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Lenses with adapters vs native lenses - sharpness

Started Feb 7, 2021 | Discussions thread
kypfer Contributing Member • Posts: 985
Re: Lenses with adapters vs native lenses - sharpness

Having grown up with "Brownie" and "Instamatic" cameras I've long since accepted that "sharpness" is over-rated … I don't need to see every hair on the pimple if the face is unattractive!

The depth of field on an 85mm @ f/1.4 (or similar) is so narrow as to be almost un-usable. Most lenses of this calibre need to be stopped down to maximise their potential, however, they are very easy to focus in poor light, both manually and automatically, which does give them some advantage in certain circumstances.

When comparing "native" lenses with other manufacturers' products, ensure that both items are of a similar age and technology. If you're taking an optic from the'70's or '80's, however good it was in it's day, it's unlikely to compare well with a top-of-the-line lens of recent manufacture … technology has moved on!

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