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which lens has the most 3D POP?

  
 
lensfan
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p.62 #1 · which lens has the most 3D POP?


Now that I think about it. Sharp lens with shallow DOF can help the subject matter stand out from the background, but it is the fotographer that needs to add the 3D to it by making sure the lightning and shadows are right.


Mar 18, 2023 at 05:03 PM
Daran
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p.62 #2 · which lens has the most 3D POP?


jaygould wrote:
After doing more experiments with different lenses, I think the following theory is the true one:
All of 3d pop is contrast preservation, that's what your eye uses to estimate depth. Too many glass elements, especially with low quality coatings, will always introduce some amount of veiling glare, perceptible as a slight gray/white color cast, that quickly reaches a point where very fine shadow gradients - you could call them micro-contrasts - are lightened into oblivion so that they cease to exist, the shadow appears to cut off sooner, and you lose these important depth cues. Hence pictures from these massive
...Show more
That would make more sense if modern "massive zoom and prime lenses" would have more glare and less micro-contrasts than old low element count primes. However at least for the higher quality lenses the opposite seems to be the case. Every surface has imperfections and no coating is perfect, so lenses with more elements have a downside. But after a long hiatus there have been major advancements in lens tech during the last decade or so, specifically regarding surface smoothness and new computer aided lens design. So modern elements are so much better that the modern high element count lenses still end up with better contrast, less aberrations and better MTFs across the board. E.g. while the 50mm GM f1.2 has 14 elements, I rather doubt that your decent low element count prime of old can compete with it in terms of contrast, micro or otherwise.

PS: not sure what is going on with your Sigma prime snow shot, it seems surprisingly soft.



Mar 18, 2023 at 05:21 PM
RustyBug
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p.62 #3 · which lens has the most 3D POP?


Part of it is understanding a given lens ... and where / how the lens transitions. The rate of transition can be different for a given lens between zones and between different focal distances.

For example, my M645 150/2.8A was optimized for portrait distances. When I shot it in that range (proximal), I got the optimized micro-contrast, combined with the highest rate of transition differential to the other zones. If I shot at different distances, then the rate of transition between zones was not as great, so a lesser rate.

As mentioned early in the thread, different mfr's take on diff approaches to their design. That doesn't mean that ALL of a given mfr will do this. Nor does it mean that none of the others will, conversely.

Zeiss lenses (imo) are designed with some of the fastest transition rates between zones, in general. But, some of that comes at the expense of their classic mustache distortion, because the transitions are accelerated (i.e. non-linear). Drop a subject at the distance that such transition begins to change, and it'll "come alive" differently than a lens with very slow / linear transitions. Iirc, I liked some of the Sonnar designs, moreover than the Planar / Distagon designs (but, my memory isn't ideal). Point being, that even within a given mfr, the design approach varies.

Personally, I liked my Zeiss glass for this, but also my M645 glass performed well, but a bit smoother than the Zeiss approach. So, it comes as little surprise to me that folks are fans of some of the Sony glass for the same reasons I tended toward some of my Zeiss. Nikon had a few I liked, too .. and there are others, as well. I'd just suggest that Zeiss used the most aggressive zonal transitions (and brought mustache distortion along with it), more so than others, in more of their lenses (not all), than other mfr's. So, they can have some of the strongest effect ... although, not always the most natural looking. The range from "cut out" to "flat" is progressively variable, and folks tend to have their own temperament of where they like that to land, to yield their perception(s) of depth (in a 2D medium).

But, I've found that my desire for that "strong effect" is a bit more relaxed, these days.

So, while there are multiple attributes ... (keeping it to the OT of lenses) ... subject placement (distance and zone) for a given lens are part of the equation to the puzzle also.

For some folks, they are looking for the most extreme rendering they can get, and when things are too extreme, you can get that "cut out" look (imo). Finding the sweet spot for a given lens is part of the quest. This includes, not only sharpness and dof, but also subject distance and zone placement.

Since lenses are always an exercise in the art of optimization / compromise ... understanding your given lens is yet another piece of the quest. Fast transitioning (non-linear) zones will yield the effect more so with placement correlated to those zones.

Of course, there are other attributes to lens design that are impacted by creating such rapid zones, notably their impact on distortion and bokeh. For some, those differences are inconsequential to a person's style / taste. For others, their preference toward smoother transitions / bokeh, etc. might be preferred.

Still, after all my quest on the matter (regarding lens design), I synthesized it down to the relationship / ratio of exit pupil to entrance pupil / focal length. Mind you that a large aperture lens (creating narrow dof) design, doesn't necessarily make for a large exit pupil.



Mar 21, 2023 at 05:46 AM
alphanumeric
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p.62 #4 · which lens has the most 3D POP?


Voigtlander 50mm F1.0 adapted to Sony a7R iii

Download full resolution, looks much sharper.

Original Size flickr


ISO 100 - 𝑓/1.0 - 1/3200 sec
Original Post on flickr



Mar 21, 2023 at 12:03 PM
hiepphotog
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p.62 #5 · which lens has the most 3D POP?


I'm surprised that the Contax 35/1.4 has not been mentioned more often in this. It used to be the 3D pop lens. I still maintain that lighting would give you more consistent 3D sense than any particular lens. Given that all lenses are optimized to specific distances, you won't get that 3D sense all the time. However a simple shading can transform a circle into a sphere.


Mar 22, 2023 at 04:50 AM
RustyBug
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p.62 #6 · which lens has the most 3D POP?


hiepphotog wrote:
I'm surprised that the Contax 35/1.4 has not been mentioned more often in this. It used to be the 3D pop lens.


+1

Yes, lighting does enhance modeling.

There are multiple visual cues regarding the perception of depth. All of them involve change in some form. As mentioned with the shading it is a change in tonality. But, since the OP was specific to which lenses ... the Contax 35/1.4 would certainly fit the model of large exit pupil : entrance pupil ratio.

Here is the data sheet on it. Note that the exit pupil is 47.3mm and the entrance pupil is 25.1mm ... for a ratio of 1.8 : 1.

https://www.zeiss.com/content/dam/consumer-products/downloads/historical-products/photography/contax-yashica/en/datasheet-zeiss-distagon-1435-en.pdf

When this was a prolific topic, over a decade ago, I researched all the "top performers" for producing such effects, that were posted in that epic thread. The one single, common, lens attribute that I could find was this relationship between the entrance pupil and exit pupil relationship (magnitude of impact varies with FL). Coupled with a well corrected Zone A.

As mentioned, Zeiss approached it more than many other mfr's. But, even in my selection of other lenses (alt + adapter territory), I found that the relationship held true. The main difference I found was how aggressive Zeiss was in their transitions (and the mustache distortion that came with it) vs. those using milder / linear transitions. Some mfr's approach this more aggressively than others. Imo, Zeiss was likely the leader of the pack, Oly was likely the least aggressive. Others fall in between ... specific lens dependent of course. Noting that the rendering style of Oly was sometimes referred to as egg tempora or painterly. I did have a couple of Oly lenses that could do a decent job with some depth perception ... in a more subtle way than some of my Zeiss glass did. (NOTE: I've since divulged myself of my alt collection).

I didn't (at that time) take specific notice to how much difference barrel vs. pincushion distortion played in to things (and again subject placement), but it likely is something that could be an "enhancer" or "retarder" to the effect, too.

Note also, how tight the tangential / sagittal lines are in the Zone A, then they "separate" in Zone B. So, if subject placement has its edges near this transition ... the apparent / perceived rate of transition change is accelerated, given the effect more prominence. Here again, the perception of depth is rooted in change(s).

Acuity
Scale
Aberration
Hue
Tone

These attributes (etc.) can all play in influence in the perception of depth / plane interpretation. The greater rate of change for various attributes occur, the more easily discerned is the depth / plane variance.

Acuity and aberration are lens attributes. Scale, hue, tone, etc. are non-lens attributes. Perspective is another attribute in play.

So, the attributes of how the Contax 35/1.4 are designed make for a nice illustration of the technical model that is capable of generating those rates of transition ... with proper placement of the subject relative to those zonal transitions. How rapid the transition is ... that varies with the lens designer's ethos, as optics design is always an exercise in a series of compromises.

In my peak exploration of the subject, I was enthralled by maximal effect. Today, I prefer a slightly reduced / balance between this, and other attributes in my glass of choice. But, I will always have an appreciation for how the eye perceives our presentation.

Lighting (et al) is additional contribution to the perception, whereas acute lighting that "wraps" the subject with crisp modeling renders differently than diffuse might. So, the effect is in part achieved with lens design, subject placement and lighting ... in combination. Add more of the pieces to the puzzle, and you get a greater effect in presentation. Utilize only one or two of the attributes, and you get a lesser / no effect.

So, again ... wrt lens ... larger exit pupil, and nice tight sagittal / tangential in Zone A. Imo, those are the kind of lenses that have the ability to generate or contribute to rapid zonal transitions, as things falloff from the focal plane. More than one piece to the puzzle, but wrt to lenses that could enhance the perceptions of departure from focal plane (i.e. depth), that was my summary finding.

How one uses such lenses will vary, with such factors as subject distance / perspective and subject to surrounding / background objects, dof aperture selection, etc. But, the point here is that as you include more attributes that enhance the perception of change / transition ... the strength in presentation increases.






Mar 22, 2023 at 05:31 AM
jeffersoncasey
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p.62 #7 · which lens has the most 3D POP?


3D? I dunno, but this image pop a lot.


B&W conversion which I felt enhanced the pop effect.



Mar 22, 2023 at 08:46 AM
MARKFER
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p.62 #8 · which lens has the most 3D POP?


Color more so.


Mar 22, 2023 at 08:50 AM
lensfan
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p.62 #9 · which lens has the most 3D POP?


3D pop? 35GM @F2







Mar 22, 2023 at 10:58 AM
lumis beans
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p.62 #10 · which lens has the most 3D POP?


There was an image here years ago in another 3D pop thread. It was an elephant pic made with a Leica in a tropical setting?

It was shimmery and almost holographic. Maybe someone recalls it. Had to be like 8 years ago or more.
It was pretty popular as a pop example given the number of likes it had at the time.



Mar 22, 2023 at 12:30 PM
 


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RustyBug
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p.62 #11 · which lens has the most 3D POP?


lumis beans wrote:
There was an image here years ago in another 3D pop thread. It was an elephant pic made with a Leica in a tropical setting?

It was shimmery and almost holographic. Maybe someone recalls it. Had to be like 8 years ago or more.
It was pretty popular as a pop example given the number of likes it had at the time.


Here's an elephant from before, shot with a Summicron ... might be the one you're thinking of.
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1220500/3
#4


https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1220500/2

Check out the old car and driver in costume in #4



Mar 22, 2023 at 03:21 PM
lumis beans
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p.62 #12 · which lens has the most 3D POP?


RustyBug wrote:
Here's an elephant from before, shot with a Summicron ... might be the one you're thinking of.
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1220500/3
#4

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1220500/2

Check out the old car and driver in costume in #4


That's the one. I wish a larger version was available.
And, yep, wfrank's pics with old Zeiss stuff always stood out.



Mar 22, 2023 at 03:55 PM
ftllens
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p.62 #13 · which lens has the most 3D POP?


CV 35 APO VM wo and stopped down

L1007066 by A V N, on Flickr

L1007067 by A V N, on Flickr



Mar 22, 2023 at 04:09 PM
hiepphotog
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p.62 #14 · which lens has the most 3D POP?


RustyBug wrote:
+1

Yes, lighting does enhance modeling.

There are multiple visual cues regarding the perception of depth. All of them involve change in some form. As mentioned with the shading it is a change in tonality. But, since the OP was specific to which lenses ... the Contax 35/1.4 would certainly fit the model of large exit pupil : entrance pupil ratio.

Here is the data sheet on it. Note that the exit pupil is 47.3mm and the entrance pupil is 25.1mm ... for a ratio of 1.8 : 1.

https://www.zeiss.com/content/dam/consumer-products/downloads/historical-products/photography/contax-yashica/en/datasheet-zeiss-distagon-1435-en.pdf

When this was a prolific topic, over a decade ago, I researched all the "top
...Show more

Thank you for such interesting observations. Just based on what you have concluded, which lenses would you recommend for the 3D pop effect? I'm curious to hear.

---------------------------------------------

RustyBug wrote:
Here's an elephant from before, shot with a Summicron ... might be the one you're thinking of.
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1220500/3
#4

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1220500/2

Check out the old car and driver in costume in #4


Out of a bunch of images in that thread and this one, we got like only a few impressive samples. Maybe it also has to do with PP as well. Certainly wfrank does have his signature PP.



Mar 23, 2023 at 04:07 AM
RexGig0
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p.62 #15 · which lens has the most 3D POP?


RustyBug wrote:
Here's an elephant from before, shot with a Summicron ... might be the one you're thinking of.
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1220500/3
#4

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1220500/2

Check out the old car and driver in costume in #4


Thanks for showing the links to the archived images and discussion!



Mar 23, 2023 at 06:16 AM
RustyBug
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p.62 #16 · which lens has the most 3D POP?


hiepphotog wrote:
Thank you for such interesting observations. Just based on what you have concluded, which lenses would you recommend for the 3D pop effect? I'm curious to hear.

---------------------------------------------

Out of a bunch of images in that thread and this one, we got like only a few impressive samples. Maybe it also has to do with PP as well. Certainly wfrank does have his signature PP.



Yes, PP plays its part in things too. In the "epic" thread back around 2009-2010, there was a shootout of sorts where a non-3D-ish producing lens, image was PP'd to bring it to a level of 3D-ishness similar to a different lens ... then folks asked to choose. So, to that point ... again we are back to the matter of how the human perception of depth works.

Bear in mind, that if painters and pencil artists produce Trompe' Loeil (fool the eye) works from scratch, similar understanding of how the eye / brain functions can be integral to PP decisions. The key point here is wrt to the lenses is where your "starting point" is.

Since the issue at hand for human depth perception is rooted in degrees of (broad term) contrast (focus vs. oof, light vs. shadow, ortho vs. scale, warm vs. cool, etc.) and rates of transition between those contrasting attributes, it is certainly easier to achieve that perception if start off with glass that plays nice with resolution and contrast, and a non-linear zone design. As mentioned, Zeiss plays strong in the zonal play. Tamron sometimes follows as a knock-off approach from Zeiss. Leica plays a more subtle transition (where my interests are). Canon plays pretty flat (an interest of mine previous), Oly plays pretty flat. Nikon between Zeiss / Tamron. Of course, those are just broad generalizations and only my, imo.

As to specific lenses, my memory is flooded with so many ... and yet, the specifics of my memory are cloudy. I do recall the Lecia 90 AA was one lens that caught my attention early on. Voigt 125 and many others were of the C/Y variety 21, 35, 85, 100 focal lengths come to mind. Sadly, most of the images from the epic thread are no longer available, for me to correlate to those. I seem also to recall a Leica R 19mm (iirc) that I was fond of it's images. Just too much for me to recall reliably.

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/829238/0


Cogitech (Paul) was a strong player with his C/Y 100/2 (iirc, note the 1st post in the above thread). Iirc, the 85 (can't recall if it was a Sonnar or Planar) was one I often liked what folks did with it.

Hopefully, I don't get the "fanboy" label (I've sold all mine, so there's that), but if I were going to get back into the max 3D thing again ... I'd likely be looking at today's Sony / Zeiss glass. Zeiss was a strong player back then with the older C/Y glass. Fast forward to how much more they've learned since then, and there's likely still some strong play for their ethos there. Bear in mind, that was the "pre-mirrorless" era. Canon EF mount ruled, with adapters and alternative glass of most any mfr ... so, it was kinda like a kid in a candy store time frame ... so much, to explore. OTOH, I used M645 glass on FF, or Oly for its smoother transitions, rather than rapid ones of my C/Y and Nikon glass. My Canon glass of choice was also fairly smooth.

As it pertains to today's native mount glass ... I'm out of the loop. Case in point, that with the proximity to the sensor in the newer mirrorless bodies, coupled with the wider throat ... it can afford lens designers different latitude (i.e. exit pupil size). The new versions of lenses in the mirrorless era, could mean that Canon could have taken a page from Zeiss a bit more ... IDK, not the one to ask about current glass (particularly mirrorless designed glass).


As to the "old days", I can't recall if there was a "list" made (I think there was a poll / list at one point) of top contenders / favs). You might send a PM to Cogitech (Paul) and ask for his input. Those were interesting times, and that was an interesting thread with a lot of challenge and present (which spawned my deeper study) ... not the least of which was Bifurcator, as he played the nemesis role. You could read through the thread to find reference / discussion to different lenses, too.


But, if I wanted to find the lenses that were strong producers in native glass, today ... I'd post the question in the dedicated Sony (aka Zeiss) forum to find the "best" in their lineup. Then, I'd do the same in the Nikon dedicated forum. Rinse and repeat in the dedicated Canon / Fuji Forums, etc. if you feel the need. That way, you avoid the "my brand is better than yours'" minutia ... and it's corollary "your brand doesn't do anything, it's all in the lighting".

I think if I had to "pick one" for maximal 3D-ishness intent ... I'm pretty sure it would be in the C/Y variety (or modern times = Sony / Zeiss). Just a matter of how aggressive or tempered you prefer things in your glass. As mentioned ... I'm a bit more tempered these days for what I like in my glass ... I like the way my M's transition (a bit more subtle) ... yet, knowing I can use my knowledge and PP to pick up the pace when I want.

Probably not as specific as you were hoping for, but ... hey, for the price of admission.

Here's a nice one shot stopped down with a Nikon 28. I had the Nikon 28/2.8 AIS in my bag for a while, too. It was my "go to" for closer distances (i.e. not landscape), whereas I used my C/Y 28/2.8 or Oly 28/3.5 for landscape.

Scroll down to #11 (not mine).

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/929565/0#13217155


One other thing ... you could always go look at the Zeiss data sheets to compare exit pupil sizes to entrance pupil sizes (relative to focal length). That's what I did, back in the day.


HTH




P.S. After typing all that ... reminds me of this one. Nothing special, just bangin' on the keys.






Edited on Mar 23, 2023 at 07:53 PM · View previous versions



Mar 23, 2023 at 08:15 AM
ocean2059
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p.62 #17 · which lens has the most 3D POP?


RustyBug wrote:
Yes, PP plays its part in things too. In the "epic" thread back around 2009-2010, there was a shootout of sorts where a non-3D-ish producing lens, image was PP'd to bring it to a level of 3D-ishness similar to a different lens ... then folks asked to choose. So, to that point ... again we are back to the matter of how the human perception of depth works.

Bear in mind, that if painters and pencil artists produce Trompe' Loeil (fool the eye) works from scratch, similar understanding of how the eye / brain functions can be integral to PP decisions.
...Show more

Thank you for taking the time to write these very thoughtful comments. Personally, I share many similar views on the subject.



Mar 23, 2023 at 10:26 AM
RustyBug
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p.62 #18 · which lens has the most 3D POP?


ocean2059 wrote:
Thank you for taking the time to write these very thoughtful comments. Personally, I share many similar views on the subject.


Thanks ... always good to hear someone finds my "blah, blah" interesting.



Mar 23, 2023 at 10:38 AM
jeffersoncasey
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p.62 #19 · which lens has the most 3D POP?


I'm a violinist, and it's the same thing - people talks about instruments and gears and did I exactly that, too. Nowadays I realize techniques and ears matters more than anything. There's no denial that a better instrument will give me extra something the lesser ones couldn't, but that's only when I'm experienced enough to tell, and doesn't mean I can't get the lessor instruments to work the way I want (with limitation).

This thread has very good resources and people shouldn't be name calling, and (mindfully) learn from different people about their different taste, incorporate to our own recipe to expand our palette. 😁



Mar 23, 2023 at 08:16 PM
hiepphotog
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p.62 #20 · which lens has the most 3D POP?


RustyBug wrote:
Yes, PP plays its part in things too. In the "epic" thread back around 2009-2010, there was a shootout of sorts where a non-3D-ish producing lens, image was PP'd to bring it to a level of 3D-ishness similar to a different lens ... then folks asked to choose. So, to that point ... again we are back to the matter of how the human perception of depth works.

Bear in mind, that if painters and pencil artists produce Trompe' Loeil (fool the eye) works from scratch, similar understanding of how the eye / brain functions can be integral to PP decisions.
...Show more

Thank you for another great response. I'm not chasing these legacy lenses anymore, but this was certainly my interest back in the day as an Alt shooter. I believe your response will be of great help to some Alt users out there. I would like to add to the list the Contax Hollywood 28/2. A few argued that it might have even a greater 3D sense than the 35/1.4, and the inward field curvature is quite unique.



Mar 24, 2023 at 01:23 AM
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