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LENS, CAMERA, AND VIDEO test and adjustment charts. Who has had experience in testing their equipment with testing charts?
Jan 27, 2022 23:17:28 #
OldSchool-WI
Loc: Brandon, Wisconsin 53919
Lens and cameras have always been tested through charts. Many charts can cost thousands. B&H has some inexpensive charts for testing lenses, cameras, and video. I took delivery on this batch today and show the invoice. DGK Hi-resChrome SD test charts--and DGK digital Kolor Pro. Some well known photographers merely say they point the camera out the office window and examine the results. Certain critic reviewers use charts for better or worse. And the color charts can adjust white balance and color balance in video cams. What are the recommendations for good lenses after testing by members of UHH? In the old days---good camera and lens makers had only one proud quality---but not so today. Kit lenses are expected to be second rate. And most expect you get what you pay for---but that also is not necessarily so.-----ew
Jan 28, 2022 02:58:19 #
OldSchool-WI wrote:
Lens and cameras have always been tested through c... (show quote)
After reading through a bunch of opinion I finally got to your question:
"What are the recommendations for good lenses after testing by members of UHH?"
This causes me to ask why did you buy the charts if all you really want is the results of others who have used them?
Is there any particular brand of "good lenses" you are looking for...or do you want to know all of them?
P.S. - by the time I decided "what the hell" and looked at your post there had already been 50 views and zero responses...I wonder why.
Call me snarky.
Jan 28, 2022 04:09:49 #
OldSchool-WI
Loc: Brandon, Wisconsin 53919
flip1948 wrote:
After reading through a bunch of opinion I finally... (show quote)
Possibly nobody tests lenses? They take reviews and prices and go with that? That is why the post is a question. Is it only lip service and feeling that determines IQ perception of the tools we use? If fifty viewed and nobody responded---maybe they simply go with the price and brand? So---have you graded your lenses???-----ew
Jan 28, 2022 04:19:07 #
OldSchool-WI
Loc: Brandon, Wisconsin 53919
flip1948 wrote:
After reading through a bunch of opinion I finally... (show quote)
I guess you know whether or not you are snarky??? Obviously I bought the charts to test my lenses--(I will not tell you how many or the UHH will say that is bragging.) But I need to adjust and check my array. As for why I don't just do that and not bother people on UHH about my own testing---just why then is anybody reading or participating in UHH in the first place rather than mere privately doing their thing?----But if someone has a particularly good lens they have personally tested--I would like to know as would others. Also--I am spurring the scientific approach to photography rather than mere opinion.------ew
Jan 28, 2022 04:29:16 #
flip1948 wrote:
After reading through a bunch of opinion I finally... (show quote)
Yo Snarky ... whzuppp ???
Jan 28, 2022 04:49:48 #
OldSchool-WI wrote:
Obviously I bought the charts to test my lenses--
----But if someone has a particularly good lens they have personally tested--I would like to know as would others. Also--I am spurring the scientific approach to photography rather than mere opinion.------ew
----But if someone has a particularly good lens they have personally tested--I would like to know as would others. Also--I am spurring the scientific approach to photography rather than mere opinion.------ew
I tested these two and found them to be extraordinarily outstanding in every way.
Jan 28, 2022 05:19:34 #
OldSchool-WI wrote:
Lens and cameras have always been tested through c... (show quote)
I don't test. It's a waste of my time. I do use a ColorChecker Passport to create an accurate color profile of my camera(s) and lens(es) when the situation calls for it. I only "test" a lens when I think there is a problem, and it is a simple comparison between the camera focused using live view (CDAF) and using the viewfinder (PDAF). If there is a consistent discrepancy over a series of shots, something goes in for service.
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Jan 28, 2022 05:30:39 #
The chip charts are mostly useless for still photography, and was really only used in analog days for video cam matching and picture adjustments with the help of a vectorscope and waveform monitor. Unless you have those and have the in camera manual adjustment potentiometers, the charts are good only for decoration.
Jan 28, 2022 07:27:09 #
I had the same question awhile back, so I tested my 55mm 2.8 Nikkor micro against the 18-55 AF kit lens that came with my D5100. Couldn't tell the difference...
Jan 28, 2022 09:59:06 #
OldSchool-WI
Loc: Brandon, Wisconsin 53919
User ID wrote:
I tested these two and found them to be extraordinarily outstanding in every way.
Thanks---ew
Jan 28, 2022 09:59:55 #
OldSchool-WI
Loc: Brandon, Wisconsin 53919
ELNikkor wrote:
I had the same question awhile back, so I tested my 55mm 2.8 Nikkor micro against the 18-55 AF kit lens that came with my D5100. Couldn't tell the difference...
Interesting----ew
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Jan 28, 2022 10:25:55 #
There are online sites that let you enter the camera and lens and see the results at different ISO levels. Let me see if I can find a link.
Here's one - https://www.dpreview.com/articles/7774764205/fujifilm-x-t30-sony-a6400-added-to-studio-test-scene
Here's one - https://www.dpreview.com/articles/7774764205/fujifilm-x-t30-sony-a6400-added-to-studio-test-scene
Jan 28, 2022 11:01:40 #
User ID wrote:
Yo Snarky ... whzuppp ???
Apparently I need to test my lenses...for what I'm not sure.
I do know that some Hoggers "test" their lenses to fine tune focus. If the OP is talking about testing for sharpness, I'll leave that up to the pros like DPReview or DxOmark, etc. They have much better test equipment than I could ever have and they know how to use it.
If I am considering a new lens I check to see what the pros say first and their results will factor heavily in my decision. I trust them.
Jan 28, 2022 11:05:49 #
I test my lens by glancing at it making sure the dust isn't too thick. 
Jan 28, 2022 11:07:29 #
OldSchool-WI
Loc: Brandon, Wisconsin 53919
jerryc41 wrote:
There are online sites that let you enter the camera and lens and see the results at different ISO levels. Let me see if I can find a link.
Here's one - https://www.dpreview.com/articles/7774764205/fujifilm-x-t30-sony-a6400-added-to-studio-test-scene
Here's one - https://www.dpreview.com/articles/7774764205/fujifilm-x-t30-sony-a6400-added-to-studio-test-scene
Good link. That is why I put up the thread--to encourage people to buy charts and set priorities for their own collections of lenses. These seem the only reasonably priced charts. Some costing as much as thousands! Of course a newspaper tacked to the wall can give a rough estimate, also. But color match is important with color temperature adjustments. And certainly ideal conditions are needed for testing. I would have like larger test charts---but these are all I can find at a low price. I would also have liked to have found a 22 step gray scale. I have Stougher step gauges from my lithographic printing, though.--ew
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