[sibyrnes]

I've shot a few images over the past couple of days comparing my KP with the 18-135 zoom and my new GR III. Both cameras at f 4, ISO 100 and so far the GR iii is much sharper than the KP with that lens at 18mm. Hopefully I will follow up with some photos here soon, but my first impression is that the GR III has a very sharp lens! When viewing the RAW files it almost appears like some sharpening is being used. Anyone else notice that?

[aaacb]

Same as my experience, it does have a very sharp lens. At some point I'll compare it more systematically with the da 21 and da 16-85 with the k3ii, but it looks at least as sharp as either from what photos I've shot.

[swanlefitte]

The 18-135 has high field curvature. The center is sharp but I would expect the griii to be much better across the frame.

[stevebrot]

I've shot a few images over the past couple of days comparing my KP with the 18-135 zoom and my new GR III. Both cameras at f 4, ISO 100 and so far the GR iii is much sharper than the KP with that lens at 18mm.

That does not surprise me. If one wants similar performance at around 18mm in K-mount, such might be hard to find. The GR's 18mm is pretty legendary.


Steve

[swanlefitte]

At 18mm I would guess there are 3 lenses that could compete. 15-30, 11-18, sigma 18-35.

[house]

That does not surprise me. If one wants similar performance at around 18mm in K-mount, such might be hard to find. The GR's 18mm is pretty legendary.


Steve

The GR III has a completely new lens. So it's yet to become legend

I'm quite annoyed really at how good my GR II is compared to my wide limiteds. Despite the megapixel gap the GR II outperfoms my limiteds on a K-3 II. The colours and whitebalance aren't quite as good however.

[grahame]

Comparing GR with a zoom lens on KP is not fair for KP.
GR's lens is one of the best at this FL, you have to spend $$$$ to get one for ANY mount.
If you can mount such a lens on KP, I guess you can get close image as from GR.

Still, GR's lens is fixed, so GR can customize everything according this lens, interchangeable lenses don't have such benefit.

But at least you can shoot at 35, 50, 85 and 135mm from DA 18-135, while GRs can't

[reh321]

Comparing GR with a zoom lens on KP is not fair for KP.

Depends on what you do with it.
18-138mm @18mm may not "be fair" for KP.
18-135mm @135mm different story if image from GRiii has to be cropped to get same framing

[grahame]

18-135mm @135mm different story if image from GRiii has to be cropped to get same framing

I am sure that is no how sibyrnes did the comparing

[sibyrnes]

I am sure that is no how sibyrnes did the comparing

You're right, I only compared at 18mm. I didn't intend to make a conclusive test, just get some first impressions.

As I mentioned in my original post, when viewing the RAW image it almost looks like some sharpening has been applied. Is the lens just that sharp or is some "cheating" going on in the processing? What do you think?

[caliscouser]

Sorry, I'm just going to say it.

Comparing a consumer lens pretty much wide open at one end of the zoom range (i.e. worst possible scenario for sharpness) to a fast prime stopped down tells absolutely nothing useful about the lens or camera it is attached to.

[pres589]

DA 18-135's performance at 18mm is known to be average, or decent, or kind of good. However you want to say it. I like the lens but I know it has limitation and you're hitting one with this comparison.

I can't think of a good 18mm k-mount prime, or really any 18mm k-mount prime outside of the old fish eye from eons ago. A better test would be something like the old FA 20 f2.8 on your KP, or the DA 15. I'm kind of surprised that the GR III uses an 18mm lens with an APS-C sensor. Something a little more narrow, like a 24mm optic, would probably interest me more.

[stevebrot]

when viewing the RAW image it almost looks like some sharpening has been applied

Explain what sharpening of RAW data looks like (honest question).


Steve

[stevebrot]

I'm kind of surprised that the GR III uses an 18mm lens with an APS-C sensor.

You shouldn't be. It is 18.3mm, a crop-equivalent to 28mm on 24x36mm FF and a signature feature of the GR line since the original GR-1.*


Steve

* 28mm or equivalent...Apologies to the GXR, GR21, and maybe a few others?

[pres589]

I do love me some 28mm on full frame, I get that, but I also love me some 28mm on crop! I figured shooting the middle with a 24 or so would make more sense. Whatever.