>>> Date: Sun, 6 Dec 1998 12:01:33 -0000 From: "John Partis" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: sharpness: Nikkor lens versus film [v04.n150/14] Message: 14 Anyone any thoughts on comparison of lens sharpness versus film? What I mean is - if I have a 55mm microNikkor (renowned for its sharpness, and ignoring close focusing advantage) and use 800ASA film -should I bother about the lens quality? Why not use a lesser 50mm lens (e.g. Series E)? <<< This is hard to analyze since the film makers don't advertise film resolution anymore, and the camera manufacturers never have. Once upon a time I subscribed to Modern Photography which published lens tests that showed resolution figures. It was a rare lens indeed which could resolve finer than 70 lines per mm. Once upon a time, Kodak published film resolution values. The best films (not ASA800) could resolve 125 lines per mm. So, I conclude that lens sharpness is still very important. If these conditions are still true, then lens sharpness is extremely important. Having said all that, I believe you will find that the mentioned lens is not sharper than the others at normal distances. These macro lenses are far superior though for extreme closeup shots. Jim
