Prime vs zoom The proof is in the images so lets see them

RDKirk wrote in post #9303517
MTF charts say nothing about bokeh.

MTF charts say a lot about bokeh!

I invite you to take a read: http://www.luminous-landscape.com …s/understanding​-mtf.shtml

kozmix wrote in post #9350347
MTF charts say a lot about bokeh!

I invite you to take a read: http://www.luminous-landscape.com …s/understanding​-mtf.shtml

Okay, they tell you something about bokeh, but not, for instance, whether you'll get a funky aperture shape or those ugly double lines...which are the most disturbing aspects of "bad" bokeh.

RDKirk wrote in post #9350507
Okay, they tell you something about bokeh, but not, for instance, whether you'll get a funky aperture shape or those ugly double lines...which are the most disturbing aspects of "bad" bokeh.

That's true, that's related to the glass inside and number of elements, if I'm not mistaken.

try this:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com …&SampleComp=0&F​LI=0&API=4

The 24-70 is a sharp lens, but not at f1.4 or f2.
One difference that hasn't been mentioned involves distortion levels - much lower in primes.
If I wanted to photograph art work - I would not pick a zoom.

frici wrote in post #9351190
try this:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com …&SampleComp=0&F​LI=0&API=4

An excellent resource for any photographer who shoots black and white charts on a flat wall.

I encountered a situation with my 50D at a concert. I quickly grabbed my crop and 24-70L and 85 f/1.8. My daughter wanted to go to a "wiggles" concert. My 24-70L performs well in most cases but at f/2.8 at high ISO's the photos were absolutely horrible. The 85mm prime worked out well at a wider aperture aswell as the similar f/2.8 aperture. This is one example where each photographer must figure out what to throw in the bag.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com …omp=0&FLIComp=4​&APIComp=0

Not even CLOSE and the prime is a stop faster. One stop is a lot of light.

airfrogusmc wrote in post #9352020
http://www.the-digital-picture.com …omp=0&FLIComp=4​&APIComp=0

Not even CLOSE and the prime is a stop faster. One stop is a lot of light.

How about for a non-100% crop of a real shot. Ignoring the 1 stop of light, I doubt many could tell the difference in the finished product other than us photo nerds.

Also, all else being equal, one is a $5000 lens and the other is a $1600 lens. So perhaps there is more to it than prime vs zoom

IQ wise the difference isn't likely to be noticed on the internet...vs. an enlargment on paper

Primes are different aesthetically in terms of process...as manual focus is different from AF....

airfrogusmc wrote in post #9352020
http://www.the-digital-picture.com …omp=0&FLIComp=4​&APIComp=0

Not even CLOSE and the prime is a stop faster. One stop is a lot of light.

What's not close? IQ wide open? Did you try stopping down a bit?