D and Sigma 50/1.4..

1. Reindeer Bokeh

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 58mm f/1.4G

Nikon’s High performance normal lens.

1. MTF Chart

Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 200mm f/4.0D IF-ED

Nikon’s workhorse 200mm macro lens, and not just sharp at close-ups!.

1. Central Sharpness At Distance
2. Achieving Corner to Corner Sharpness: Mosaic

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G

Nikon’s fast ultra wide angle..

1. Aperture Series: Sparkling Lake (D810)

Coastal Optics 60mm f/4 UV-VIS-IR APO Macro

A superlative multi-spectral lens with perfect color correction..

1. Lens Designer Notes
2. Aperture Series: Shimano Drive Train (Sony A7R II)

Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM

Extreme wide angle zoom..

1. MTF for Canon 11-24mm f/4L
2. Aperture Series @ 15mm: Boulders near Mt. Williamson (5DM3)
3. Aperture Series @ 11mm: Pescadero Creek Downstream (Canon 5DM3)
4. Aperture Series @ 16mm: Pescadero Creek Downstream (Canon 5DM3)

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III

Is the 3rd time the charm?.

1. Examples #1 of 3: Conness Lakes Area, Brilliance on Snow
2. Examples #2 of 3: Lundy Canyon Morning
3. Examples #3 of 3: Lundy Lake and Meadows

Nikon AF-S 105mm f/1.4E ED

Nikon’s best-ever f/1.4 lens?.

1. Aperture Series: Orange Aspen by Towering Monolith (Nikon D810)

Nikon Ultra Wide Zooms

Comparing Nikon 16-35mm f/4 VR, 17-35mm f/2.8, 14-24mm f/2.8, 18-35mm, 24-70mm f/2.8 along with Nikon 20mm f/3.5, 24mm f/2, 28mm f/2, 35mm f/1.4 AIS, and more..

1. Crops at 16mm — Right Edge
2. Crops at 16mm — Left Edge
3. Crops at 24mm — Focus
4. Crops at 28mm — Focus
5. Conclusions on Mosaic Comparisons —

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II

A review of Canon’s new 70-200mm zoom, along with comparisons to other models and the 200mm f/2L IS. Extensive comparisons at multiple focal lengths..

1. Loss of Quality Stopping down to f/5.6 - f/11
2. 200mm: vs 70-200/4L IS, 200mm f/2L, 135/2L + 1.4X

Canon-Wide Angle Prime Lenses

Comparing the 16-35mm f/2.8L II to most of Canon’s wide angle prime lenses. Optical performance, ergonomics, focus, build quality..

1. 24mm Comparison: Mosaic

Hartblei 40/80/120mm SuperRotators

Medium format Zeiss glass in Hartblei precision tilt/shift lens barrels!.

1. Resolution from Diffraction —120/4

Rokinon 24mm f/3.5 Tilt-Shift Lens

Perspective control for architecture or landscape as an alternative to Nikon and Canon brand name offerings..

1. Rokinon 24mm f/3.5 Tilt/Shift

Medium Format Magazine

Articles written for MediumFormat.com..

1. Maximize Image Quality with Shot Discipline, Part 2: Depth of Field and Diffraction, Focus Stacking (December 2018)
2. Maximize Image Quality with Shot Discipline, Overview with Key Tips

Fujifilm GFX, General

100 megapixels in a portable package!.

1. Fujifilm GFX100/GFX100S: Diffraction Effects from f/5.6 through f/32

Fujifilm GFX100S/100 Comparisons

Is 100 better than 45/50/60 megapixels?.

1. SHOOTOUT: Fujifilm GF 23mm f/4 on GFX100S vs Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM on Sony A1
2. SHOOTOUT: Fujifilm GFX100S vs Sony A1: Deck and Roof
3. SHOOTOUT @ 43mm/35mm: Fujifilm GFX100S vs Sony A7R V Pixel Shift: Huge Laurel at Bend in Alpine Creek
4. SHOOTOUT @ 43mm/35mm: Fujifilm GFX100S vs Sony A7R V 16-shot Pixel Shift: Huge Laurel at Bend in Alpine Creek
5. SHOOTOUT: Fujifilm GFX100S vs Nikon D850: Deck and Roof
6. SHOOTOUT: Fujifilm GFX100S vs Leica SL2 + Leica SL 50/2 APO: Deck and Roof

Fujifilm GFX100S

100 megapixels in a body the size of a 35mm DSLR!.

1. Fujifilm GFX100S: Multi-Shot High-Res Mode Examined Critically (Deck and Roof)

Fujifilm GFX100 Focus Stacking and FOCUS BKT

100 megapixels in a portable package!.

1. Fujifilm GFX100/GFX100S: Focus Stacking is All But Mandatory for Landscape and Similar

Fujifilm GFX 50S/R Image Processing

Tips on getting the best results..

1. Sharpening Amount with Adobe Camera Raw
2. Mitigating Diffraction from f/4 through f/32

Fujifilm GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR

Compact wide angle.

1. Distortion and Distortion Correction from 20mm to 35mm

Fujifilm GF 23mm f/4 R WR

Ultra wide angle equivalent to 19mm f/3.3. .

1. Examples: Dana Lakes (GFX 50S)
2. Aperture Series: Blue Water Flows Over Dark Rocks (GFX 50S)

Fujifilm GF 30mm f/3.5 R LM WR

Compact wide angle.

1. Aperture Series: Deck Planks

Fujifilm GF 32-64mm f/4 R LM WR

Mid-range zoom lens equivalent to 26-53mm f/3.3..

1. Fujifilm GF 32-64mm f/4: Distortion and Distortion Correction
2. Focus Stack @ 32mm: Barroom Interior (GFX 50S)

Fujifilm GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6

Compact wide angle.

1. Aperture Series @ 35mm: Huge Laurel Along Alpine Creek
2. SHOOTOUT @ 43/35mm: Fujifilm GFX100S vs Sony A7R V Pixel Shift: Huge Laurel at Bend in Alpine Creek
3. Aperture Series @ 35mm: Lee Vining Creek
4. SHOOTOUT: Fujifilm GFX100S vs Sony A1: Deck and Roof
5. SHOOTOUT: Fujifilm GF 55/1.7 vs Fujifilm GF 35-70: Snow-Crusted Cliff (GFX100 II)

Fujifilm GF 45mm f/2.8 R WR

Moderate wide angle equivalent to 37mm f/2.3..

1. Examples: Lundy Canyon Just Before the Winter Solstice (GFX 50R)

Fujifilm GF 55mm f/1.7

State of the art normal lens..

1. Fujifilm GF 55/1.7 Aperture Series: View Across Saddlebag Lake, Fresh Snow
2. Fujifilm GF 55/1.7 Aperture Series: Earth Shadow Rises over Aspen
3. SHOOTOUT: Fujifilm GF 55/1.7 vs Fujifilm GF 35-70: Snow-Crusted Cliff (GFX100 II)
4. SHOOTOUT: Fujifilm GF 55/1.7 vs Fujifilm GF 35-70: Mt Conness Ridge SE(GFX100 II)

Fujifilm GF 63mm f/2.8 R WR

Standard normal lens equivalent to 52mm f/2.3..

1. Aperture Series: Yellow House (GFX 50S)

Fujifilm GF 110mm f/2 R WR

Ultra high speed telephoto equivalent to 90mm f/1.6..

1. Shootout: Fujifilm GF 110mm f/2 R WR vs Fujifilm GF 100-200mm f/5.6: Mosaic with Unstable Lens Focus (GFX100)

Fujifilm GF 120mm f/4 Macro R LM OIS WR

High performance macro photography on medium format, equivalent to 99mm f/3.3..

1. Aperture Series @ 1:10: Dolls (GFX 50S)

Hasselblad H6D-100C

How does the very best perform in the field?.

1. Conundrum: Depth of Field vs Diffraction

Hasselblad X2D 100C

Mirrorless large format with leaf shutter lenses, 3rd generation..

1. SHOOTOUT @ 26mm: Hasselblad X2D vs Sony A1: Windswept Bristlecone Pine

Hasselblad XCD 21mm f/4

18mm equivalent..

1. Aperture Series: Dark Log in Alpine Creek at Dusk
2. Aperture Series: Low View Up Alpine Creek
3. Aperture Series: Curvy Grade, Colorado National Monument
4. SHOOTOUT @ 21mm: Hasselblad X2D vs Sony A1: Windswept Bristlecone Pine

Hasselblad XCD 30mm f/3.5

25mm equivalent..

1. MTF

Hasselblad XCD 38mm f/2.5 V

Normal lens equivqlent to 32mm..

1. Aperture Series: First Sun, View to Wyman Canyon

Hasselblad XCD 45mm f/3.5

37mm equivalent..

1. MTF for Hasselblad XCD 45mm f/3.5
2. Aperture Series: Storm Drain Signs
3. Aperture Series: Night Scene

Hasselblad XCD 55mm f/2.5 V

Normal lens equivqlent to 45mm..

1. Aperture Series: Memorial Shed

Hasselblad XCD 65mm f/2.8

Normal lens equivqlent to 53mm..

1. Aperture Series: Lichen-Covered Granite Slab, View to Owens Lake

Hasselblad XCD 80mm f/1.9

Moderate telephoto..

1. Aperture Series: Lichen-Covered Granite Slab, View to Owens Lake

Hasselblad XCD 90mm f/3.2

Medium format telephoto lens, 74mm equivalent..

1. MTF for Hasselblad XCD 90mm f/3.2

Hasselblad XCD 120mm f/3.5

Telephoto macro lens, 99mm equivalent..

1. MTF for Hasselblad XCD 120mm f/3.5
2. Aperture Series: Bleached Log In Creek in Green Forest

Hasselblad XCD 135mm f/2.8

Moderate telephoto..

1. MTF for Hasselblad XCD 135mm f/2.8
2. Aperture Series: Lichen-Covered Granite Slab

Pentax 645D 40-Megapixel Medium Format DSLR

A price/performance breakthrough?.

1. Pentax 645D Overview
2. Diffraction Effects at f/11 to f/16

Pentax 645Z Image Quality

High end image quality, but what about lenses?.

1. Pentax 645Z Diffraction Effects on Micro Contrast

Pentax HD 35mm f/3.5 AL [IF]

Moderate wide angle lens for Pentax 645..

1. Aperture Series: Pescadero Creek Upstream, Late Blue Dusk (645Z)
2. Aperture Series: Dolls, Close Range (645Z)

Pentax 645 HD DA 28-45mm f/4.5 ED AW SR

Wide angle zoom for Pentax 645..

1. Aperture Series @ 45mm: Riparian Forest (645Z)

Pentax 645 90mm f/2.8 D FA 645 Macro ED AW SR

Medium telephoto macro lens for Pentax 645 digital and film..

1. Aperture Series @ 90mm (Dolls, 645Z)
2. Aperture Series: Decorated Bike (645Z)
3. Aperture Series: Dual Aspen Trunks (645Z)

Hasselblad H4D 50 Megapixel Medium Format DSLR

How does Hasselblad’s 3rd generation medium format entry measure up?.

1. Examples with HCD 28mm f/4 (Yosemite)
2. Examples with HC 100mm f/2.2 (Yosemite)

Rolleiflex Hy6 Mod 2 Medium Format System

Lens performance at 80 megapixels..

1. Rolleiflex Hy6 Mod2 Medium Format Camera System
2. Aperture Series: Water Worn Boulders (Schneider 50/2.8 Super Angulon PQS)
3. Aperture Series: Creek Meanders Through Boulders (Schneider 50/2.8 Super Angulon PQS)
4. Aperture Series: Up the Creek (Rolleiflex AFD 80mm f/2.8 Apogon PQS)
5. Aperture Series: Glistening Rocks (Rollei APO-Symmar 90mm f/4 Makro PQS)

Leica S2 37.5 Megapixel Medium Format DSLR

How does Leica’s medium format entry measure up in ergonomics, image quality, etc?.

1. Diffraction: Optimal Apertures
2. Moire and Aperture

Leica S Examples

Examples and comparison from the various lenses.

1. Comparison: Leica S2 vs Nikon D3x (3D)
2. Comparison: Leica S2 vs Nikon D3x (Mosaic)

Leica 24mm f/3.5 Super-Elmar-S ASPH

Extreme wide angle with ultra high performance..

1. Aperture Series: Hoover Wilderness Drainage (S006)

Leica 30-90mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario-Elmar-S ASPH

All-arounder zoom for Leica S.

1. Aperture Series @ 30mm: Mossy Boulders in Pescadero Creek (S006)
2. Aperture Series @ 30mm: Rushing Water (S006)
3. Aperture Series @ 51mm: Pescadero Creek Pool (S006)
4. Aperture Series @ 90mm: Grass Clumps on Boulders (S006)

Milvus 21mm f/2.8

The classic 21/2.8 Distagon improved..

1. Depth of Field Table for Milvus 21/2.8

Milvus 25mm f/1.4

Highest performing 25mm from Zeiss ever..

1. Examples: Focus Stacking in Dana Lakes Area

Milvus 35mm f/2

Classic design in the latest Milvus build..

1. Depth of Field Table for Milvus 35/2

Milvus 50mm f/1.4

Outstanding build and optical quality in a normal lens..

1. Depth of Field Table for Milvus 50/1.4

Milvus 50mm f/2M

The classic 50/2 Makro-Planar improved..

1. Depth of Field Table for Milvus 50/2M

Milvus 85mm f/1.4

Outstanding build and optical quality in a medium tele..

1. Depth of Field Table for Milvus 85/1.4
2. Aperture Series: Dolls (Nikon D5)

Milvus 100mm f/2M

The classic 100/2 Makro-Planar improved..

1. Depth of Field Table for Milvus 100/2
2. Aperture Series f2 to f/22: Rock Creek White Stripes and White Peaks

Milvus 135mm f/2

An Otus, in effect. Milvus garb for the 135/2 APO, with improved lens coatings on one element. See the ZF.2/ZE 135/2 review pages..

1. MTF for Milvus 135/2

15mm f/2.8 Distagon

Ultra high performance in an extreme wild wide angle lens..

1. Vignetting/Depth of Field Aperture Series (Church Interior)
2. Aperture Series: Radio Towers (Nikon D800E)
3. Aperture Series: Pine Creek Stormy Light (Nikon D810)

ZF.2/ZE 21mm f/2.8 Distagon

Brilliant imaging, even wide open, but with a few quirks. (Review in progress) .

1. Examples: Lundy Canyon, Brilliance at the Big Beaver Pond
2. Aperture Series: Eroding Ancient Bristlecone Pine (Nikon D800E)
3. Aperture Series: Wyman Cabin Trashed Interior (Canon 5DS R)
4. vs Nikon 14-24/2.8G and Nikon 16-35/4G VR

25mm f/2 Distagon

Ultra high performance with a fast aperture..

1. Field Curvature (Tioga Pass)
2. Aperture Series: Bristlecone Trunks (Nikon D800E)

28mm f/2 Distagon

An artist’s drawing tool..

1. Comparison—Nikon D3
2. Aperture Series: Mossy Green Boulders Amid Water Polished Rocks (Nikon D800E)
3. Aperture Series: Creekside Yellow Flowers and Dark Rocks, Lundy Creek (Nikon D810)

35mm f/2 Distagon

Balance and poise..

1. vs Nikon 24-70/2.8G, Nikon 16-35/4G VR, Nikon 35/1.4

50mm f/2 Makro-Planar

Versatility in a “normal” lens and macro too!.

1. Performance on 56-megapixel DSLR Pixel Density + MTF (Nikon D7100 + Sony NEX-7, Blue Doll)

Otus 28mm f/1.4 APO-Distagon

Fast high performance APO wide angle..

1. MTF for Zeiss Otus 28/1.4
2. Depth of Field table for Zeiss Otus 28/1.4 APO-Distagon
3. Aperture Series (night): White Truck at Night
4. Aperture Series (night): Church At Night
5. Aperture Series (night): Confluence Of Two Shadows
6. Aperture Series: Painted Rock (Panasonic S1R Multi-Shot High-Res Mode)

Otus 55mm f/1.4 APO-Distagon

Ultra high performance apochromatic normal lens, first in the Otus line..

1. MTF Across Entire Aperture Range

Otus 55mm f/1.4 APO-Distagon Rendering Style

Rendering style, bokeh and beauty..

1. Aperture Series: White Mountain Peak Summit Building (Canon 5DS R)

Otus 85mm f/1.4 APO-Planar

Ultra high performance apochromatic medium telephoto, overview and technical..

1. MTF for Otus 85/1.4 APO-Planar
2. Flare and Sunstars with Otus 85/1.4 APO-Planar

Otus 85mm f/1.4 APO-Planar Rendering Style

Rendering style, bokeh and 'transparency' without peer..

1. Aperture Series: Atlas Permaguard (Nikon D810)
2. Aperture Series: Aspen Leaf on Black Rock (Nikon D810)

85mm f/1.4 APO-Planar Night Vision

Peering into shadows at night with the very best..

1. Aperture Series: Emergency and Lights (Nikon D810)

100mm f/2 Makro-Planar

King of bokeh! Corner-to-corner sharpness, world class..

1. Comparison to Nikon 105mm f/2.8G VR
2. Aperture Series: Pine Creek Tungsten Mine Aerial

135mm f/2 APO-Sonnar

Beautiful bokeh, razor sharp, superb color correction..

1. MTF Chart
2. Max Detail Aperture Series: Mosaic (Nikon D800E)
3. Macro Quality at 1:4 (D800E, Doll Seated)
4. Aperture Series: Glacial Erratics in Tuolumne River (Nikon D800E)
5. Aperture Series: MTB Gearing (D800 Monochrome)
6. Aperture Series: Yellow Aspen at Meadow’s Edge, Blue Dawn (Canon 5DS R)
7. Performance on 56-megapixel DSLR Pixel Density + MTF (Nikon D7100, Dolls)

Zeiss LensSpire Articles

Articles written for Lenspire.ZEISS.com..

1. Focusing Zeiss DSLR Lenses For Peak Performance, PART ONE: The Challenges 📹
2. Depth of Field Challenges: Bypass the Limits with Focus Stacking, Near or Far, Macro or Landscape
3. Getting Started with Focus Stacking
4. Micro Contrast and the Zeiss 'Pop'
5. Zeiss Fills Out the Milvus DSLR Lens Lineup with the 21/2.8, 35/2, 50/2M, 100/2M

Understanding optics

Understanding lens performance..

1. Understanding Modulation Transfer Function (MTF)

Depth of Field

[ARCHIVE, see Making Sharp Images]. Exploring depth of field..

1. Depth of Field—D2X vs EOS 1Ds Mark II and Canon 5D

Diffraction

The limits of resolution are governed by physics..

1. Diffraction: A Technical Challenge
2. Diffraction Example Using 10MP Canon 1D Mark III
3. Diffraction Example Using 21MP Canon 1Ds Mark III
4. Diffraction in Consumer Digicams: When Megapixels Go Poof

Photo Tips

Photography Hints and Tips..

1. Depth of Field—How Far To Stop Down

Grab Bag

Various articles..

1. Photographic Film Really Was Not Much of a Performer

Coastal Optics 60mm f/4 UV-VIS-IR APO Macro

A reference lens for color correction..

1. Optical Performance
2. Lens Designer Notes

Hartblei 40/80/120mm SuperRotators

Medium format Zeiss glass in Hartblei precision tilt/shift lens barrels!.

1. Resolution and Diffraction

Nikon D200 vs D2x

Vintage 2006 comparative review of Nikon D200 vs Nikon D2x..

1. LensEvaluations

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM

Fast standard zoom lens..

1. Shootout @ 35mm vs Canon RF 14-35/4L: Alabama Hills Drainage, View to Mt Whitney
2. Aperture Series @ 50mm: Pine Creek Tungsten Mine, Aerial View

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM

High speed normal lens optimized for Canon mirrorless..

1. Aperture Series: Sprinter Headlights at Dusk

Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM

Super telephoto, ultra slow aperture..

1. Introduction to Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM

Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM

Super telephoto, ultra slow aperture..

1. Introduction to Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM

Nikon Zf

Setup, IBIS performance, focusing..

1. Nikon Zf: Pixel Shift, 4-shot and 16-shot (Siemens Star, Res Chart)

Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S

Fast ultra wide angle for Nikon Z..

1. Shootout vs Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4S: Bonsai Above Beaver Pond

Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S

Ultra wide compact zoom for Nikon Z cameras..

1. Aperture Series @ 14mm: Mosaic
2. Aperture Series @ 14mm: Mem Chu and Quadrangle
3. Shootout vs Nikon Z 20/1.8S: Bonsai Above Beaver Pond

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S

Mid-range zoom expressly designed for Nikon Z cameras..

1. Aperture Series @ 52mm: Snow Flecked Conness Ridgeline, Sunset

Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S

Fast portrait telephoto for Nikon Z..

1. Aperture Series: Bonsai Above Beaver Pond

Sony A7R V

5th Generation standard-setting camera..

1. Pixel Shift: Diffraction Effects, Pixel Shift vs Single Shot
2. Pixel Shift: 16-Shot vs 4-Shot vs Single-Shot: Dolls
3. Pixel Shift Performance Proofs: Alpine Creek
4. Pixel Shift: Capture and Workflow

Sony A1

Technological tour de force..

1. Examples: a Hike up Glacier Canyon, Mt Dana
2. Sony A1 vs Diffraction: Siemens Star
3. Sony A1 vs Diffraction: Siemens Star

Sony Alpha A7R IV

4th Generation standard-setting camera..

1. Diffraction Considerations for Sony A7R IV
2. Resolution for Sony A7R IV vs Sony A7R III: Overview
3. Shootout of Sony A7R IV vs Sony A7R III: Siemens Chart

Sony Alpha A7R

Full frame compact mirrorless with interchangeable lenses..

1. Sharpening A7R Raw Files in Adobe Camera Raw and Topaz InFocus
2. Mitigating A7R Micro Contrast Diffraction Losses with Sharpening

Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM

Ultra high performance extreme wide angle..

1. Examples: Pine Creek Forest
2. Aperture Series: Greenstone Lake

Sony FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA Sonnar

Compact moderate wide angle for Sony mirrorless..

1. Aperture Series: Grass in Pot by Bench (Sony A7R)

Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G

High performance, high speed..

1. MTF for Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G

Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM

High performance, high speed..

1. MTF for Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM

Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM

High performance, high speed..

1. MTF for Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM

Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G

High performance, high speed..

1. MTF for Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G

Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM

Top-grade medium telephoto..

1. Aperture Series: Church Mosaic
2. Aperture Series: Standing Dead Tree In Old Beaver Pond

Sigma FE 14mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Super-fast ultra-wide astrophotography lens..

1. Aperture Series: Expansive View to White Mountain Peak

Sigma FE 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art

Native-mount ultra wide angle high performance zoom for mirrorless..

1. Examples: Pine Creek (Sony A7R IV)
2. Shootout @ 14mm: Mosaic (Sony A7R IV)

Sigma FE 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Ultra high performance medium telephoto..

1. Micro Contrast, Moiré, Color Aliasing with/without Pixel Shift and Distortion Correction

Voigtlander FE Heliar-Hyper 10mm f/5.6 Aspherical III

Anything wider would be a fisheye..

1. Aperture Series: Yellow Flower Yard (Sony A7R II)
2. Aperture Series: Snowy Road (Sony A7R II)
3. Aperture Series: Wyman Canyon Lower Cabin Interior (Sony A7R II)

Voigtlander FE 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Aspherical

High-grade manual focus wide-normal lens..

1. Aperture Series: Pine Creek Mining Buildings

Voigtlander FE 50mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Aspherical

High-grade manual focus normal lens..

1. Examples: Alabama Hills and Mt Whitney Area

Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM

Fast extreme wide angle zoom..

1. Distortion for Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM
2. Aperture Series @ 21mm: Aspen Grove on Rocky Slope

Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM

Pro-grade f/2.8 wide angle zoom..

1. Evaluating Imaging Performance @ 17mm, Single Frame vs Stacked: Bristlecone Log Low View

Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS Vario-Tessar

Comapact ultra-wide zoom for Sony full frame mirrorless..

1. Aperture Series @ 16mm: Mosaic (Sony A7R)

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM

Premiere mid-range zoom for Sony full frame mirrorless.

1. Aperture Series @24mm: Light Searches for the Forest Floor
2. Aperture Series @24mm: Finely Detailed Mosaic
3. Aperture Series @35mm: Finely Detailed Mosaic
4. Aperture Series @70mm: Side Stream Across The Creek

Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS

Wide angle to telephoto zoom with optical stabilization..

1. Aperture Series @ 70mm: Mosaic
2. Shootout @ 85mm: Sony 24-105/4G OSS vs Zeiss Loxia 85mm f/2.4 (Mosaic)

ALLVIEW—Any Lens Live View Camera

Eliminating the camera body barrier— any kind of lens with Live View EVF and LCD.

1. Diffraction with ALLVIEW Cameras

Nikon Coolpix A

Fixed 28mm lens with APS-C sensor free of anti-aliasing blur with wonderful color..

1. Compared vs Sigma DP1 Merrill (Garden Tables)

Sony Cybershot RX1R II

Diminutive full-frame camera with 35mm f/2 fixed lens..

1. Aperture Series: Red Pomegranate on Frosted Blue Table
2. Aperture Series: Frosted Pomegranate Closeup

Sony Cybershot DSC-RX1 / RX1R

Full frame camera in an ultra-compact body with or without anti-aliasing filter..

1. Aperture Series: Plastic Tubing, Wire Mesh, Sheet Metal (RX1R)

Sony DSC-RX100

Stunningly high image quality in a 20MP point and shoot tiny camera..

1. Realistic Real-World Resolution

Sony DSC-RX10 III

Stunningly high image quality in a 20MP point and wide range zoom..

1. Introduction to Sony RX10 III
2. Diffraction Limits on Image Quality

Olympus Zuiko SHG 14-35mm f/2 ED

Ultra high performance zoom lens..

1. Examples: White Mountains

Olympus Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO Zoom

A high performance mid-range zoom..

1. Aperture Series: Boulder Logjam in Lundy Canyon (12mm, EM1)

Olympus M.Zuiko 17mm f/1.8

A fast moderate wide angle..

1. Aperture Series: Windows (Olympus E-M5)

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f/4 IS PRO

Super telephoto with superb bokeh and color correction..

1. Aperture Series: Flash-Flood-Shredded Brush on Marble, Death Valley

Panasonic Lumix G 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye

A fisheye with great contrast and high resolving power..

1. Aperture Series: Wyman Cabin

Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 25mm f/1.4 ASPH Micro 4/3

A fast and lovely 'normal' lens (50mm equiv) for Micro 4/3..

1. Panasonic/Leica 25/1.4 ASPH Aperture Series on Olympus OM-D E-M5 (Dolls)

Olympus OM-D E-M5

Superb ergonomic design in a compact camera..

1. Diffraction with Panasonic/Leica 25mm f/1.4 ASPH

Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS

Wide angle zoom equivalent to 15-36mm.

1. Aperture Series @ 10mm: Water Tank At Dusk (Fujifilm X-Pro2)
2. Aperture Series @ 16.6mm: Water Tank At Dusk (Fujifilm X-Pro2)

Fujifilm Fujinon XF 60mm f/2.4 R

Short telephoto macro lens..

1. Aperture series: Birchbark Box (X-E1)

Sony NEX-7 and NEX-5N

24 or 16 megapixels in a compact body with APS-C sensor..

1. Examples (Zeiss ZM 25/2.8 Biogon)
2. Aperture Series: Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH on Sony NEX-7 (Tile Rooftops)
3. Diffraction

Sony Alpha A6000

Value camera: 24 megapixel APS-C sensor with EVF and vibration-free shutter..

1. Aperture Series: Pellegrino Bottles

Zeiss 24mm f/1.8 for Sony NEX

Moderate wide angle for Sony NEX..

1. Sony 24mm ƒ/1.8 Sonnar Aperture Series (Pencils)

Zeiss Loxia 21mm f/2.8 Distagon

Outstanding ultra wide angle performer..

1. MTF for Zeiss Loxia 21/2.8 Distagon
2. Aperture Series (Night): Confluence of Two Shadows (A7R II)

Zeiss Batis 18mm f/2.8 Distagon

Autofocus extreme wide angle for Sony full-frame mirrorless..

1. Aperture Series: Pescadero Creek Overview, Late Dusk Upstream

Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2 Distagon

Autofocus wide angle for Sony full-frame mirrorless..

1. MTF for Zeiss Batis 25/2 Distagon
2. Aperture Series: Water Through the Boulders (Sony A7R)

Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 Sonnar

Autofocus portrait lens for Sony full-frame mirrorless..

1. MTF for Zeiss Batis 85/1.8 Sonnar

Zeiss Batis 135mm f/2.8 APO-Sonnar

Apochromatic pin-sharp medium telephoto for Sony full-frame mirrorless..

1. MTF for Zeiss Batis 135/2.8 APO-Sonnar

Zeiss Touit 12mm f/2.8 Distagon

Ultra wide angle lens for Sony NEX or Fujifilm X..

1. Aperture Series: Sharpness and Bokeh (Picnic Table, NEX-7)

Zeiss Touit 32mm f/1.8 Planar

Normal lens for Sony NEX or Fujifilm X..

1. Aperture series: Blue Doll / Pellegrino (Sony NEX-7)

Zeiss Touit 50mm f/2.8M

Moderate telephoto macro lens for Sony NEX or Fujifilm X. Useful on full frame too!.

1. Aperture Series: Postage Stamp at 1:1.5 (Sony A6000)
2. Aperture Series: Green Plants at 1:10 (Sony A7R)
3. Aperture Series: Flowing Water, Wet Dark Rocks, Green Grass (Sony A7R, 4 X 5 Crop)
4. Aperture Series: Forest Floor Debris (Sony A7R APS-C)

Sigma dp0 Quattro

21mm f/5.6 equivalent FOV lens..

1. Aperture Series: Rushing Creek at Dusk
2. Aperture Series: Sunlit Glacial Erratic
3. Aperture Series: Backlit Bristlecones
4. Aperture Series: Bristlecone Log

Sigma dp2 Quattro

45mm f/2.8 equivalent FOV lens..

1. Aperture Series: Mosaic

Sigma DP1 Merrill

28mm f/2.8 equivalent lens on APS-C sensor..

1. Aperture: Summit Green-Brick Building

Sigma DP2 Merrill

45mm f/2.8 equivalent lens on APS-C sensor..

1. Aperture Series DP2 Merrill (Dolls)
2. Aperture Series DP2 Merrill (Dead Aspen, Live Aspen)

Sigma DP3 Merrill

75mm f/2.8 equivalent lens on APS-C sensor..

1. Aperture Series DP3 Merrill (DeChambeau Barn)
2. Aperture Series DP3 Merrill (Boulder with Forked Stick)
3. Aperture Series DP3 Merrill (Beaver Pond Rotting Trees)
4. Aperture Series DP3 Merrill (Creek Enters Beaver Pond)

Leica M11 Monochrom

Leica M 60-megapixel monochrome sensor..

1. Diffraction Effects
2. SHOOTOUT in Monochrome: M11M vs Sony A7R V vs Fujifilm GFX100S

Leica M Monochrom Typ 246

24-megapixel CMOS monochrome sensor..

1. Aperture Series to Assess Diffraction and Digital Artifacts (Dolls)

Leica Q (Typ 116)

24-megapixel fixed lens compact full-frame..

1. Aperture Series: Dolls at Near-Macro Range

Leica 16-18-21mm f/4 Tri-Elmar-M ASPH

Leica’s ultra wide angle zoom lens..

1. Aperture Series, 16mm: Cattle Chute at Sunset (M240)

Leica 18mm f/3.8 Super-Elmar-M ASPH

Leica’s widest prime lens..

1. vs 16/18/21mm f/4 Tri-Elmar: Pescadero Creek (M240)
2. Aperture Series: Lundy Canyon Sunstar (M240)
3. Aperture Series: Backlit Cottonwood at DeChambeau Ranch (M240)
4. Aperture Series: Sidelit Barn at DeChambeau Ranch (M240)

Leica 21mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH

Leica’s fastest and widest lens..

1. Examples: Leica 21/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH (Bristlecones)

Leica 21mm f/3.4 Super-Elmar-M ASPH

Leica’s best-performing 21mm..

1. Aperture Series: 21/3.4 — Tile Rooftops Aerial (M9)

Leica 24mm f/3.8 Elmar-M ASPH

Leica’s best-performing 24mm, and with a flat field..

1. Examples: Leica 24mm f/3.8 Elmar-M ASPH (Yosemite)
2. Aperture Series: Colorful Leaves on Still Pool (M240)
3. Aperture Series: Pescadero Creek (Sony A7R)
4. Aperture Series: Sunstar Over as yet Unfrozen Beaver Pond (Leica M10 Monochrom)

Leica 28mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH

Leica’s fast 28mm..

1. Aperture Series: Backlit Snowy Meadow (Leica M10 Monochrome)

Leica 28mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH (pre-2016)

Leica’s widest lens utilizing built-in frame lines..

1. Aperture Series: vs 28/2.8 Pescadero Creek (Sony A7R)

Leica 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH (pre-2016)

Leica’s smallest and lightest M lens with superlative performance..

1. Aperture Series: Tile Rooftops Aerial (M9)

Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH (2010 FLE)

Leica’s superlative and most natural lens for the M..

1. Aperture Series: 35/1.4 — Tile Rooftops Aerial
2. Aperture Series: 35/1.4 — Tile Rooftops Aerial (NEX7)

50/0.95 Noctilux Rendering Style

Understanding the Rendering Style of the Noctilux..

1. Aperture Series: Green Aspen Trunk (M240)

Leica 50mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M ASPH

High performance but flawed 50mm normal lens..

1. Aperture Series: Gnarled Prostrate Bristlecone (M240)

Leica 75mm f/2.4 (2.5) Summarit-M

Leica’s budget 75mm medium telephoto..

1. Bokeh for Defocused Background Point Sources

Leica 90mm f/2 APO-Summicron-R ASPH

Compact lens for portraiture or similar..

1. Aperture Series: Leaves on Rocks in Creek (Sony A7R)
2. Aperture Series: Electrical Substation (M240)

Leica 100mm f/2.8 APO-Macro-Elmarit-R

Superb all-around macro and general-purpose lens..

1. Aperture Series: Green Machine (M240)

Leica 180mm f/2.8 APO-Elmarit-R

World’s best mid-range telephoto lens..

1. MTF: 180mm f/2.8 APO-Elmarit-R
2. vs Sigma 180/2.8 APO (D800E, Mosaic)

Zeiss ZM 25mm f/2.8 Biogon

Compact wide angle with brilliant contrast..

1. Examples: Zeiss 25/2.8 Biogon (Forest, NEX-7)

Zeiss ZM 35mm f/1.4 Distagon

Fast and ultra high performance moderate wide angle rangefinder lens..

1. Aperture Series: Frosty Creek to Snowy Mountainside, Lundy Canyon (Leica M10-R)

Voigtlander M 28mm f/2 Ultron

Compact performer..

1. Aperture Series: House Across Meadow (M11 Monochrom)

Voigtlander M 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Aspherical

World-class performer for Leica M..

1. Aperture Series: Cosco Container (M11 Monochrom)

Voigtlander M 50mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Aspherical

World-class performer for Leica M..

1. Aperture Series: Pumpkins on Picnic Table (M11)

ALLVIEW— Any Lens Live View Camera

ARCHIVAL MATERIAL. Eliminating the camera body barrier— any kind of lens with Live View EVF and LCD, and especially Leica M-mount.
HISTORICAL, please see Guide to Mirrorless..

1. Diffraction with ALLVIEW Cameras

Blog posts, reverse chronological

2024

2024-04-14 100 Megapixels coming to a Sony A7R VI ?

2024-03-25 Sony’s New 19200 X 12800 = 247-Megapixel Sensor IMX811-AAQR Implies 108 Megapixels for 35mm Format

2024-03-11 Hasselblad X2D 100C: Step Size for its Focus Bracketing Feature

2024-02-05 Interview with Michael Erlewine re Medium Format, Sony Mirrorless, Nikon Mirrorless, Diffraction, Focus Stacking, Best Lenses 📹

2023

2023-12-09 In Praise of Digital vs Film (v4) + Reader Comments (updated late 2023-12-10 15:12)

2023-05-01 Leica M11 Monochrom: Diffraction and Brilliance Across Apertures

2023-01-28 Sony A7R V Pixel Shift: Diffraction Effects, Pixel Shift vs Single Shot, Enhance Details

2022

2022-07-25 Fujifilm GFX100S: How Much Does Diffraction Affect Image Quality from f/5.6 to f/32?

2022-05-04 Best Camera for You? Reader Comments

2022-03-22 Challenges of 100 Megapixels in 35mm Format?

2022-02-24 Canon Goes with the Big Artillery: Canon RF 800mm f/5.6L IS, Canon RF 1200mm f/8L IS

2021

2021-12-27 Reader Comment: Focus Stacking a Necessity

2021-12-13 In Praise of Digital vs Film (UPDATED, v3)

2021-04-01 Sony A1 vs Diffraction: Siemens Star

2021-03-15 Reader Comment: Fujifilm GFX100S/GFX100 Focus Stepping / Focus Stacking FOCUS BKT Algorithmic Error? Far Too Many Tightly-Focused Frames

2021-01-09 Zeiss ZM 35mm f/1.4 Distagon Aperture Series: Frosty Creek to Snowy Mountainside, Lundy Canyon (Leica M10-R)

2019

2019-11-28 Need Advice/Help with Phase One Capture One Pro Sharpening Tools (UPDATE with reader comments)

2019-09-16 Sony A7R IV: Diffraction with High Grade Lenses

2019-04-13 Panasonic S1R Multi-Shot High-Res Mode: the Largest Advance in Image Quality in a Decade?

2019-04-08 Panasonic S1R Multi-Shot High-Res Mode: Evaluating How Diffraction Affects Captured Detail and Micro Contrast

2018

2018-08-25 Nikon Z7: Pinpoint AF

2018-08-25 Nikon Z7 Diffraction Compensation

2018-07-25 Hasselblad PR: “Real World” Comparison: Nikon D850 with Decrepit Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8 Zoom Compared Without Format Equivalence or Validation of Basics

2017

2017-11-01 Zeiss Milvus 25mm f/1.4 Stacking Examples: Glacier Canyon and Dana Lakes (Nikon D850)

2017-10-27 Nikon D850: 'Focus shift shooting' Feature Most Important Feature since Live View; Focus Stacking is the ONLY Solution to Full Resolution Images

2017-04-13 Fujifilm GF 32-64mm f/4 @32mm Focus Stack: Barroom Interior

2017-03-07 Fujifilm GFX 50s + 120mm f/4 Macro Plus Diffraction and Sharpening Evaluations

2017-02-25 MTF for Fujifilm GFX GF Lenses

2016

2016-11-07 MTF for the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art

2016-07-15 Depth of field and Sharpness: Conventional Thinking is Unrealistic Going Forward, Focus Stacking is One Solution

2016-02-21 Pentax K1: Impressive Innovation Unmatched by CaNikon

2016-02-04 Sony Diffraction-Free Computed (not measured) Fantasy MTF Charts

2015

2015-07-08 Reader Question: Diffraction

2015-05-27 Leica M Monochrom Typ 246: Aperture Series to Assess Diffraction and Digital Artifacts (Dolls)

2015-04-30 Leica 30-90mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario-Elmar-S ASPH Aperture Series @ 51mm: 'Pescadero Creek Pool'

2015-04-29 Leica 30-90mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario-Elmar-S ASPH Aperture Series @ 90mm: 'Grass Clumps in Boulder'

2015-04-29 Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 Sonnar: MTF Series from f/1.8 - f/16 + Distortion

2015-04-29 Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2 Distagon: MTF Series from f/2 - f/16 + Distortion

2015-04-23 Leica 30-90mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario-Elmar-S ASPH Aperture Series @ 30mm: 'Mossy Boulders in Pescadero Creek'

2015-04-21 Leica S with the Leica 30-90mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario-Elmar-S ASPH

2015-02-25 Mitigating Color Aliasing via Diffraction (Leica M240, but applies to any/all)

2015-02-24 Mitigating Color Aliasing via Diffraction

2014

2014-02-28 Guide to Leica: Leica 18mm f/3.8 Super-Elmar-M ASPH, Aperture Series: Sidelit Barn at DeChambeau Ranch

2014-02-27 Guide to Leica: Leica 18mm f/3.8 Super-Elmar-M ASPH, Aperture Series: Backlit Cottonwood at DeChambeau Ranch

2014-02-17 Guide to Leica: Leica 90mm f/2 APO-Summicron-R ASPH, Aperture Series: Sunlit Grasses with Colorful Leaves (M Typ 240)

2014-02-17 Guide to Leica: Leica 24mm f/3.8 Elmar-M ASPH, Aperture Series: Colorful Leaves on Still Pool (M Typ 240)

2014-02-15 Readers Comment on the Sony A7 / A7R

2014-01-30 Olympus E-M1 + 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO @ 12mm: Aperture Series with Diffraction and Quality Discussion (Boulder Logjam)

2014-01-13 Mitigating A7R Micro Contrast Diffraction Losses with Sharpening

2013

2013-07-16 Zeiss 21mm f/2.8 Distagon: Eroding Bristlecone Giant (Nikon D800E)

2013-04-21 Mitigating Contrast Loss From Diffraction aka How to Make f/16 Look Crisp

2013-04-02 Mitigating Contrast Loss From Diffraction aka How to Make f/16 Look Crisp

2013-03-22 How Does the Zeiss 135mm f/2 APO-Sonnar Perform on a 56-Megapixel DSLR?

2013-03-19 MTF at f/22 with the Zeiss 135mm f/2 APO-Sonnar

2012

2012-07-27 At Which Aperture Does Diffraction Degrade Olympus OM-D E-M5 Image Sharpness?

2012-06-04 Reader Comments: D3x vs D800

2012-05-03 Nikon D800E Diffraction Behavior with Aperture Series

2012-04-26 Optimal Aperture for Nikon D800

2012-04-25 Nikon D800 Optimal Aperture (Diffraction)

2012-04-25 Nikon D4 Optimal Aperture (Diffraction)

2012-03-07 Diffraction, Sharpness and Nikon D800E

2012-02-09 What Does Depth of Field Mean on a 36 Megapixel Camera?

2012-02-07 Nikon D800E: Moiré

2012-01-05 Sony NEX-7: Loss of Contrast and Resolution from Diffraction

2010

2010-09-15 Nikon D7000

2010-07-14 Leica S2 37.5 megapixel DSLR review additions

2008

2008-12-28 D3x diffraction study

2008-06-26 Depth of field, diffraction, and megapixels

2007

2007-11-13 Diffraction, a real-world example

2007-11-03 Diffraction and digital SLRs

2006

2006-05-30 Consumer digicams and diffraction