Nifty fifty and 100mm Macro test shots

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.n​z …lGallery/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

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

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

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!