p.2 #1 · Ha? Did not expect this. Tamron 50-400 vs Sony 100-400 original
ps09 wrote:
In the old dslr days, I was the guy in our group with a 60' long basement and was nice enough to af fine tune lenses to bodies for my friends. What a hassle. I used the lens align which was great. 8' away for every 100mm. I was able to tune to about 700mm. From the thousands of test images I ran, I can plainly and emphatically state that any lens testing not done on a tripod, VR/OSS off, wired or remote release and cocking out of focus and back (and waiting a few seconds after cocking) in AFS, re-cocking between every shot WILL NOT give accurate results. Back in the day I was shooting Nikon and my 300 2.8 was -18 on one d850 and +2 on another. Same lens, different bodies.
I agree that (now that we are focusing on the sensor) a brick wall on a bright overcast day is the best means of testing for overall sharpness (not performance). I make certain I am squared up to a large brick wall ( I use a grade school gymnasium wall on weekends) and put an "X" of duct tape on the wall. That is my focus point for all focal lengths. I attach a 4' level to my tripod legs to measure my squareness to the wall. I bring a 50' tape.
If a person is using afc for static testing, it can throw off results. No cable release. forgetaboutit! Leaving vr/oss on, results will be impacted. Handholding? No way. Just for kicks, put your longest lens on your tripod, clamp it down and watch the lcd as you depress the shutter. Even the best tripod will show movement from your hand depressing the shutter.
I discount many reviews of lenses when I see the methods in which people test lenses. I love the diagonal lens testing over ocean water in sunlight! Heat distortion, anyone?
Besides, as previously stated by others, most new lenses are engineered to be sharpest in the center of the frame, zoom or prime. I think we pay the big bucks for fast lenses and corner performance. If someone is only interested in the bulls-eye center, most lenses will do just fine. ...Show more →
I get it and will give it a go time permitting, which will be in a few weeks due to my schedule.
However, I have been noticing consistent lack of sharpness when compared to other Sony lenses too, thus the test above to try for a more controlled approach. This body/lens against this body/400-800 at 400. This body/200-600 against A7RVI/this lens. I wasn't looking for sharpness comp, was trying to see what combo would give me more reach and still be manageable, but this jumped out at me. Not exactly scientific but it starts to add up.
What's your opinion on filed testing, i.e. using it as if I would in real life? If one consistently gives me better results than the other, under reasonably similar conditions, wouldn't it be all I need to know?
p.2 #2 · Ha? Did not expect this. Tamron 50-400 vs Sony 100-400 original
ps09 wrote:
Are you using a tripod or handheld?
If tripod, are you manually racking out of focus each frame and letting it focus?
Are you using a remote trigger?
Is vibration reduction on or off?
Handheld thus 500 shutter speed to minimize handshake as a factor. Wouldn't it be a moot point, however, if I do handheld for both?
