[TOUGEFC]

Not really the replys I was looking for but thanks anyways guys :ugh:

[deadwolfbones]

My 43 is really sharp from near wide open on the K-7 and K-5:


This one is at f/2. f/1.9 is very slightly softer and has a bit more PF, but that's it.

Quite possible you got a bad copy.

[JinDesu]

Not really the replys I was looking for but thanks anyways guys :ugh:

Haha, my guess is that 9 aperture (odd aperture) construction is quite a lot more difficult than even aperture settings... but only a guess. I assume their 8 aperture lenses have at least curved apertures?

[wlachan]

This one is at f/2. f/1.9 is very slightly softer and has a bit more PF, but that's it.

This subject matter is not good for determining sharpness (many might disagree). Also, the mechanical aperture of Pentax lenses is rather imprecise. I would be very surprised if yours can show the difference between f1.9 & f2 consider Pentax QC can differ as much as 1/2 stop. If yours does, it probably stops down more than it should.

Quite possible you got a bad copy.

This never gets old. Seriously, the old photodo and photozone show the same results that I have concluded. At least 3 bad copies then.

[wlachan]

Haha, my guess is that 9 aperture (odd aperture) construction is quite a lot more difficult than even aperture settings... but only a guess. I assume their 8 aperture lenses have at least curved apertures?

The Coming Fuji XF 18 & 35 have 7 blades but round shape, so I guess it can be done. All Pentax 8 blades apertures are octagon if I am not mistaken. Even the 9 blades on FA77 & 31 aren't that round compared to some other similar designs (but practically good enough imho).

[JinDesu]

The Coming Fuji XF 18 & 35 have 7 blades but round shape, so I guess it can be done. All Pentax 8 blades apertures are octagon if I am not mistaken. Even the 9 blades on FA77 & 31 aren't that round compared to some other similar designs (but practically good enough imho).

Oh I didn't mean it couldn't be done. I assume it's not done to save cost. Although that would be silly on a premium lens, so maybe there's another reason.

I know that the Canon EF 85 1.2 has 8 rounded blades, so it doesn't look as much like an octogon stopped down:


@F5.6

[borno]

Ive been looking at lenses alot lately from both Nikon and Canon, just checking out prices and specs, and what I would choose when I jump to FF.

One thing Ive noticed (only been looking at the primes) is that alot of canon lenses even the "L" glass has only 8 blades, what gives?
Where as the Nikon lenses have 9 blades in alot of their lenses.


Ive seen pics from the 50mm f/1.2 stopped down to just f/1.6 and ugly octagon bokeh higlights has started to appear . Why arnt they giving these lenses 9 blades?


Just based on apertures blades, the Nikon lenses look more appealling.

Here are the three canon 50mm's at f2.8 from the digital picture test. The f1.2 is at the left. I doubt f1.6 looks like an octagon, though I would like to have one to see.

[deadwolfbones]

This subject matter is not good for determining sharpness (many might disagree). Also, the mechanical aperture of Pentax lenses is rather imprecise. I would be very surprised if yours can show the difference between f1.9 & f2 consider Pentax QC can differ as much as 1/2 stop. If yours does, it probably stops down more than it should.

Let me know what subject matter would satisfy you and I'll give it a whirl.

[TOUGEFC]

Heres a quick example ( from a contact on flickr and does fantastic stranger portraits ) of the 50mm f/1.2 shot at f/1.6 and already the bokeh highlights have started getting octagon shaped.-



and another



Both at f/1.6, you can clearly see octagons forming.

[borno]

pretty girls though

[JinDesu]

Interestingly, that 50 1.2 has curved blades as well. I don't know, I agree, I don't like that bokeh. The 85 1.2 seems to fair a little better in the shows I have seen, but nothing spectacular for me.

[TOUGEFC]

Example of octagon bokeh from the Canon 135mm f/2 L (8 rounded blades)
shot at f/2.2-



These canon lenses are fine wide open, but 1/3 stopped down.....yuck!!

[bossa]

So it's Pentax, Nikon or bust right? Thanks for this thread. I won't be considering a Canon after seeing these.

[TOUGEFC]

So it's Pentax, Nikon or bust right? Thanks for this thread. I won't be considering a Canon after seeing these.

Well thats where it get complicated, the things I like with canon are lacking in Nikon and the things I like with Nikon are lacking with Canon :ugh:

Im not planing on jumping to FF yet, Im just trying to work out which road I want to take when the time comes.

[noons]

Gee, that octagon bokeh is rude. I didn't quite realise how lucky we were!