Neilp Loc: Jersey, C.I.

I have 5 lenses, all zooms and all capable of setting 70mm.


Just for my own satisfaction I would like to shoot and compare shots from each one and was after hints and techniques to do this

Last week I took two sets of shots but all images are fractionally different due user error, so making a comparison is difficult.

Last time I set up on a tripod, used marks on the ground (two sticks) to get left and right photo edges, and selected a focus point ( a cabbage in a row in a field).
Was an outdoor shoot too, so slightly changing light conditions did not help

I then took a shot in Av mode, auto focus, wide open, f8 and stopped down.

Mistake I made I think was using Av..should have shot in manual, to keep exposure exactly the same.
Shot in full size RAW

What else can I do to improve the shoot?

The lens list
Sigma 28-200 f3.5-5.6
Canon EF 35-70 f3.5-4.5
Canon EF 70-210 f4.0
Canon EF L USM IS 24-105 f4
Canon EF L USM II IS 70-200 f2.8.

The last shoot I did, the Sigma was definitely softer wide open, but due to exposure differences because of using Av, difficult to compare much else.

Any hints on any post processing to compare, or tools/software to use to.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Other than what you did....I can't think of anything (besides staying in manual mode)

The other thing you might want to do is check reviews to see if other's have an opinion...they might mention something that you've overlooked.

If it were me, I'd just take the shots wide open, check them at 100% and decide.

Crwiwy Loc: Devon UK

When I tried comparing two cameras I stuck a large printed text page on the patio door and then took pictures of the whole patio door area from a preset distance at different apertures and focal lengths. Also with the page center and on the edge. Then I enlarged the pictures the same amount in PSP and checked the sharpness of the various images.

One camera was sharper than the other - but I still use them both for convenience.

I didn't really gain much from the exercise but it may be fun if you have some time to spend on it.

Neilp Loc: Jersey, C.I.

Thanks,

From my initial shots, I am impressed at how good the 'Cheap' Canon lenses are compared to the L series. Would not stop me buying fast L glass again..the build quality sells it to me if nothing else.
Shame the Sigma is a little soft, but will keep it though, as a small form factor 28-200 on the MkIII body with the battery pack off, makes for a 'compact' non pro look in sensitive areas.

Neilp Loc: Jersey, C.I.

I do. I am in Exeter on Tuesday and Wednesday ( Live in Jersey) I work a non standard week, and this week (like last) work have given me my days off in Exeter (White Hart)

So two days to kill. last week I went up to Dartmoor and tried a time lapse at Hay Tor Rocks.

On Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151294599796157


Cloud free starry skies either side of the shot..just clouds where I had the camera pointed!! After three hours I went back tot he hotel
Need to setup a Vimeo account

winterrose Loc: Kyneton, Victoria, Australia

If you can't see any difference in the photographs you take and your "tests" then, other than doing it just for the sake of the exercise, what in all practicality is the point?

Neilp Loc: Jersey, C.I.

winterrose Loc: Kyneton, Victoria, Australia

That's fine, but set up a controlled environment in which the only variable is the lens. Set up a real object, not some two dimensional chart, and secure the camera on a firmly fixed tripod, set some fixed lighting then test each lens with the camera in Aperture priority at one stop intervals at the focal length you want to test.
Do a set with auto focus then repeat using manual focusing.
By the time you have peered and compared all this mess you will probably be so weary and confused you won't care what is which. Nave fun anyway. Cheers, Rob.

Neilp Loc: Jersey, C.I.

Was planning on real object as opposed to a chart ..don't have any charts here anyway.

Tripod ..yes.

Lighting..ummm difficult. In the shed down the farm with outdoor work lights maybe.

Will probably stick with just a few apertures, to reduce the images to compare.
Same with manual or auto focus...probably just auto focus that for now..can always compare focus system accuracy later..if I get really keen!

abc1234 Loc: Elk Grove Village, Illinois

Neil, I just went thru this exercise and posted it on UHH a few days ago. A few observations. Av is ok; just adjust all the exposures based on the histogram. Shoot a brick wall and assume that everything is straight. The low resolution of the monitor may wipe out differences among lenses. Try printing instead. Rule out camera movement by using a remote shutter release or the self-timer and set the mirror up.

In the end, what matters is viewing the photos at the normal viewing distance. Years ago, that was the diagonal dimension of the print.

Good luck.

ole sarg Loc: south florida

Now take the printed page and shot it with various lenses at the same focal length, then vary the focal lengths use same iso, same speed and same f stop and print the photograph at say 8X10 or one size larger and if you can't tell the difference, and I would bet you really can't, buy the cheapest lens!

Neilp Loc: Jersey, C.I.

Well even on screen, at various magnifications, it is difficult major differences..well there are differences, but as to what is better or worse...the eternal question.

yes at the extremes, the cheaper lenses are noticeable, ..softer less detailed..same as when they are stopped down to f36, some diffraction coming in.

have been playing with some of my old FD lenses with an FD to EOS adapter...forgotten how bright my old 55mm f1.2 is :)

charles brown Loc: Tennesse

Most everything covered. Have done same test myself.
1. Used tripod
2. All manual settings
3. Controlled lighting
4. Used magazine page as target (some use newspaper) on wall
5. Tested lens at all apertures
6. Viewed images exactly as taken, no PP of any kind.
7. Made sure no camera movement or target movement when changing lens.
8. Last but not least, shot raw, not jpeg

Merlin1300 Loc: New England, But Now & Forever SoTX

Neil:
I highly recommend the following web site:

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=683&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=5&API=2&LensComp=111&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=3

You can choose 2 lenses, then A/B them by moving your mouse.
Although you may want to try a hands on for your final decision, using the info at the site above may save you time and $$$.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

This is easier said than done. Professional testers use expensive, elaborate equipment to compare lenses. It's not something you can do reliably at home. It would be easier, quicker, and more accurate to search for reviews and comparisons online. There is a site that shows test chart images of two lenses side by side, but I don't have access to the site now.