Lens MTF detail: I know MTFs are somewhat "flexible", but it just occurred to me that I don't remember ever seeing if there is a wavelength requirement. Specifically, when the MTF is...

aflundi Loc: Albuquerque, NM

I know MTFs are somewhat "flexible", but it just occurred to me that I don't remember ever seeing if there is a wavelength requirement. Specifically, when the MTF is calculated, is it, or can it be done with a narrow frequency band, or is there a "requirement" that a flat white light including the entire visible frequency band be used?

cyclespeed Loc: Calgary, Alberta Canada

Might I inquire, what is yet another acromy's meaning? MTF?

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

cyclespeed wrote:

Might I inquire, what is yet another acromy's meaning? MTF?

http://www.normankoren.com/Tutorials/MTF.html

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

"Micro Four Thirds", but the OP should have spelled it out.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

rjaywallace wrote:

"Micro Four Thirds", but the OP should have spelled it out.

Not in this case.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Cdouthitt wrote:

Not in this case.

Aha! An arcane mutiny...
Again, the OP might have had the courtesy not to assume we would all know what was being referred to.

blackest Loc: Ireland

rjaywallace wrote:

Aha! An arcane mutiny...
Again, the OP might have had the courtesy not to assume we would all know what was being referred to.

Pretty much is a scientific method of determining how sharp you can get an image, obviously that would be at the focal plane will be less as you move away from it. If you are designing a lens it would be of interest, if you are designing integrated circuits it matters, if you want to take photographs not so much.

rcdovala

MTF is an acronym for Modulation Transfer Function.

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

Modulation transfer function. MTF, not MFT.

Apaflo Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

blackest wrote:

... if you want to take photographs not so much.

Actually it make one Hell of a lot of difference to a knowledgeable photographer when choosing which lenses to buy in the first place! It shows how sharp a lense is across the sensor and in the corners. It shows how contrasty a lens is too, and how much astigmatism there is.

If you buy kit lenses and find them "tack sharp" then MTF charts won't mean much. If you want the highest IQ possible you need to carefully compare alternative lenses.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Apaflo wrote:

Actually it make one Hell of a lot of difference to a knowledgeable photographer when choosing which lenses to buy in the first place! It shows how sharp a lense is across the sensor and in the corners. It shows how contrasty a lens is too, and how much astigmatism there is.

If you buy kit lenses and find them "tack sharp" then MTF charts won't mean much. If you want the highest IQ possible you need to carefully compare alternative lenses.

blackest Loc: Ireland

Apaflo wrote:

Actually it make one Hell of a lot of difference to a knowledgeable photographer when choosing which lenses to buy in the first place! It shows how sharp a lense is across the sensor and in the corners. It shows how contrasty a lens is too, and how much astigmatism there is.

If you buy kit lenses and find them "tack sharp" then MTF charts won't mean much. If you want the highest IQ possible you need to carefully compare alternative lenses.

Any vintage lens won't have the data, so that leaves a pool of lens some of which will fit your camera some of which will have the focal length you are looking for and some will have the f-stop you want as well. If you are looking at canon an Ef-L lens is better than an EF lens which also coinsides with price. Generally a zoom lens is better with a shorter range than longer and prime lenses tend to be better still. Once you have narrowed the field down to those basic characteristics you usually have a handful of options. you can read reviews and comparisons.

But better lenses does not equal better photographs If you cannot figure how best to use the light and compose the photo, how much sharper it is doesn't mean a thing. If you can't hold the camera steady enough then even the sharpest lens is going to be blurred.

You could have one of the worlds best cameras and without the talent and skill to use it, it is just wasted.

Better photographic equipment does not equal better photographs, just ask Brooklyn Beckham.

Apaflo Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

blackest wrote:

Better photographic equipment does not equal better photographs, just ask Brooklyn Beckham.

Perhaps not for a beginner, but for a knowledgeable photographer better equipment is what separates them from the pack. A journeyman photographer (never mind a master photographer) knows MTF charts and obtains the best equipment for the job. A beginner may not even see the differences that result in consistantly exquisite work as opposed to random effects.

cthahn

Do not know what you are talking about.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

aflundi wrote:

I know MTFs are somewhat "flexible", but it just occurred to me that I don't remember ever seeing if there is a wavelength requirement. Specifically, when the MTF is calculated, is it, or can it be done with a narrow frequency band, or is there a "requirement" that a flat white light including the entire visible frequency band be used?

Yes, sometimes, words are better than letters. "MTF" and "MFT" are very similar but completely different in meaning.

https://spie.org/publications/tt52_131_modulation_transfer_function
https://www.outdoorphotographer.com/photography-gear/cameras/advantages-micro-four-thirds/