Just fiddling around today, and decided to compare my two least expensive lenses: Nikkor 50/1.8 and Tamron SP 90mm macro MF. Tripod mounted, MLU, f/5 for both. The 50mm image is cropped to approximately the same magnification as the 90mm image, which is uncropped. Which is which? #1 #2 Thanks for playing.
O.K. I'll reveal the truth, as I know you all are waiting with bated breath. Nine out of thirteen respondents got it right; #2 was taken with the Nikkor 50/1.8. Either you folks know your lenses, or you used the obvious clue that #1 is the only one with the aspect ratio of an uncropped image. Frankly, I was surprised by this result. I really expected the dedicated macro lens to produce a sharper image. Of course it will focus much closer and will give 1:2 magnification. However, I can get that with the 50 by cropping, and apparently with increased resolution!
WOW! Yes, I'm shocked. I was definitely one of those who thought a dedicated macro lens would produce a sharper image! Glad I kept my little 50mm 1.8 lens....never even thought of using it for macro! Thanks for telling us, I kept clicking back into this thread to find out the results :biggrin: Lisa
Yes, the "nifty fifty" wins again! I must point out, however, that the Tamron SP 90 that I have is an older manual focus lens, and may not be representative of what the current version is capable of.
