Originally posted by PentaxPoke Sure, there are lots and lots of bokeh comparisons all over the web. But what I never see are comparisons of the terms that people like to throw around about lens performance like they are tasting wine or something: "microcontrast," "rendering," "3D effect, "color rendition," etc. etc.
I just went to find a thread I made comparing the FA* an A* 85mm lenses in which I posted a set of comparison photos. In the pictures, which were adjusted to be at the same white balance, there was clearly a difference in color rendition. It can even be seen in thumbnail sized pictures. Unfortunately I recently deleted the pictures from my flickr.
In the comparison photos, taken of the exact same scene, on a tripod, in the exact same spot for both lenses, I could also see a definite difference in sharpness, due to microcontrast.
When I decided to sell one of the lenses, I used those comparison photos as a means of deciding which one it would be. The color rendition of the A* just couldn't compare to that of the FA*, even though it was the absolute king of microcontrast
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All of that said, that was a direct comparison of 2 similar lenses on the same camera, with the pictures taken only a few minutes apart. I think comparing dissimilar pictures, taken on different cameras, in different conditions is almost completely useless. It can be fun though.