Wide-Angle Zoom MTF and Variations

[Canon Rumors]

LensRentals.com has continued their series in looking at the MTF of lenses and their variation copy-to-copy. This time they look at the Canon EF 16-35 f/2.8L II, EF 16-35 f/4L IS & EF 11-24 f/4L as well as the Nikon’s 14-24 f/2.8G. They look at the variations across the entire zoom range for each lens and have found the Canon EF 11-24 f/4L to be the best, by far.</p>
<p>FROM LENSRENTALS.COM</p>
<blockquote><p>The Canon 11-24 f/4 though was just shockingly good. We did not expect anything like those numbers. It’s by far the most consistent zoom we’ve tested; far better than many prime lenses. I have no idea what Canon is doing or how they are doing it, but the copy-to-copy variation in most of their new lenses is minimal. I know people love to think that better inspection or QA procedures would accomplish this, but that’s not really the case. A lot of it has to do with designing the lens so that tolerances are not so critical. Put another way, that means that a tiny movement of an element doesn’t cause a huge change in the optics. <a href="http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2015/08/wide-angle-zoom-mtf-and-variations" target="_blank">Read the full article…</a></p></blockquote>
<p>It’s good to know that if you spend $3000 on the Canon 11-24 f/4L, you know you’re likely to get an excellent copy.</p>
<p><strong>Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM $2999: <a href="http://adorama.evyy.net/c/60085/51926/1036?u=http://www.adorama.com/CA11244.html" target="_blank">Adorama</a> | <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1119028-REG/canon_9520b002_ef_11_24mm_f_4l_usm.html/bi/2466/kbid/3296" target="_blank">B&H Photo</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T3ERXKE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00T3ERXKE&linkCode=as2&tag=canorumo-20&linkId=SKIW33AKPAGADHBN" target="_blank">Amazon</a></strong></p>

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Its good to know that you get something for all those $$$.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I'd also wonder if putting your money into a 5Ds series camera would bring more apparent improvement to your images than the cost of upgrading lenses. I expect someone to study this, but the information is not yet available. If you do not need high ISO, you may get sharp images with a consumer lens that match or even exceed those from a high end lens with a 5D MK III or 6D. That could be the rare case where putting money into better lenses is not the best use of your $$.

 

[brad-man]

As a very early adopter and more than satisfied customer of the 16-35 f/4, I thought my copy was special. I guess not

 

[Etienne]

I've been convincing myself that I don't want this lens. These reviews are wearing me down, and may turn into very expensive reading ... $3000 worth of reading

 

[TeT]

Curious about the individual lens consistency; Design v. manufacture techniques and equipment, has canon created new facilities (yes) with better equipment(?)? How old was there previous mfg equip?

With computerized manufacturing machines; tolerances can be made tighter than ever before (thus better overall quality)... ie.. most motors in cars now will actually get you 300K miles with proper maintenance, instead of the occasional great motor (its the peripherals that mostly fail)

 

[tpatana]

I've been convincing myself that I don't want this lens. These reviews are wearing me down, and may turn into very expensive reading ... $3000 worth of reading

I know the feeling...

 

[Random Orbits]

I've been convincing myself that I don't want this lens. These reviews are wearing me down, and may turn into very expensive reading ... $3000 worth of reading

I know the feeling...

There was an offer on CanonPriceWatch for 2600 (now expired). Starting to get really tempted.

 

[Maiaibing]

I'd also wonder if putting your money into a 5Ds series camera would bring more apparent improvement to your images than the cost of upgrading lenses. I expect someone to study this, but the information is not yet available. If you do not need high ISO, you may get sharp images with a consumer lens that match or even exceed those from a high end lens with a 5D MK III or 6D. That could be the rare case where putting money into better lenses is not the best use of your $$.

So far the verdict is clear - high mpix sensors go best with high end glass. High mpix also improves lower end glass. But the real advantage is with the high end.