Sharpness . . . Lens quality versus software postprocessing
Dec 18, 2017 19:28:40 #
OptiCole
Loc: Fresno, CA
I know there is an optical difference between a "kit lens" and a "higher quality" lens. But with today's amazing post processing software options, is it that much of a difference? I know out of the camera a higher quality lens will be a little sharper, but after using appropriate post processing on something like a kit lens, is there really much difference to most non pixel peeper people. I am having to hard time justifying the extreme cost of a high end lens when my kit lens seems pretty sharp after a little bit of LightRoom.
In the "old" days the lens was everything, but is that true to with all of the lens software profiles that fix most if the lower cost lens issues.
What do people think about this?
In the "old" days the lens was everything, but is that true to with all of the lens software profiles that fix most if the lower cost lens issues.
What do people think about this?
Dec 18, 2017 19:30:23 #
OptiCole wrote:
.../... But with today's amazing post processing software options, is it that much of a difference? .../...
Yes.
Dec 18, 2017 19:35:12 #
Software is not magic. If the lens sucks there is software in the world that will change that. If you are dreaming of finding a software that will equalize an image from a bad lens to the image produce by a top of the line lens, dont waste your time. Want the best optical quality? You need to pay for it.
Dec 18, 2017 19:38:49 #
OptiCole wrote:
I know there is an optical difference between a &q... (show quote)
What do you want to be? A photographer or a computer operator?
Dec 18, 2017 19:45:07 #
Mac wrote:
What do you want to be? A photographer or a computer operator?
He wants a shortcut....a magic wand to produce NatGEo images..... Reality is harsh.
Dec 18, 2017 19:47:37 #
Dec 18, 2017 19:50:20 #
OptiCole wrote:
I know there is an optical difference between a &q... (show quote)
The use time you use a high quality lens, especially at the wider apertures, it is an eye opener.
Dec 18, 2017 19:51:53 #
OptiCole wrote:
I know there is an optical difference between a &q... (show quote)
Glass = ok. good glass = better. best glass = best results.
$ or $$ or $$$. take your pick.
Dec 18, 2017 20:14:39 #
sirlensalot
Loc: Arizona
Every year the software gets better.
Until then, pro grade lenses do a better job than kit lenses.
Until then, pro grade lenses do a better job than kit lenses.
Dec 18, 2017 20:15:54 #
OptiCole wrote:
I know there is an optical difference between a &q... (show quote)
If you want to do an eye opener experiment, take your kit lens and take some pictures, very carefully, of something wide open, and then stop down a stop and do it again. And repeat at another stop and so on until you have stopped all the way down. Then go study those images on your computer screen.
Now, if you have a high quality lens, it will remain almost as sharp when wide open.
You should also see the effects of diffraction as you stop down all the way and see that there is some range of f-stops that is the best with the worst wide open and also stopped down all the way.
If you have never done this experiment, its an eye opener. And it should affect how you take pictures.
Dec 18, 2017 20:24:07 #
Mac wrote:
What do you want to be? A photographer or a computer operator?
Good question.
Dec 18, 2017 20:30:30 #
I can tell you what I do to get sharp photos. I am in auto focus if I see it is not quite to my satisfaction I have my left middle finger on the focus ring and I turn it just until my satisfaction in focus. Most of the time it just takes a little touch, try it, it works. A lot of times I don't think about it I get in a hurry
Dec 18, 2017 20:43:18 #
geogiapeach09 wrote:
I can tell you what I do to get sharp photos. I am in auto focus if I see it is not quite to my satisfaction I have my left middle finger on the focus ring and I turn it just until my satisfaction in focus. Most of the time it just takes a little touch, try it, it works. A lot of times I don't think about it I get in a hurry
The question had to do with the sharness of kit lenses vs. pro lenses. And then he asked if software sharpening could make up the difference between the two. I agree you can fine tune by hand. Sometimes the autofocus picks the wrong point to focus on. But this isn't what the discussion is about.
As to the OP question. Nope, software doesn't make up the difference I mentioned above. It can help somewhat but more often I find it makes the image look grainy and it might be better to have just left it a little soft. You can still have a pleasing image that isn't perfectly sharp. Some types of images demand great sharpness. Others, it's not that important. Depends on what your goal is. If you're selling wildlife photos to National Geographic they better be as sharp as possible. If you're taking a group shot at a family gathering I don't anybody cares if it's a little soft.
Dec 18, 2017 21:12:44 #
OptiCole wrote:
I know there is an optical difference between a &q... (show quote)
There are subtle differences even if you are a skilled processor.
Dec 18, 2017 21:42:50 #
Thanks, I think I miss read the question maybe I should just read the whole question first sorry
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.