[John F]

After purchasing the Canon 50 mm 1.8 I thought I would test it against my Canon 24/105mm f4L zoom. The test was not in any way comprehensive, just a single shot on each lens at f5.6. I chose f5.6 because I think it is near to the optimum aperture for the f1.8. Perhaps it is a little wide f8 to f11 would perhaps have been nearer. None of the shots were post processed except to crop them in PS to 400 pixels square (1.67 in sq) from an 18 in x 12 in raw file at 240 ppi which was how it came out of my camera EOS 5D. Then they were saved as jpegs for use in this forum. Both shots were taken on a rigid tripod.

I would be very interested to hear your comments. For my part I think the zoom just has the edge on definition and contrast. This is only a small part of the center of the image so no vignetting is evident but on the full picture the zoom just has the edge.

[silkstone]

There's not much in it, but perhaps the 24-105 just noses ahead. Normally zooms show their limitations towards the edges of the frame, so if yours is still sharp at the corners you have a good one.

[John F]

Originally Posted by silkstone

There's not much in it, but perhaps the 24-105 just noses ahead. Normally zooms show their limitations towards the edges of the frame, so if yours is still sharp at the corners you have a good one.

Thanks. Eventually I'll try one near the edge, but right now I am tied up looking for a new pair of binoculars. I have just lost a £1000 pair so my mind is not on photography right now.

John

[stepheno]

Originally Posted by John F

but right now I am tied up looking for a new pair of binoculars.

Are you a twitcher or a Peeping Tom Seriously, the zoom does look marginally sharper. I have both but have never thought of it in that way. I just pick the lens for what I want it to do.

[Dave]

Originally Posted by John F

I have just lost a £1000 pair so my mind is not on photography right now.

John

£1k I'd want a 5fps function hanging off the back of those for that money

[Dave Canon]

I bought the Canon 25-105mm myself because of several strong recommendations by club members so I am not surprised. One of the Club members (a very experienced photographer) had told me that the 24-105 zoom was better than any prime he had owned. I find that the 24-105 is a very useful lens for studio portraits and well as a general walk around lens.

Dave

[John F]

Originally Posted by stepheno

Are you a twitcher or a Peeping Tom Seriously, the zoom does look marginally sharper. I have both but have never thought of it in that way. I just pick the lens for what I want it to do.

Both! - Actually neither. I bought it for hand held available light. I don't like flash very much, that is unless it is set up properly studio stile.

John.

[gsgary]

Try them both at F1.8 and see which is best

[John F]

Originally Posted by gsgary

Try them both at F1.8 and see which is best

Sorry can't, my 24/105 zoom is an f4 lens at all focal lengths. Thank you anyway.

John

[gsgary]

Originally Posted by John F

Sorry can't, my 24/105 zoom is an f4 lens at all focal lengths. Thank you anyway.

John

Yes i know, thats why you can not compare the two, horses for courses the 24/105 would not get this shot

and the 50mm would not get a shot at a longer distance

[John F]

Originally Posted by gsgary

Yes i know, thats why you can not compare the two, horses for courses the 24/105 would not get this shot

and the 50mm would not get a shot at a longer distance

Absolutely right! Thanks again.
John