OriginalCyn Loc: Connecticut

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/lens-sharpness.htm
You may be surprised about a few of Ken Rockwell's comments

redhogbill Loc: antelope, calif

a lot of good info, thanks
{admin will probably move this to "links and resources"}

TexasBadger Loc: Wylie, TX

One of the biggest factors in perceived sharpness is the contrast. In the 80s, Zeiss lenses were considered to be some of the sharpest available for medium format and 35mm format photography. Not coincidentally, their T* coating increased the contrast for their respective lenses. If you have a digital photo that you are post processing, adding a little extra contrast to the image will have dramatic results in the apparent sharpness of the photo. Be carefully not to overdo it or other attributes of the image will be effected in a negative way.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

My favorite quote of what he said:

"Being sharp has little to do with being a good photo, unless you're doing forensic work. Many great photos use deliberate unsharpness to express their points, and if you look at sales and auction prices of photos as art you'll see that the fuzzier ones sell for much more.

Sharp photos are boring. Photos that are sharp all over are usually amateur attempts, which glaringly show too much detail for many unrelated, confusing and distracting elements. A good photo has impact and a punch line. The fewer things a photo tries to say, the more powerfully it says them. Things need to stand out. Having everything sharp edge-to-edge rarely makes for a strong photo."

ottopj Loc: Annapolis, MD USA

What I got out of this was to: learn your equipment, don't worry about the perfect shot, just go out and shoot!

In the last 20-30 years there have been a lot of progress in materials and goods and products. Today, most cars are pretty good and will serve us well. Occasionally, there is a clunker, but most of them will run for 100k miles.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Will wonders never cease! Rockwell actually says something I agree with, and have been advocating for years. I sigh every time I see the question here, "Which is the sharpest lens?"

Jackinthebox Loc: travel the world

So, who cares?

Sorry but that is what the article seems to say..

LiamRowan Loc: Michigan

This was a good article; thanks for posting the link.

I think the importance of sharpness varies depending on what's being photographed. Macro photography certainly is more interesting when razor sharp. On the other hand, when I think of photos that have a tremendous emotional impact, such as the Pulitzer Prize winning Vietnam error photo of the young girl burned with napalm, or the General shooting the Vietcong soldier in the head, or another Pulitzer Prize winner of a firefighter giving another firefighter CPR while he hangs upside down on an electric wire - I have NO idea if the photos are sharp at all. What does that tell you? I'm sure any of us could think of similar examples.

Zone-System-Grandpa Loc: Springfield, Ohio

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Some of we old timers are not surprised at all and it's because we've known for quite a long time that the sharpness of a lens is not really what it is that matters ! Knowing how to use any lens is that which counts and you have made a good point by bringing attention to the subject !

Merry Christmas !
~Doug~

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

nothing surprising there.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Remember, Ansel Adams was shooting with prime lenses, not zooms. I've read this from Rockwell before. I don't buy it. Compared to Thom Hogan, Ken is a lightweight in the field of equipment critique. I do think that the best lenses will give you the type of photos that pop. Not all of these lenses have to cost an arm and a leg. The Nikkon 85mm f1.8 is $499.

Jackinthebox Loc: travel the world

The Canon 50mm f1.8 is < $100. Tack sharp at that but it sounds like the garbage disposer in the kitchen sink.

boydimages Loc: California

A chance to meet and work with Ken Rockwell. Ken who assists Dave Wyman are great people and interesting to work with. I have known Dave 20 plus years and have assisted him on many of his workshops.
http://www.davewyman.net/iqtours.html

Zone-System-Grandpa Loc: Springfield, Ohio

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Steve, in my way of seeing it, Ken Rockwell is not a lightweight because when he comments upon lenses or even cameras, we must remember that he is attempting to reach photography enthusiasts of all levels..

It's a known fact that we all try to get the best lens that we can afford and when it comes to sharpness, we all try to get the sharpest lens that our budget will allow, however; like you and others have said, the sharpest lens isn't always necessary simply because the best images are often made with a lens having center sharpness while at the same time, it falls off at the edges. More importantly, is for a person to have knowledge of what subject or what scene makes for a great image ~ as well as having the ability to compose and to work with the light that is available ~ or to wait for the light to be at it's best.

The absolute is to have the ability to see and like I had once posted months ago, there are thousands of people who can see, but out of those thousands, only a handful can see clearly, and for those who clearly see is much like mastering poetry, music, art, and religion all in one !

Sharp lenses are great to have, but it is the person who clearly sees that masters the art side of photography
and one person who comes to mind is our UHH member, Travesty aka: Randy... Few of his images are sharp, but He Gets It ! :thumbup:

Merry Christmas, guys !!!!
~Doug~

OriginalCyn Loc: Connecticut

Well said Doug.