So, there is an improvement for the extreme edges at 70mm going from f/8 to f/11. However, at the center, there is a slight hit in micro-contrast.
I don't have intermediate apertures like f/9 and f/10 to compare so I'm not sure. It could be that f/9 it's all that's needed for optimum sharpness across the field. (center and edges)
70 was my most tested, did about 200 tests at this length. Corner sharpness between f10 and f11 is very very slightly better at f11, however this then drops the center. So I'd rather go for f10, as you really can't notice the corner difference unless you're on a mission to find it.
The F11 at 70mm indeed has better Sag resolution than the 8. See those clean and slim vertical lines. The astigmatism is quite much improved in the F11 setting, very pleasing to eye and the sharpening will be easy to apply there. This is the same in my observations.
I agree the center is a tiny bit weaker in F11, but that should be improvable by adding a little more details in sharpening. Look forward to the battle between F9/10/11.
Fred Miranda wrote:
Since we are being extremely picky (), I would also give 40mm until 50mm, f/6.3 as the optimum aperture. I don't see any difference for the edges going from f/6.3 to f/7.1 to f/8 and the center looks better at f/6.3 (40-50mm)
NOTE: You need a perfect lens to see these aperture differences. I used to have one but it felt on the ground and lost its mojo...I'm on the hunt for another one.
In my original tests I went from 5.6 > 8. Retested today, and you're spot on.
Fred Miranda wrote:
I used to have one but it felt on the ground and lost its mojo...I'm on the hunt for another one.
How did you drop it?
It is worrying, I use peak design clutch, with a peak design strap around my neck at the same time and I support the lens with my left hand while walking! 3 points of failure!
I've always wondered how strong the silver triangle strap supports are on the sides of the camera!
p.52 #10 · Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
SPDTDL wrote:
How did you drop it?
It is worrying, I use peak design clutch, with a peak design strap around my neck at the same time and I support the lens with my left hand while walking! 3 points of failure!
I've always wondered how strong the silver triangle strap supports are on the sides of the camera!
A while back, I brought the lens to Yosemite and on the first day, while wearing wool gloves, I quickly wanted to swap lenses in the parking lot before starting my hike. Unfortunately, the lens slipped and felt into the concrete floor in a very bad way.
A quick test proved to be game over for it.
p.52 #12 · Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
SPDTDL wrote:
How did you drop it?
It is worrying, I use peak design clutch, with a peak design strap around my neck at the same time and I support the lens with my left hand while walking! 3 points of failure!
I've always wondered how strong the silver triangle strap supports are on the sides of the camera!
The only range I'm not 100% sure is the 60-70mm.
Although I know the corners improved from f/8 to f/11 at 70mm, I'm still not sure about intermediate apertures and how it performs at 60mm and 65mm in comparison. Hopefully I get a good copy of this lens and do some tests on it.
I know that 60mm and 65mm looks better than 70mm, so perhaps having this entire range at f/10 may not be accurate in our picky tests.
If we agree, once we come up with a final update for this graph, I would like to add it to the first post.
p.52 #13 · Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
Fred, Guy said that he would be in Southern California in January or so. Maybe we can look you up and get together then. If you get a keeper by then, I would like to pit my lens against yours .
p.52 #18 · Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
So, there is an improvement for the extreme edges at 70mm going from f/8 to f/11. However, at the center, there is a slight hit in micro-contrast.
I don't have intermediate apertures like f/9 and f/10 to compare so I'm not sure. It could be that f/9 it's all that's needed for optimum sharpness across the field.
See crops below:
Maybe I'm not understanding this post, but I see a pretty large hit in sharpness in the center and relatively little improvement in the corners. Are these posted backwards?
p.52 #19 · Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
mjm6 wrote:
Maybe I'm not understanding this post, but I see a pretty large hit in sharpness in the center and relatively little improvement in the corners. Are these posted backwards?
---Michael
Hi Michael,
As you noticed, closing the aperture to f/11 definitely degrades the image, especially in the center area. (If it's recoverable in post is another story)
With some lenses, intermediate apertures like f/9 or f/10 is sometimes preferred. I just never tested the 24-70GM at 70mm with these apertures. Perhaps all that's needed is an extra 1/3 of stop for optimum resolution/contrast throughout the frame.
With my 16-35/4 ZA at 35mm, I get best results for landscapes at f/9 with the A7RII.
), I would also give 40mm until 50mm, f/6.3 as the optimum aperture. I don't see any difference for the edges going from f/6.3 to f/7.1 to f/8 and the center looks better at f/6.3 (40-50mm)
. I will defer to Guy to set up the date. 