What is the sharpest aperture of the 50mm 1.8?

[Matt57]

Yep just like the title says. I've heard both 2.5 and 8.0 so needless to say I'm lost.

[Glenn NK]

http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/canon_50_18/index.htm

Scroll down to the MTF charts - it peaks at f/5.6

[Matt57]

thanks

[Glenn NK]

thanks


You are quite welcome - that's what POTN is all about.

I used photozone when purchasing my lenses (the primary reason for having the Canon 100 f/2.8 macro over other lengths or brands), but more importantly for me, I use it to determine the optimum settings for my lenses.

For example on my 24/105, the barrel distortions are high at the short end, so I use my 17/55 when I want something in the order of 24 mm focal length where distortion would detract. Longer than that, the 24/105 is quite good.

From the MTF charts:

At a focal length of 40 to 70 mm, the sharpest f/stops are 5.8 and 8

When it's zoomed out to 105, it's best at f/11.

Chromatic abberation is not too great at 24 mm wide open (f/4) so I keep this in mind too in scenes with high edge contrast.

So for critical shots, I should consult the data presented by photozone.

[Matt57]

Well, I'm just a big fan of getting the very most from all my lenses.