Stop this crop factor / equivalent focal length nonsense
Jul 29, 2019 15:37:32 #
We could avoid all of this ‘crop factor’ and ‘equivalent focal length’ confusion and nonsense if we all started thinking and expressing in terms of ‘Angle of View’ (AoV) or ‘Field of Vision’ (FoV) instead of the Focal Length of the lens. For example, if you were to say ‘I took this shot with my 7 degree lens’ it wouldn’t matter if you were referring to a 300mm FF, 200mm APS-C, or 150mm MFT or 380mm Medium Format. The AoV is what determines what is in your capture. As we are constantly reminded, the focal length of the lens stays the same regardless of what body it is mounted on and ‘crop factor’ is a somewhat misleading or even meaningless term. These days, the only thing ‘focal length’ info is good for is to know what size bag you need to carry.
Of course this change in habit would burn up a few brain cells for most ‘old timers’ and goodness knows, brain cells are in short supply here on UHH.
Of course this change in habit would burn up a few brain cells for most ‘old timers’ and goodness knows, brain cells are in short supply here on UHH.
Jul 29, 2019 15:46:52 #
RWR
Loc: La Mesa, CA
repleo wrote:
We could avoid all of this ‘crop factor’ and ‘equi... (show quote)
Good luck trying to change common sense terminology!
Jul 29, 2019 15:48:21 #
Jul 29, 2019 15:51:39 #
For us "old timers" who used film cameras for a long time, the "crop factor" is a very useful concept. We may not have figured out and memorized the angle of view for various popular lenses, but we know from experience what the view of different focal length 35mm lenses looks like. I understand that people who never used 35mm film cameras can get confused by it, but good luck trying to get even people just on this site to start using AOV or FOV.
Jul 29, 2019 15:55:01 #
repleo wrote:
We could avoid all of this ‘crop factor’ and ‘equi... (show quote)
Your last paragraph proves you to be rude and ignorant. BTW - with a given lens, the FOV changes with crop factor, but you would not, of course, know that with your box brownie.
Jul 29, 2019 16:02:54 #
paulrph1
Loc: Washington, Utah
repleo wrote:
We could avoid all of this ‘crop factor’ and ‘equi... (show quote)
Insult your guest and see if they support you. lol!
Jul 29, 2019 16:12:35 #
repleo wrote:
We could avoid all of this ‘crop factor’ and ‘equi... (show quote)
You're 100% correct.
But there is a word in Austrian German dialect slang that comes to mind that would work in this case - you'd be referred to as a schneebrunser - or someone who writes in the snow . . .
Jul 29, 2019 16:17:49 #
repleo wrote:
We could avoid all of this ‘crop factor’ and ‘equi... (show quote)
How did your last attempt to change the world work out?
Quoting repleo, referring to text:
I think it is time to abandon portrait format.
In reality it's the younger generation that has turned to portrait mode for text and their photos. It's easier to hold a cell phone that way.
--
Jul 29, 2019 16:23:11 #
paulrph1
Loc: Washington, Utah
jdedmonds wrote:
It is so disheartening for this old timer to see t... (show quote)
Just a reality check for the original poster. Did you like what was said. Most people would just walk out. Myself included.
Jul 29, 2019 16:36:01 #
ggab
Loc: ?
repleo wrote:
We could avoid all of this ‘crop factor’ and ‘equi... (show quote)
How would we define a zoom lens AoV?
What would be the AoV of say a Focal Length of 275mm?
I don't have all of that memorized nor do I choose to do the math.
Knowing the focal length and camera gives me the information needed quickly incase I wanted to do a similar shot.
Since defining lenses by focal length is universal, why change???
I like 'focal length' and ‘equivalent focal length’, I am not confused.
I would like to see F-Stop definition of lenses shown as T-Stops however. Work with the actual tested not the theoretical.
Jul 29, 2019 16:43:36 #
repleo wrote:
We could avoid all of this ‘crop factor’ and ‘equi... (show quote)
From the wisdom of Forrest Gump's mother … "What's normal anyways?"
and from the wisdom of Forrest Gump himself … "My mama says that stupid is as stupid does."
and … "My mama always told me that miracles happen every day. Some people don’t think so, but they do."
Jul 29, 2019 16:53:57 #
I think I'll go to the store and get a 15° AoV lens.
Isn't a "normal" lens (for whatever format) one that makes something that is 20 feet away look like it's 20 feet away in the image?
And you have a multiplier for other lenses.
Isn't a "normal" lens (for whatever format) one that makes something that is 20 feet away look like it's 20 feet away in the image?
And you have a multiplier for other lenses.
Jul 29, 2019 17:09:15 #
I would prefer to forget about the crop factor but still state the focal length as is. No 35mm equivalent.
Jul 29, 2019 17:13:14 #
BebuLamar wrote:
I would prefer to forget about the crop factor but still state the focal length as is. No 35mm equivalent.
But the focal length means nothing if you don't know what the sensor size is.
Jul 29, 2019 17:39:00 #
Longshadow wrote:
How do you describe that lens when it is switched between cameras, one is "FF", one is "APS-C", and one has a so-called 1/1.7" sensor. Since they use different parts of the light cylinder, they will give different views.I think I'll go to the store and get a 15° AoV lens.
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