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What makes a great lens great?

A great lens is a lens that meets its requirements at minimal cost and complexity.

But I'm a lens designer so my definition is a bit different than yours.
 
How great a lens is depends on two things:
  1. Technical capabilities: MTF curves, bokeh, ...
  2. The photographer and how it is used especially to take advantage of the lenses capabilities and foibles.
 
Marco Gilardetti said:
I guess this video may have touched some "delicate spots"
Click to expand...

Oh yeah, it definitely did, and although I wanted to have a little fun with it, that wasn't my intent.

The intent was to start a dialogue about what qualities are important, which of course is dependent upon each photographer's needs. My guess would be that most on this forum would agree on the points made. Exceptions might be made for, say, sports or certain wedding photographers, etc. Speed and sharpness are probably more important to them, at the expense of the qualities mentioned.

I just thought it was a humorous way of going about it while getting the point across...apparently most didn't agree.

That's ok, no biggie.
 
I made it 20 seconds into the "video". It would have been less but my mouse button is sticking.
 
A great lens is one that fulfills the photo you've already taken in your mind. If you haven't captured that you either aren't using the lens correctly, or you aren't in the right spot, or you need to alter your composition. Each piece of glass has something spectacular to bring to the table, even the dreaded 18-55 f/3.5 (with enough planning and torn hair).
 
I've seen great pictures made with expired polaroid sheets, double exposures, altered lenses, vaseline painted front elements etc etc etc People's creativity wouldn't be stopped by sharpness or technical specs. What Is a great lens but the eye of someone with creativity and skills?
 
What is a great lens? The one that satisfies you for the shot you want right now. The next shot might require a different great lens. Plus what's great for you might not be great for me. It's a question that would consume a number of beers and many grandiose proclamations for techno nerds and self appointed gurus.

The question in itself is a waste of time. Now is that a "great" answer? I think so. Maybe not for you though.
 


I think the term you want is one I learned at Kodak in Rochester ====> WOMBAT = Waste of Money Brains and Time.
 
rrusso said:
Just a short video on what I believe to be waaaay too prevalent in judging a lens:

Click to expand...

the person who did the video had a good time
that s the point of the video to have a little fun

to answer the question of your post
i have no clue what makes a great lens
most of my lenses aren't good ...
 
Sirius Glass said:
I think the term you want is one I learned at Kodak in Rochester ====> WOMBAT = Waste of Money Brains and Time.
Click to expand...
But isn't repeatably posting in this thread MWOMBAT then?
 
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