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Lens testing and focus accuracy

A 10-megapixel (or more) camera requires exact focus to extract the stunning results that are possible at f/1.4 or f/2 with top-performing lenses, but often not achieved due to tiny focus errors, inciting the masses at major web sites to yak on endlessly about “soft” lenses. To paraphrase Yoda, do not underestimate the powers of accurate focus! Manual focus is not the issue; autofocus is often inadequate as well (See Focus Accuracy).

In fact, multiple recent (and frustrating) tests by yours truly demonstrate all too well that even the 10X “Live View” feature of the Canon EOS 1D Mark III is inadequate for valid comparisons of lenses, which requires such excruciatingly precise focus that it’s unclear that it’s feasible to reliably produce scientifically valid comparisons in the field. I can only titter at some of the “comparisons” I see of competing lenses, where all the claimed advantages or disadvantages of a particular lens would be dwarfed by a barely perceptible turn of the focusing ring. Ditto for the “scientific” MTF tests seen on some sites. Very funny.

I can see the quality of a lens, but proving it requires a higher standard, work which is tedious and precludes much creativity. The Zeiss lenses offer excellent manual focus, but the autofocus (Canon) lenses have very poor manual focus capability, including “slop” that makes it difficult to settle on the precise focus point.

In short, I’m resorting more and more to field tests eg “real” images that show the characteristics of a lens in terms of color, contrast, sharpness, distortion, bokeh, etc—qualities that as as a whole sum up to the raison d’être, the visual impression, which is the end game, is it not? Anyway, maybe Santa will bring me a solution to the focus accuracy problem someday.


Creative use of stickers on a road sign
Fuji F30 infrared

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Voigtlander MACRO APO-LANTHAR 65mm f/2 Aspherical Lens for Sony E
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