Optimum Settings for Lenses

Is there a lens review or similar web site that would include optimum settings for the lenses in the description.

My understanding is that individual lenses have a range of settings at which they perform their best or sharpest. i.e. aperature range, focal length etc. I'd like to determine these for my lenses as a starting point but where would I find that information?

Thank you kindly....

Totally depends what you are trying to achieve with the lens. Most lenses are sharper stopped down, but it's highly variable. Play around with your lenses to figure out what settings you prefer.

Thank you, PAFC2004,

By "stopped down" you mean at the widest aperature (smallest number) correct?

No, stopped down meaning increasing the f stop number (f/1.8 - f.4 etc)... therefore producing a smaller aperture.

Good thing I asked! Will I ever grasp all the new terms...

Thanks again.

Generally you shoot with the settings that suit what you want to do... if you're shooting in low light you're going to be shooting with as wide an aperture as you can, if you want more depth of field you'll use a smaller aperture (higher aperture number) like f/8 or so...

Most lenses get sharper once they're stopped down a few stops from open - do your own experiments - it's digital, it's free! Or close enough.

Some lenses are pretty darn good wide open, anyway. Sharpness isn't everything - I'd take a slightly soft f/2.8 over a lens that can't go below f/4 any day as I need the faster shutter speeds or lower ISOs

Thanks Jim,

I've only had the Canon 70-200 f/4L lens for a few months and very little practice todate.

I'm strictly a hobbyist but I'm looking at my shots with the Canon 100 f/2.8 macro lens and thinking it won't be long before I replace this f/4L with the 70-200 f/2.8L IS . Perhaps with more practice with aperature/iso/shutters​peed I'll do better but right now I'm dissatisfied with most of my photos thus far. Now that snow has arrived they are really bad (dark) since I'm trying to figure that exposure adjustment out as well! My macro shots with the 2.8 are great, no problem, it just seems easier to accomplish!

I'll continue reading and mostly practicing. As you eluded to, it's free!

Thanks again...

plbb wrote in post #2121532
Is there a lens review or similar web site that would include optimum settings for the lenses in the description.

My understanding is that individual lenses have a range of settings at which they perform their best or sharpest. i.e. aperature range, focal length etc. I'd like to determine these for my lenses as a starting point but where would I find that information?

Thank you kindly....

You are correct plbb. Each lens has a setting or a range of settings that achieve optimal sharpness, least CA, vignetting, etc. That can be found at here. They don't have all of it, but for the ones that have been tested, I find their results to be quite accurate. Of course, you still need to shoot at whatever length/apeture that suits the situation. You can always correct imperfections via software later.

plbb wrote in post #2121850
Thanks Jim,

I've only had the Canon 70-200 f/4L lens for a few months and very little practice todate.

I'm strictly a hobbyist but I'm looking at my shots with the Canon 100 f/2.8 macro lens and thinking it won't be long before I replace this f/4L with the 70-200 f/2.8L IS . Perhaps with more practice with aperature/iso/shutters​peed I'll do better but right now I'm dissatisfied with most of my photos thus far. Now that snow has arrived they are really bad (dark) since I'm trying to figure that exposure adjustment out as well! My macro shots with the 2.8 are great, no problem, it just seems easier to accomplish!

I'll continue reading and mostly practicing. As you eluded to, it's free!

Thanks again...

if you are dissatisfied with photos you are getting with the 70-200L f4 there is either a problem with the lens or you, and i suspect the latter.

now there are plenty of folks here that believe if you spend more money you'll get the results you desire but i'm not one of them.

learn about f-stops, iso and shutter speeds before spending more money, imo.

ed rader

My booklet "Glass buying guide" contains a graphic with sharpness vs aperture, which clearly shows it depends on the lens. Some lenses are sharpest 2 stops down from max open, others take longer to reach maximum sharpness. See footer for the guide.

P.

Mxwphoto, the SLR Gear site is great, exactly what I was looking for! Found all my lenses there except the 70-200 f/4.0 but it's coming soon.

Ed, I think you are exactly right, it is the latter and I do plan to do more reading & working with the lens before moving up. Luckily I got a few beautiful shots this summer, fluked, but I know it should be possible. I've also seen the beautiful shots from this lens on this forum.

I actually have your glass booklet already on my desktop to study Peter, I found it in a thread on here last night.

Thanks so much everybody - feeling more encouraged and will just have to find more time in the day to devote to learning & doing.