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Is that normal for the canon 200mm f2.8L (Sample Picture)?

Started May 9, 2017 | Questions thread
EricJB
EricJB Regular Member • Posts: 109
Re: Is that normal for the canon 200mm f2.8L (Sample Picture)?
4

I'm not sure what you're asking here. The images you posted look a little soft, but they're reduced down so much that I can't really pixel peep for critical sharpness. You said yourself the light was very poor, so I'm not sure what you're expecting. Your comparison images were shot under completely different conditions.

If you're concerned with the shallow DOF, you are using a larger aperture lens wide open, so there's going to be precious little DOF available.  I'm not sure how far away your subjects are, so make sure you're not closer than the minimum focus distance of that lens.

Also, the 200/2.8L is a non-IS lens, whereas the 55-200 has IS.  So if you weren't using a tripod, some motion blur could be an issue.

Suggestion:  Do a set of comparison shots, same subject, same lighting, same focal length (200mm), same exposure values (you'll have to stop down on the 200/2.8), same ISO.  Use a tripod.  Compare the results.  I'd hope you'll find that the L glass produces a sharper and more contrasty image. Then, gradually open the aperture up (lower numbers) as you increase shutter speed to compensate.  You should see where the L lens will really shine: its ability to separate subject from background.  As the DOF becomes smaller (larger apertures), your subject should start to "pop" out of the background.  Remember, this requires critically accurate focus too.

Eric

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