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Sony 24mm ƒ/1.8 Sonnar Aperture Series (Focus Shift)
This page examines the optical performance of the Sony E-mount 24mm f/1.8 Sonnar for NEX, with a particular attention to focus shift and field curvature.
For background details, see the Sony 24mm f/1.8 Sonnar lens discussion.
Focusing
Because of the bright lighting, focusing at f/1.8 or f/2 was not an option for this scene (too bright to focus on the area I wanted), even with the camera set to 1/4000 second. So I focused at 1/4000 at f/2.8, which yielded an image I could discern properly.
I shot a series using manual (11.7X zoom) focus, as well as an autofocus series— both at f/2.8, which means that focus was achieved stopped down to f/2.8, a critical point in the discussion that follows, given the apparent strong focus shift. The manual focus and autofocus series were almost identical, with the MF series showing slightly superior results at f/2.8, so that MF series is used on this page.
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Diglloyd Guide to Mirrorless offers comprehensive integrated coverage of most APS-C and full frame mirrorless cameras and lenses.
Special emphasis is placed on Sony full-frame, including Sony lenses and the high performance Zeiss Batis and Zeiss Loxia lenses plus Rokinon/Samyang and others. Fujifilm X, Olympus and Panasonic M4/3, Sigma dp Merrill and dp/sd Quattro are also covered in depth. Years in the making, it offers a wealth of material for choosing and using a mirrorless camera.
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- 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.
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