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10-13-2015, 01:14 PM - 1 Like   #16
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For me, two typically "sharp" lenses are the K 35/3,5 and the 30/2,8. Also, for a short tele, the 105/2,8. FWIW, cheers, R

10-13-2015, 01:31 PM   #17
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QuoteOriginally posted by Clavius Quote
<= Reeds thread title. Opens thread. Then sees: "leave out the dedicated macro lenses". And backs away again.
Yep, macro lenses tend to be the sharpest and most-corrected, even outside of the macro range. This is why I'd vote for the DFA 100mm WR macro. But I guess Id suggest the DA 35mm f2.4 - very run of the mill, and very sharp. My Samyang 14mm is pretty great, too, but it can be difficult to find one that is well-centered and calibrated.
10-13-2015, 01:41 PM   #18
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For the photography I do (photographing animals, especially for rescue and rehab groups in animal shelters and farm sanctuaries), I rely heavily on zooms because my subjects are often moving and the situation is often dynamic. I'll be shooting an animal that's five feet away one minute and another animal 50 feet away the next. The WR 55-300 is my workhorse, followed by the Sigma 17-70 2.8-4. (I like its quasi-macro capabilities.)

After that, my faves are a few Limited primes (but that's not what you're asking about here).
10-13-2015, 01:46 PM   #19
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I photograph of a lot of flowing waters, fountains and bubbles. I would say that bubble photography in water in motion is the 'ultimate test' for sharpness IMHO (and others would disagree).

For sharpness, the Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f1.4.

The Carl Zeiss 28mm f2 is not bad also, but I think that the sharpness queen is the VL58mm f1.4.

My 5 cents.

10-13-2015, 02:18 PM   #20
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QuoteOriginally posted by robry Quote
For me, two typically "sharp" lenses are the K 35/3,5 and the 30/2,8. Also, for a short tele, the 105/2,8. FWIW, cheers, R
+1 on the SMC-K 35mm 3.5.......also I contribute the SMC-K 28mm 3.5 for a pair of nice sharp lenses.
My Favorite however is the SMC-K 24mm 3.5 and it never ceases to Amaze me.
10-13-2015, 02:47 PM   #21
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I can't even begin...
10-13-2015, 03:02 PM   #22
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The Pentax FA 28mm f2,8 is my most used lens, just love the fov it gives me, closely followed by the F 50mm f1.7 and the FA 135mm f2.8.

But for pure optical quality it has to be my F 50mm f2.8 macro, which I very rarely use for macro so does that count?

10-13-2015, 03:03 PM   #23
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QuoteOriginally posted by Dewman Quote
As you will notice, I don't include any of the "Limited," or * lenses
Does this mean my "Ladies" aren't invited to this party?
10-13-2015, 03:15 PM   #24
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QuoteOriginally posted by grahame Quote
since all these lenses on the list are not "highest level" in the product line
The M 100/2.8 was certainly among the "highest level" in the product line at the time of its introduction,
and disregarding the lack of AF or nanocoating, it's still right up there today.
10-13-2015, 03:16 PM   #25
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QuoteOriginally posted by hcc Quote
I think that the sharpness queen is the VL58mm f1.4.
I had one of those and if I still had it it would undoubtedly be my sharpest as well. I got rid of it as I had a terrible time focussing accurately with it. It wasn't the lens' fault. It was due to aging, astigmatic eyes.
I'm not sure that I can state with certainty which of my lenses is sharper. The best I can do is declare a tie between my 40mm and my 31mm Ltds.
10-13-2015, 03:24 PM   #26
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Wide-open sharp?

1.- Dfa 50mm f2.8 macro
2.- Dfa 100mm f2.8 macro
3.- Fa 77mm f1.8 limited
4.- CarlZeiss 85mm f1.4
5.- Tamron 70-200 f2.8

Sharp with a some stop down

1.- Fa 31mm
2.- Smc-f 50mm f1.4
3.- Tamron 28-75mm f2.8
4.- Da 35mm f2.4
10-13-2015, 03:36 PM   #27
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QuoteOriginally posted by robry Quote
For me, two typically "sharp" lenses are the K 35/3,5 and the 30/2,8. Also, for a short tele, the 105/2,8. FWIW, cheers, R
Yes to all. There are numerous MF lenses testing 88+Lwph @ f/5,6 ~ 98 Lwph @ f/11. In many cases e.g. Fa50/1.7 the difference in sharpness is de minimus from the M - preference is coating related. Everything mentioned in your post is sharp, though I personally was never a fan of the A70~210. Some of the recommendations are bleeding. I'd add the K28/3.5. Many of the K lenses aren't exactly run of the mill, but they aren't uncommon any more either.

Some people scoff at this http://www.takinami.com/yoshihiko/photo/lens_test/pentax_normal.html because it is old and derived from film but it is at least valid for ranking lenses.

Last edited by monochrome; 10-13-2015 at 05:15 PM.
10-13-2015, 05:15 PM   #28
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The DA 40 f2.8 is pretty sharp (not macro sharp), but in particular it is very even across the frame. Although it is a Limited lens, it can be had for a good price.
10-13-2015, 05:18 PM   #29
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QuoteOriginally posted by virusn3t Quote
CarlZeiss 85mm f1.4
Seriously?
I have that lens (and it is for sale) but I am having one heck of a time to find it "wide open sharp" unless I go "Live view" (with focus peaking).
Nonetheless, one great/superb lens!
10-13-2015, 05:26 PM   #30
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QuoteOriginally posted by jpzk Quote
Seriously?
I have that lens (and it is for sale) but I am having one heck of a time to find it "wide open sharp" unless I go "Live view" (with focus peaking).
Nonetheless, one great/superb lens!
At f1.4 yeah tripod may be nesesary or a very steasy hand + split screen, from f2.2 is more easy to focus handheld, but indeed, very nice lens
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