Sharpest manual focus lenses for Canon

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Since establishing my own darkroom, and also getting into large format (4x5)a couple of years ago, I've become much more picky about image sharpness. My 35mm system is based on rock solid Canon F1Ns. Would appreciate your opinions on SHARPEST lenses in 28-105mm range for manual (FD mount) Canon. Interested in Canon/aftermarket, fixed/zoom. Name your favorite! thanks much. John

-- John Sarsgard (Endive4U@aol.com), July 15, 1999

Answers

The 100mm f/4 macro is sharp enough to shave with. I have used the 35 -- 105 f/3.5 macro zoom for several years, and am more impressed with it each time I photograph with it.

-- Tony Brent (ajbrent@mich.com), July 17, 1999.

Any of the L series lenses should suffice. If you can't find or afford one of those, the 85/1.8 had a good reputation. I had a 100/2.8 for a few years and never had any complaints about sharpness. The 35/2.0 was also excellent, though very hard to find nowadays. The 35-103/3.5 was a good lens when stopped down to f/8, but I found it a bit soft wider than that.

-- Darron Spohn (dspohn@clicknet.com), July 19, 1999.

I highly recommend Chasseur d'Image Dossier Test Canon, which contains lens test of great number of Canon lenses. Tel 16 49 85 49 85

fax 16 49 85 49 99

Chasseur d'Image, Editions Jibena La Petite Motte 86100 Senille Each lens test covers two page, lens resolution chat at edge and center at several apertues, distortion, color rendition and vignette also covered. Each lense also as ratings, with top marks of five stars

-- martin tai (martin.tai@capcanada.com), August 31, 1999.


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