Recognizing What You Have, When You Have It.
Dec 22, 2017 10:22:28 #
Lately I have been poring over old (12 years) digital files, reminiscing, approving/disapproving/eliminating many of the images. And I was surprised by one striking takeaway from my "research". In those days I was shooting a D50/Sigma 18-200 3.5-6.3 (no VR). Today I shoot a D500/Nikon 70-200mm 2.8 VRII (among other lenses). In my eternal (so-to-speak) quest for the holy grail - a really really sharp, in-focus image - I realized that old combo produced as sharp or sharper images as my latest "cutting edge" equipment. I realize that old combo can't compete with the faster glass, greater number of megapixels and crazy ISO potential of my current gear, but if I compare a simple landscape or daylight street shot or candid shots of the family, I'm struck dumb. And in some way, I feel dumb. Even stupid when I think of some of the money I've spent in the intervening years.
I hate not being sharp. Anybody else?
I hate not being sharp. Anybody else?
Dec 22, 2017 10:31:37 #
Still love my D50 w/kit 18-55. And I have 2 more update/expensive bodies and many lenses.
Dec 22, 2017 10:42:25 #
[quote=Raz Theo]Lately I have been poring over old (12 years) digital files, reminiscing, approving/disapproving/eliminating many of the images. And I was surprised by one striking takeaway from my "research". In those days I was shooting a D50/Sigma 18-200 3.5-6.3 (no VR). .......
The D50 was my first DSLR and I still have two of 'em. They were and still are great at 6 MP but I sometimes print big and now use more updated, higher MP cameras. I still believe that the major keys to "sharpness" is understanding exposure and employing the proper techniques to achieve same. Cheers, chase
The D50 was my first DSLR and I still have two of 'em. They were and still are great at 6 MP but I sometimes print big and now use more updated, higher MP cameras. I still believe that the major keys to "sharpness" is understanding exposure and employing the proper techniques to achieve same. Cheers, chase
Dec 22, 2017 10:44:35 #
Some of my old slides with Fuji Velvia 50, now digitized are the best shots ever. In some ways I long for those old film shots. But, I sure like instant gratification instead of waiting for a week.
Dec 22, 2017 10:50:53 #
Either sigma is onto something, or maybe Nikon is slacking big time.
An 11x zoom being sharper than a 70-200? I don’t think so, but would it be possible that the lens needs ‘micro adjustments” I’ve seen a lot of shots with that combo and they were tack sharp.
Also, have you tried manually focusing? W
How did that go?
An 11x zoom being sharper than a 70-200? I don’t think so, but would it be possible that the lens needs ‘micro adjustments” I’ve seen a lot of shots with that combo and they were tack sharp.
Also, have you tried manually focusing? W
How did that go?
Dec 22, 2017 10:51:37 #
Not to get into old arguments here. I have rarely ever achieved the sharpness of many film images out of rangefinder and SLR camera's from the 70's through the 90's. In regard to digital, I have never accomplished the sharpness I got from my first serious DSLR's, an Olympus E-3 5 Mp Pro w/14-54 lens, or my Canon 5D 12 mp FF. That said, I buy and sell camera's mostly now and let the big money folks go for "sharp". It's over rated anyway. I just look through my archive for the sharpness I used to get with film and early digital. Mainly because I don't post process and certainly do not post process for sharpness. Also over rated and far too time consuming.
Also, I shoot film for sharp currently. It still works!
Also, I shoot film for sharp currently. It still works!
Dec 22, 2017 10:52:14 #
Raz Theo wrote:
Lately I have been poring over old (12 years) digi... (show quote)
I'm with you.
I've spent a small fortune on gear only to realize that it wasn't that important. I wish I had the cash that I spent going from a Canon t2i + lenses, to a 5D2 + many L lenses, to a 5D3 + many very expensive L lenses, to several fuji mirrorless cameras and the resultant bags of lenses, to a Leica M, and lenses and finally settling on a 40 year old point and shoot and being happier that I've ever been with my photography.
I think that mainly I stopped being obsessed with sharpness...that helped a lot.
Dec 22, 2017 10:55:05 #
Every so often, I will go over photo's taken 25-30 years ago with film cameras and I'm always amazed at the clarity of the photo's taken decades ago. So called "cutting edge" photography equipment is just a word to get people to buy newer gadgets. I stopped reaching for the holy grail long ago, take a still photo with a D7100 and one with a D850 and you will be hard pressed to tell the difference between the two. I still enjoy looking at old photo's taken with film cameras.
Dec 22, 2017 10:59:48 #
After all is said and done and after all the ways you rank good shots, sharpness, dynamic range, good color, etc. the most important thing that remains is the Content—did you get the shot or come back without it.
Dec 22, 2017 11:09:27 #
I am still shooting film exclusively. Older lenses and bodies. Still getting superb results.
Dec 22, 2017 11:10:43 #
I upgraded to my current camera in 2008. It takes great photos, though not as good as a FF camera with top-of-the-line lenses. Its low-light performance leaves something to be desired, which is why I'm kinda sorta looking around for a replacement. I don't want to be hasty...
My prior camera was a 2001 Sony (5 MP!). I took some lovely photos with it in its time, and my wife still uses it today. I offered to get her a Sony A6000, but she loves the camera she has.
While I would love to have the greatest whiz bang gee whiz, I find that the satisfaction of taking a good photo is not overly dependent on the equipment used. As I am not a professional photographer, my only aim in photography is to please that inner spirit (and, if I should be so lucky, to please a few other people too).
My prior camera was a 2001 Sony (5 MP!). I took some lovely photos with it in its time, and my wife still uses it today. I offered to get her a Sony A6000, but she loves the camera she has.
While I would love to have the greatest whiz bang gee whiz, I find that the satisfaction of taking a good photo is not overly dependent on the equipment used. As I am not a professional photographer, my only aim in photography is to please that inner spirit (and, if I should be so lucky, to please a few other people too).
Dec 22, 2017 11:10:51 #
nhastings wrote:
Some of my old slides with Fuji Velvia 50, now digitized are the best shots ever. In some ways I long for those old film shots. But, I sure like instant gratification instead of waiting for a week.
Fujifilm Velvia still lives, at least in simulation form, on my Fujifilm X100F. Merry Christmas.
Dec 22, 2017 11:13:17 #
What I've noticed is my disappointment in images taken handheld with image stabilization version versus the old tried & true (but time consuming) method of using a good tripod, proper head, mirror locked up & remote release of some kind. There's really no comparison, when talking static subjects. Maybe I'm too old to have the steadiness of my youth, but I don't believe so. I only own one VR lens. It's quite good but still a little lacking in fine detail crispness compared to the ancient way of doing things. It's a great feature they've invented but not perfect. I remain happy with most of my old fully manual glass. It's all fun, regardless.
Dec 22, 2017 11:16:39 #
Dec 22, 2017 11:37:00 #
rjaywallace wrote:
Fujifilm Velvia still lives, at least in simulation form, on my Fujifilm X100F. Merry Christmas.
Yes indeed - a wonderful film (in my opinion).
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