Sharpness!

[Joe Peoples]

In a few weeks, I am shooting people full-length on a backdrop, in a studio setting, with my S2 and have a concern about sharpness. Most of the prints will be no bigger than 8x10 and I'd like to use a zoom, if possible, but will go to a prime lens, if I must. Currently, I use the 24-85 for candids at events, but I'm a little leery about this lens' performance. I will pick up a 50mm 1.8 to do a comparative test with the 24-85, but I'd like to hear from someone who's already done his (or her) due diligence and can offer advice. Thanks!

[Roger Ele]

Hi, I have the 24-85 3.5/4.5 Nikor. The S2 is my first digital and my only other lens for the S2 is a 50mm 1.4 so I can't speak from comparisons of different lenses "I don't know if it can get better or how good it can get with the S2". But the lens is very good.

The focus point changes as you zoom. I ran a test where I focused at 24mm and then took the picture at 24mm, then a second photo where I focused at 85mm and then zoomed out without touching the focus and took the picture at 24mm. The first was sharp, the second not sharp. I mention this because my first assumption was that if I wanted to be sure of the sharpness I should zoom in to focus, I was wrong. Always focus after changing the zoom.

That is the only issue I have found that could give you any surprises. So far we have only used the S2 as an extra "test - backup" camera at 4 weddings and to photograph the Opera with the 50mm 1.4 (soft at 1.4 - I think from halation, used f2.0 and smaller)

Hope this helps, Roger

[Tom V]

The camera is certainly sharp enough.

I have a Nikkor 50mm ƒ1.8 and it is absolutely sharp.

I shot these motorcycles with the S2 and the 50mm.
http://www.s2pro.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=161

I used my images (printed in magazines) at 300 dpi, and they were cropped down about 50% to fit. Prints from inkjet printers do great at 200dpi, so you should be able to make 16 x 24 inch prints or bigger with great results. An 8x10 would be a breeze. $400 cameras can make great 8x10s.

Your zoom lens should be sharp enough. (my guess). I use a older Nikkor 35-70mm ƒ2.8D AF quite a bit, and it is plenty sharp enough for all my advertising (magazines & brochures) photography.

Take your time focusing, and make sure you know exactly where it is focusing on every shot. Don't fall into a pattern of shooting couple after couple without checking your work as you go.

Bring spare batteries!

Guarantee the maximum sharpness by using a tripod, avoiding jpg compression by shooting in RAW or TIF format. Many people are even thrilled with the high quality jpg compression. Shoot at the lowest ISO you can. Do not shoot wide open. Do not shoot at the extremes of your zoom's range. Keep your lens clean and if you can, don't even use a filter on the lens.

Bring spare batteries!

Do a test and put your mind at ease. Film is cheap - shoot a test! Digital is cheaper - shoot two tests!

[jenbob]

The 24-85 is Extremely sharp. I have been using mine for a couple months now and have been using it for my clients. I actually bought the lens for a bike trip to use instead of my heavy 35-70. I like the 24-85 so much I might be getting rid of my 35-70 soon.

I shoot furniture for a mfg and have found the sharpness to be impecable. Be sure not to refocus like the ealier poster mentioned.

Can't wait to get the 12-24 lens now.

good luck,
bob

[Bruce Tucker]

I heard the 12-24 only works on a pure Nikon D1H or D1X or D100 and not with a FUJI S2.
Is there any truth to that ? Just curious.
I can't afford one right now anyway. Still payintg off my 70-200 2.8 Nikon AF-D. In the mean time I'm dong just fine with my trusty Sigma 28-105mm and its plenty sharp enough for me until I can afford more.

[Wichita Wayne]

The S2 is a Frankensteined N80. How could the new lens not work with it? I think this rumor came from an error in Popular Photography that was later corrected.

[Bruce Tucker]

Well thats all good news to me Wayne. I may go for one next year after the reviews come out (including re-tractions on that S2 compatibility & performance) and I've saved up enough bucks for it.

Regards,

Bruce

[Wichita Wayne]

I bet it will work fine. Just remember that it is designed to work only with small digital sensors. You will not get good coverage if you try to use the thing on a non digital Nikon. That kind of stears me away from that lens because we still use our film cameras.

[teski]

We had a user over on dpreview try the lens out at a tradeshow about a month ago and it work perfectly. He posted a few test shots. Nothing too impressive as they were just quick snapshots, but the lens definitely works. Popular Photography is famous for mis-quoting like this.

Teski

[steve bingham]

If your prints will "go no bigger than 8x10" lens sharpness isn't a real critical issue. The zoom lens discussed will work fine. Shooting wide open is the only real issue with a lot of zooms - with softness in the corners and flare.

[D-Light]

I've done some subjective evaluation of the sharpness of some of my lenses, and I can tell you that the S2 sensor, like any film, is capable to return the differences in sharpness between 35-70/2,8 at 70, 80-200/2,8 at 80 and 85/1,8. For 8x10 portraits sharpness is not normally an issue, but the prime lense is much more brilliant, as I expected.
regards,
davide