Where can I find subjective articles on the lens quality of the various brands?

chip j · Jan 28, 2014

I have Nikon & Contax G lenses, and have had Leicas in the past, but I love to read these kind of articles, and haven't found too many online. Thanks in advance, Chip (I have noticed differences myself, & I don't want to hear "It's the Photog that makes the picture" and all that}

snapguy · Jan 28, 2014

like fleas

I am not sure how you can miss them they are all over the Internet.

Alan Gales · Jan 28, 2014

Do a google search of Nikon versus Leica versus Contax or what ever.

chip j · Jan 28, 2014

Alan Gales said:
Do a google search of Nikon versus Leica versus Contax or what ever.

I did that.

Fixcinater · Jan 29, 2014

Are you looking for magazine articles or other forms of "published" thoughts, or merely musings by laypeople in uncontrolled circumstances (most lens tests posted to the web).

I've been able to find plenty to read on anything I've wanted more info on by being specific: "summarit vs. canon 50/1.5" or "lester dine vs. EF 100mm f/2.8 macro"

chip j · Jan 29, 2014

Fixcinater said:
Are you looking for magazine articles or other forms of "published" thoughts, or merely musings by laypeople in uncontrolled circumstances (most lens tests posted to the web).

I've been able to find plenty to read on anything I've wanted more info on by being specific: "summarit vs. canon 50/1.5" or "lester dine vs. EF 100mm f/2.8 macro"

No, I don't want lay people. Something along the lines of Steve Huff, thanks.

Kawaiithulhu · Jan 29, 2014

Are you sure you don't mean "objective" instead of "subjective?"

mopar_guy · Jan 29, 2014

"Objective" would denote some sort of testing or other empirical evidence.
"Subjective" would be more like telling of experiences or opinions.

lxdude · Jan 29, 2014

And considering that the lenses are objectives...

Kawaiithulhu · Jan 29, 2014

lxdude said:
And considering that the lenses are objectives...

Best. Line. Ever

Jerevan · Jan 29, 2014

There's a guy called Sean Reid who often crops up in the discussions. Other than that, the dear old Ken Rockwell.

I think that your own eyeballs are the best tool you have available.

StoneNYC · Jan 29, 2014

Go to RFF... They have lots of stuff about this...

Or alternatively you could shoot and decide for yourself...

Xmas · Jan 29, 2014

Unless you are using a high resolution film and a tripod you don't need a high quality lens cheap nasty one same results.

Some people prefer lots of blur and haggle about the quality of the blur they even have a word for it.

But even a MTF chart is subjective to a degree.

benjiboy · Jan 29, 2014

If you have Contax G and Nikon lenses don't worry about it, they are better lenses than you are a photographer.

StoneNYC · Jan 29, 2014

benjiboy said:
If you have Contax G and Nikon lenses don't worry about it, they are better lenses than you are a photographer.

Mamiya 7....

dorff · Jan 29, 2014

For Nikons and some other F-mountable lenses, David Ruether and Bjorn Rorslett have fairly extensive subjective evaluations that you can look up. I doubt however, that you will find "Compare X vs Y" in their sites. I also think their work is not up to date with the latest lens releases, e.g. the newest Zeiss ZF.2 lenses or newest Nikkors.

E. von Hoegh · Jan 29, 2014

mopar_guy said:
"Objective" would denote some sort of testing or other empirical evidence.
"Subjective" would be more like telling of experiences or opinions.

All of my lenses are excellent or better. The rest suck.

Richard S. (rich815) · Jan 29, 2014

E. von Hoegh said:
All of my lenses are excellent or better. The rest suck.

Mine too! Let's compare....

mopar_guy · Jan 29, 2014

I quit worrying about the quality of my lenses a long time ago. I just put one on the camera and load some film and I am all set.

The two worst problems that I have are; 1) Thinking that I cannot make a photo and 2) Sitting in front of a computer.

E. von Hoegh · Jan 29, 2014

Richard Sintchak (rich815) said:
Mine too! Let's compare....

StoneNYC · Jan 29, 2014

mopar_guy said:
I quit worrying about the quality of my lenses a long time ago. I just put one on the camera and load some film and I am all set.

The two worst problems that I have are; 1) Thinking that I cannot make a photo and 2) Sitting in front of a computer.

+1

EdSawyer · Jan 29, 2014

I have some vintage lens tests from Modern Photo, Pop Photo and others posted here:

http://www.edsawyer.com/lenstests/

I have a bunch more scanned but haven't had time to OCR/clean/rotate/post them yet, but hopefully soon.

-Ed

Poisson Du Jour · Jan 29, 2014

You can learn a hell of a lot about lenses by actually buying and using them extensively, especially those that occupy the top shelf in renown quality, rather than the instant legends propagated by photography magazines and forums which usually having a vested interest somewhere.

Those tests in magazines are very, very subjective. You are better speaking or working with a photographer actively working with lenses and scrutinising the resulting images (not prints!). Other than some preparatory detective work that addresses what your subject matter is, how you photograph it and what type of lens performance you see will do you now and into the future, a solid foundation skillbase in photography and lots of active shooting will do more for you than trawling through magazines.

chip j · Jan 29, 2014

benjiboy said:
If you have Contax G and Nikon lenses don't worry about it, they are better lenses than you are a photographer.

NO WAY

Dan Fromm · Jan 29, 2014

chip j said:
I have Nikon & Contax G lenses, and have had Leicas in the past, but I love to read these kind of articles, and haven't found too many online. Thanks in advance, Chip (I have noticed differences myself, & I don't want to hear "It's the Photog that makes the picture" and all that}

Um, er, ah, wander over to www.mflenses.com. If that doesn't scratch your itch, remember the old maxim: if you want to read it, write it.

Where can I find subjective articles on the lens quality of the various brands?

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