Nifty fifty and 100mm Macro test shots

[tim]

I just got the Canon 50mm F1.8 II and the Canon 100mm F2.8 Macro USM lenses today, and after playing with both a little I did some test shots to check out sharpness. All were on a tripod with mirror lockup, and were done with the space of about 5 minutes.

I tested from largest F stop to smallest in steps of 3. I'm going to redo them so I test each of the first few stops, to see at what point they get really sharp. I'll also add my Tamron 28-75 and the kit lens at the same time - maybe in a few days.

I've thumbnailed them and stuck them in my gallery for all to look at. Look in the 50mm and 100mm folders: http://www.mrwild.co.nz/ExperimentalGallery/Tests/index.html

50mm: At F1.8 it's a little soft, but by F3.5 it's as sharp as a tack. Unfortunately I moved the wheel 3 stops and didn't do any in between stops, but i'll do them when the light's good some time. There doesn't seem to be much falloff at higher F stops.

100mm: Same story. At F2.8 it's a little soft but not bad, but by F4 it's sharp as a tack. At F22 it starts going downhill a little, but only a little.

Hopefully people find this useful or at least interesting :)

[ron chappel]

Finding the points where these lenses get really sharp will be interesting for sure

Be sure to take a couple of shots at each setting then keep the best-that avoids any focus error problems.Absolute acurate focus can be quite important when you start doing really precise tests

[tim]

I'll do that, thanks ron. I'll post again once i've done the tests.

[schmoelzel]

Hi Tim:

I have also just received the 100 2.8 Macro and I find that it is SHARP at 2.8. The governing factor is that the DOF at this stop is very THIN and you almost need a tripod to avoid any movement. Mirror-lockup is also helpful at this stop..........I am amazed at the quality of this lens!! I am also using a 135F2 and a 70-200F2.8 and I am pleasantly surprised by the quality of this lens!