Lens tests at around 2:1 to 1:2 would be interesting indeed and most tests that exist don’t cover that range. Whether the top of the top is required depends on other things though: Are the original takes
worth being copied from a content point of view
technically good enough
etc.
And what is the target size of reproduction. Mural or SocMed thumbnails?
Some lenses are fairly good in “standard” tests, e.g. the Sony lens rates very high at dxomark.com. It seems to have some issues that doesn’t put it on top for macro/reproduction. Same as the Canon RF 100mm lens with its infamous focus shift.
From what I recollect from looking at lens tests, most “better” lenses (for our purposes) are from third parties or speciality lens manufacturers.
Shopping around for a new lens, look for published MTF curves (and the resolutions involved). Bragging can be done with such curves and if the curves aren’t there, there might be nothing to brag about…
Good point!
Pretty much all my negs and slides were hand held at most likely no more than 1/250th second. And I think this would be the case in-general. So when enlarging detail, the original photo will be the weak point. However, it’s nice to know you’re capturing everything including film grain. There will be the complex landscape, cityscape or still-life captured using a tripod or fast shutter speed.
Photos I digitise along with digital camera images usually end up in Keynote/Powerpoint presentations on a 120" screen and I often “zoom-in”. With a 4K projector its nice to have the best quality image.
Thinking about lenses too much lately. I have been using a 55/2.8 Micro Nikkor, as it is less problematic than more modern lenses with my RGB light, but I have been wondering if I would see a noticeable improvement by getting something like the Apo Rodagon D 1x (35mm onto full frame at near 1:1). I am aware that would give me more corner resolution, but honestly, the Nikkor isn’t bad in the corners provided it is set up optimally (helical fully extended, focus by rail, f8). Outside of simple resolution considerations, what about the more subjective qualities like color rendition, “pop”, sense of contrast, etc. Anyone use both lenses and have any insight?