Re:Why are modern 50mm lenses so damned complicated?
by dylan604 on Monday May 10, 2021 @12:40PM
(#27107944)
Yes, I've always focused manually for astrophotography, and it always results in a series test images. Even using the live view at 10x, there is still room for improvement even though it is a good start. It's always a take pic, zoom all the way in on preview, and then make adjustments from there.
I would buy an entire kit if they would release modern glass with 100% manual including aperture. There are places that will rehouse your lens so that it is full manual. The cost pretty much doubles the cost of the lens, but I have been tempted to do that for the 70-200.
Interesting viewpoint! I do a lot of astrophotography and I found AF-capable lenses to just not work for me at all because a couple of shakes and some play in the gears would slop the lens out of focus, and the short throw and lack of infinity precision make it really hard.
For astrophotography I just love being able to focus on a star and either calibrate the lens stop to be at infinity, or slap some gaffers tape and it's good for at least 2 months until the night temperature outside changes significantly.
Of course, yes, sharpness is an issue for many older lenses, but the better ones of the 70s and 80s have very decent IQ. Honestly I just wish modern lens manufacturers would make more manual focus lenses. Laowa, Samyang, and Zeiss are all awesome for continuing that tradition.