Lens Chart Update

In response to several queries, I am considering updating the lens table (sicky at top of forum), to be posted around the end of spring. To do this so that it is of maximum benefit to everyone, I would like some feedback.

Please respond to the following questions:

1. In the angle of view column, I put the angles of view when used with for 1.0× cameras (1DS, 5D--black font), 1.2544× cameras (1D--brown font), and 1.6× cameras (30D/20D--blue font). Did you find this useful?

2. In the angle of view column, I calculated the angle of view for the 1D cameras (brown font) using the actual factor value of 1.2544×, rather than the published 1.3× factor. This gives a more accurate angle of view. Was this helpful? Should I use the published 1.3× factor instead? If so, why?

3. I limited the table to Canon, Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, and a very few special Hartblei lenses. Should I expand the chart to other lenses? Which others? Vivitar, Quantaray, Pro-Optic, Pelang, etc.? Where should I draw the line between brands?

4. The table is divided into three sections and sorted as follows: prime lenses by focal length; zoom lenses by "in" focal length; and zoom lenses by "out" focal length. Were the "in" and "out" zoom sorts of any value? Or were they a waste of time?

5. Would you like to see the table as one sort with primes and zooms intermixed? (Zoom "in" values would be intermixed with primes.)

6. Would a sort of primes and/or zooms by aperture be of value? (sort would be aperture first, then focal length.)

7. Minimum focus distance is given in centimeters, inches, and feet. Is this useful? Should I stick with one value? Which value? Would a different value be more useful? If so, which value?

8. Diameter and length are given in millimeters and inches. Is this useful? Should I stick with one value? Which value? Would a different value be more useful? If so, which value?

9. Weight is given in grams, ounces, and pounds. Is this useful? Should I stick with one value? Which value? Would a different value be more useful? Would a different value be more useful? If so, which value?

10. What have I included that you find of no value?

11. What have I left out that you would like to see included? Please be specific. Bear in mind, though, that this is a table. There is simply no room for pictures and/or MTF charts, as this would make the table too big.

12. The table is presented in PDF format. Would another format be more useful/ Which format?

13. Have you found an error in the table? What was it?

All replies will be taken seriously. You may PM a reply, if you wish to remain semi-anonymous.

Thank you for your consideration.

Roger

Only comment I have at this point is that you should include both metric and imperial measurements. Eliminating one will p-off either those in the US, where very few understand the metric system, or the entire rest of the world who, perhaps correctly, ignore the US/English system.
btw, I do not intend to start a debate on the merits/problems with these systems.

I thought I had. Have I missed doing so someplace?

If I might say, I would add the extra 'cheaper' lenes, for the fact if people don't have the $$ for a btter lans at the moment at least they could be steered to a similar cheaper lens to improve their skills, take pics of what they have to, etc. Just my 2 cents.

Webphantom wrote in post #2685456
If I might say, I would add the extra 'cheaper' lenes, for the fact if people don't have the $$ for a btter lans at the moment at least they could be steered to a similar cheaper lens to improve their skills, take pics of what they have to, etc. Just my 2 cents.

So you're voting for the Vivitars, Quantarays, etc.?

Okay, I can live with that. I would like a few more votes before I go to all the effort, though.

Webphantom wrote in post #2685456
If I might say, I would add the extra 'cheaper' lenes, for the fact if people don't have the $$ for a btter lans at the moment at least they could be steered to a similar cheaper lens to improve their skills, take pics of what they have to, etc. Just my 2 cents.

I take an opposite view of this. I would imagine that anyone who might be interested in a Vivitar or Quantaray lens most likely is not a member of this board and would never see the data to begin with. And, most likely, anyone who is a POTNer would not be looking to buy a Vivitar. I can't remember, in my short time here, any recommendations and very few questions about these brands.

runninmann wrote in post #2686162
I take an opposite view of this. I would imagine that anyone who might be interested in a Vivitar or Quantaray lens most likely is not a member of this board and would never see the data to begin with. And, most likely, anyone who is a POTNer would not be looking to buy a Vivitar. I can't remember, in my short time here, any recommendations and very few questions about these brands.

Okay, one vote against including el cheapos.

What about posting the chart in a spreadsheet format, so that we may edit the values such as price for our own uses?

Printable Hyperfocal charts would be handy.

runninmann wrote in post #2686162
I take an opposite view of this. I would imagine that anyone who might be interested in a Vivitar or Quantaray lens most likely is not a member of this board and would never see the data to begin with. And, most likely, anyone who is a POTNer would not be looking to buy a Vivitar. I can't remember, in my short time here, any recommendations and very few questions about these brands.

A quick search of these forums found 11 pages of threads that reference Vivitar, and 5 pages that reference Quantaray.

purelithium wrote in post #2686206
What about posting the chart in a spreadsheet format, so that we may edit the values such as price for our own uses?

The "Master Chart" is a Word document containing one big table. It is over 1MB in size, a bit big to post here.

You, or anyone else, may have a copy for the asking. Just PM me your email address and it will be promptly sent to you.

Addresses received in this way are NOT saved after the table is sent. In fact, I don't even pay attention to the address or name. I just cut-and-paste it into my send-address block and send the chart. Your privacy is maintained.

You have sparked a possiblity in the old brain, however. Since each row is three-lines deep, how about if I were to put the B&H price at the top of the row, leaving room to write other prices below it?

Mstar wrote in post #2686226
Printable Hyperfocal charts would be handy.

This is an entirely different matter, and one I have been considering for some time.

I was thinking of three table-type charts of aperture vs. focal length: one each for 1.0× (1Ds, 5D), 1.2544× (1D), and 1.6× (30d, 20D) cameras.

Is that what you had in mind?

Yes, that could be very useful for many folk here.

If you could that would be great.

I'll see what I can do.

20droger wrote in post #2686228
A quick search of these forums found 11 pages of threads that reference Vivitar, and 5 pages that reference Quantaray.

Coincidentally, I found 16 pages in a search for "poop" as well..


.. sorry, just am old POTN joke