Olympus 17/1.8 review

Started 7 months ago | Discussions thread
Ming Thein
Senior MemberPosts: 1,916
Like?
Re: Olympus 17/1.8 review
In reply to Anders W, 7 months ago

Anders W wrote:

Ming Thein wrote:

Hi Anders,

I think there may be some confusion between microcontrast, macrocontrast and resolution here. On the full size images, the 17/1.8 has slightly better microcontrast in the center than the other two, but macrocontrast is definitely lower. The 20 is the better performer in the corners, but it also exhibits purple fringing which the 17/1.8 does not.

No confusion, at least not on my part. You can't measure resolution without specifying a contrast criterion (e.g., 50 percent as the test sites usually do). And you can't measure contrast without specifying a resolution criterion (which is what the manufacturers regularly do, e.g., 20 and 60 in Oly's case). What your test images show is simply that the 20 is better in the center and the corners alike, no matter what criterion you choose.

If I apply my usual sharpening actions/ passes to both samples, the 17/1.8's center crops start showing a bit more detail than the 20, which starts blocking up.

The 17/1.8 vignettes less than the 20.

OK. By how much? Did you try to measure this?

No, not scientifically. I do know that I notice vignetting on the 20 with skies, but I didn't really on the 17/1.8.

As for AF speed...I'm only relating what I experience practically on my (latest firmware) OM-D.

Yes I understood that what you said was based on subjective experiences. That's why objective measurement is important.

Not easy to time without the right equipment. And I'm a commercial photographer, not a paid review house.

--
www.mingthein.com

Reply   Reply with quote   Complain
Post (hide subjects)Posted by
Keyboard shortcuts:
FForum PPrevious NNext WNext unread UUpvote SSubscribe RReply QQuote BBookmark post MMy threads
Color scheme? Blue / Yellow