Megapixel Wars

It is still confusing... Is megapixel everything?

Megapixel comes with dpi (dots per inch). Megapixel is an unit to measure how many pixels per width and length is a photograph. It determines print size !!! that's it.

An example: If a photo is 600 by 800 pixels, it is 600x800=480.000 pixels which is called 0,5 megapixel photo. This size photo can not be printed on a 9x13 paper without any magnifiny on the photo which shows corners of pixel dots.

Megapixel does not show the quality or sharpness of a photo. It only shows how big is the picture...

Picture quality depends on processor, sensor, lens...

If you buy a 3 mp compact camera and think that it will shoot better photos then a small fine jpeg shot (appx 2.5 megapixel) of an D200, you are far beyond reality.

Here are some charts to understand better.

Lens Review - nikon AF nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

nikon nikkor AF 50 mm f/1.4D (1995 Release) FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS

Focal Length : This is a FX format lens, so you can both use them on typical SLR 35 mm cameras and D-SLRs. But on a D-SLR camera, it will effect like 75mm.
Aperture: f/1.4 . Seven-bladed diaphragm stopping down to f/16
Optics: 7 elements in 6 groups. No ED glass elements or aspherical elements.
Closest Focus: 45 cm

Macro Ratio: 1:6.8
Filter size: 52mm Non-rotating
Accesories: Lens rear/front caps, HR-2 Lens Hood optional . CL-30S Lens case is optional.
Dimensions: 64.5 mm diameter. Length is 42.5 mm.
Weight: 230 grams

MY REVIEW ABOUT THIS LENS
The Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 has a small barrel distortion of 0,50% , relatively high but nothing to worry in field conditions. Vignetting is very well controlled even at widest aperture setting of f/1.4. At f/2.8, vignetting is negligible. MTF Resolution results are excellent between f/2.8 - f/8. At wide apertures, center resolution id very good, but extreme borders are soft. Chromatic Aberrations are very well controlled. only at f/5.6-8 increases but still not field relevant.

PAY ATTENTION :
- Lens hood is optional.

- Lens has not silent motor, maybe disturbing

- Length change during focusing is annoying

- Corner resolutions are low at widest apertures

VERDICT : It is a lens you must carry in your bag for no light conditions. At least i do so. It has small defects but still an indispensible lens you have to carry in your lowepro. Highly Recommended (9/10)

MY SAMPLE SHOTS :

Lens Review - nikon AF nikkor 85mm f/1.8D

nikon nikkor AF 85 mm f/1.8D (1994 Release) FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS

Focal Length : This is a FX format lens, so you can both use them on typical SLR 35 mm cameras and D-SLRs. But on a D-SLR camera, it will effect like 127,5mm.
Aperture: f/1.8 . Nine-bladed rounded diaphragm stopping down to f/16
Optics: 6 elements in 6 groups. No ED glass elements or aspherical elements.
Closest Focus: 85 cm(0r 12 inches)
Macro Ratio: 1:9.2
Filter size: 62mm Non-rotating, Rear Focusing
Accesories: Lens rear/front caps, Barrel shaped, screw-in metal HN-23 Bayonet Lens Hood . CL-15S Lens case is optional.
Dimensions: 71.5 mm diameter. Length is 58.5 mm.
Weight: 380 grams

MY REVIEW ABOUT THIS LENS
The Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 is extereme sharp with showing NO flaws. Build quality is excellent. Lens glass quality is very high. According to IMATEST results, barrel distortion is only 0,03% , also not negligible in lab conditions. Vignetting is almost non-exsist, even at widest aperture setting of f/1.8. MTF Resolution results are excellent starting from f/1.8. Chromatic Aberrations are not field relevant. (limit is 1 pixel, test results are 0,2 pixel)

85mm f/1.8 is a very good lens for indooe and outdoor portraits. Portrait photographers, this lens is "the lens" you must keep in your backpack.

PAY ATTENTION :
- Screw-in metal lens hood is not so easy to use.

VERDICT : It is a cheap lens with very well build quality, all test result are excellent. It is a flawless lens with lightweight and compact design. Highly Recommended (10/10)

MY SAMPLE SHOTS :

Lens Review - Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G II DX ED

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6G II DX ED(2006 Release) FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS

Focal Length : 18-55mm focal range (3.1x zoom) for use in a popular range of focal length with compact and light weight. (equivalent to a 27-82.5mm lens in the 35mm format)
Aperture: f/3.5 at 18 mm, f/5.6 at 55mm. Seven-bladed rounded diaphragm stopping down f/22 (18 mm) to f/38 (55 mm)
Optics: 7 elements in 5 groups. That includes one ED glass element (shown in yellow) and one aspherical element shown in blue.
Closest Focus: 28 cm(0r 1.0 feet) throughout the entire zoom range.
Macro Ratio: 1:3.2
Filter size: 52mm - rotating
Accesories: Only rear/front lens caps. Barrel-shaped HB-33 Bayonet Lens Hood NOT INCLUDED !!! .
CL-0715 Flexiable Lens pouch NOT INCLUDED !!!
Dimensions: 70.5 mm diameter. 74 mm length.
Weight: 205 grams

MY REVIEW ABOUT THIS LENS
I have tried this lens for a week on my friend's D80 in Taiwan. It came as a kit lens. Frankly speaking, this lens' resolution surprised me during all the short time i use. But, its rotating front unit stuck me to use it with joy.

Wide angle has a lot of barrel distortion. At wide open aperture, this lens has a lot of vignetting and Chromattic Aberrations. But, but, but... This II version of 18-55mm is quite high resolution graphs even at slowest apertures... Very hard to believe !!

I may recommend this lens only for those with very tight budget. But, this lens will answer your resolution needs perfectly if you do not care about barrelling affect and vignetting at slow apertures.

PAY ATTENTION :
- No focus scala. Might be confusing for the ones who are used to or working manual focus usually. At 18mm, there is quite high positive barrel distortion
- This lens' weakest point is this: Resolution loss in the extreme corners at wide apertures. But, the resolution is EXCELLENT at the center.
- Vignetting is seen only at widest apertures at 18mm, rest is very good.
- Chromatic Aberrations are exceeding 1 pixel limit, even 1,5 pixel. Only 55mm end has no problem. Trouble...

VERDICT : If your bugdet is very very tight, this lens will not let you down. But after a while, you will start to feel the need of an upgrade. Mechanical quality is week and too much plastic feels poor. Among the low budget kit lenss, this lens has the highest point by means of price/performance graphics. NOT Recommended (6,5/10)

MY SAMPLE SHOTS :

Lens Review - Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G DX ED IF

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 18-135 mm f/3.5-5.6G DX ED IF (2006 Release)

FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS

Focal Length : 18-135mm focal range (7.5x zoom) for use in a wide variety of situations (Better than all exsisting kit lenses starts with 18-xx , except 18-200mm VR) (equivalent to a 27-202.5mm lens in the 35mm format)
Aperture: f/3.5 at 18 mm, f/5.6 at 135mm. Seven-bladed rounded diaphragm stopping down f/22 (18 mm) to f/38 (135 mm)
Optics: 15 elements in 13 groups. That includes one ED glass element (shown in yellow) and two aspherical elements shown in blue.
Closest Focus: 45 cm(0r 1.5 feet) throughout the entire zoom range.
Macro Ratio: 1:4.1
Filter size: 67mm Non rotating
Accesories: Lens rear/front caps, Flower-shapedHB-32 Bayonet Lens Hood . CL-0915 Flexiable Lens pouch
Dimensions: 73.5 mm(2.9") diameter. 86.5 mm (3.4") length.
Weight: 385 grams (13.5 oz)

MY REVIEW ABOUT THIS LENS
Just used this lens for a very short time as a kit lens on my first digital Nikon, D80 , did not like the resolution at all. This is my least liked Nikon lens used ever after 18-55mm DX...

If you are a street candid photographer or journalist with a very tight bugdet and this lens came as an occasion to you, 18-135mm may answer your needs.

Very simple : This lens need a VR II on it.

Smooth bokehs on shallow depth of field conditions like portraits.

PAY ATTENTION :
- No focus scala. Might be confusing for the ones who are used to or working manual focus usually. At 18mm, there is quite hefty (3,3%) positive barrel distortion
- This lens' weakest point is this: Extreme vignetting and resolution loss in the corners. Resolution is good at the center.
- Vignetting is seen on widest apertures and wide angles, but 2 stop formula will erase that problem too.
- Chromatic Aberrations are exceeding 1 pixel limit, suffering from purple fringing.

VERDICT : If the bugdet is only thing you are after, this lens may be a solution with 7.5x zoom. But, save some more for a 18-200mm VR. NOT Recommended (6/10)

MY SAMPLE SHOTS :

Lens Review - Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G DX ED VR

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 16-85 mm f/3.5-5.6G ED IF VR (2008 Release)

FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS

Focal Length : This is a DX format lens, so you can use this on only APS-C crop factor D-SLRs. (Also can be used with D3 at "crop mode only for 5 megapixels) Picture angle is equivalent to focal length of 24 to 127.5mm in the 35mm format.
Aperture: f/3.8 at 16mm , 5.6 at 85mm. Seven-bladed rounded diaphragm stopping down to f/22 at 16mm and f/36 at 85mm.
Optics: 17 elements in 11 groups. That includes two ED glass elements (shown in yellow) and three aspherical elements shown in blue.
Closest Focus: 38 cm(0r 1.3 feet)
Macro Ratio: 1:4.6
Filter size: 67 mm (no rotation)
Accesories: Lens rear/front caps, Petal-shapedHB-39 Bayonet Lens Hood . CL-1015 Flexiable Lens pouch
Dimensions: 72 mm(28.3 inches) diameter. Extension from lens flange (length excluding rear mount extension) is 85 mm (33.5 inches).
Weight: 485 grams (17.1 oz)

MY REVIEW ABOUT THIS LENS
Not a surprise, this lens has the new VR II as all new Nikkor lenses. With ED and Aspherical elements, its resolution is respectfully high.

This new lens covers the ultra wide angle need and portrait angle need for the 18-35 , 18-55 and 18-70mm kit lens owners. For those who seek for a a little bit more, this lens provides a much more for a little bit bucks.

There is a M/A switch on the body for who do not like to look for the body switch every time.

Actually, i was questioning all these times, why Nikon engineers do not reply to Canon's 16-xx series lenses, and here they are. Congrulations.

Now i am seeking for a Nikon Zoom DX 16-35 mm f/4 ED VR something... C'mon Nikon engineers...

PAY ATTENTION :
- The people who are used to 18-200mm VR may feel the lack of +85 mm. But the optic quality of this lens is better then 17-55mm DX f/2.8G and 18-200mm DX f/4-5.6G VR.

VERDICT : It will be the new "tourist lens" of the new Nikon DX owners who are looking for a budget. Optic quality is very high and +2mm wide angle comes more handy together with VR. Recommended (8/10)

BEST FOR :
Nikon D3100, Nikon D5000, Nikon D90, Nikon D7000, Nikon D300s

Lens Review - Micro-Nikkor AF-S 105mm f/2.8G ED IF VR Nano

Nikon Micro-Nikkor AF-S 105 mm f/2.8G ED IF VR Nano

FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS

Focal Length : This is a FX format lens, so you can both use them on typical SLR 35 mm cameras and D-SLRs.
Aperture: f/2.8 . Nine-bladed rounded diaphragm stopping down to f/32
Optics: 14 elements in 12 groups. That includes two ED glass elements (shown in yellow) and three aspherical elements shown in blue.

Closest Focus: 31 cm(0r 12 inches)
Macro Ratio: 1:1 (real Micro lens)
Filter size: 62mm
Accesories: Lens rear/front caps, Petal-shapedHB-38 Bayonet Lens Hood . CL-1020 Lens pouch (artificial suede)
Dimensions: 83 mm(3.3") diameter. Extension from lens flange (length excluding rear mount extension) is 116 mm (4.5").
Weight: 790 grams (27.9 oz)

MY REVIEW ABOUT THIS LENS
The Micro-Nikkor 105mm VR is extereme sharp and silent lens. Build quality is excellent. Lens glass quality is very high and together with Extra-low Dispertion coating and Nano coating, all flares ang ghosts are successfully eleminated. According to IMATEST results, barrel distortion level is only 0,18% , not negligible in field. Vignetting is almost non-exsist, even at widest aperture setting of f/2.8. MTF Resolution results are over the test limits, which is amazing (at f/4 and f/5.6). Unexpectedly, Chromatic Aberrations are increasing as the apperture slows down. Even though, not field relevant. (it is below 1 pixel limit)

If you are a street candid photographer, 105mm VR is a good lens for dawn hunters (even at night) who doesn't like to carry a tripod with it's wide aperture and almost 4 stop advantage VR.

For portrait photographers, this lens is "the lens" you are looking for.

If you own a 18-200mm VR, it may seem unnecessary to own this lens. Who says so? What about the Micro spec you will have in your pocket? I must say that for micro shooters, do not forget to shut off the VR and auto focus. It is a pleasure to adjust the focus with the sensitive focus ring down to 31 cm. (But my personal suggestion is to buy a Sigma 150mm f/2.8 Macro lens for only-macro-obsessed enthusiasts)

PAY ATTENTION :
- This lens' weakest point is this: During macro, auto focus and VR do not work in harmony. VR is looking for your hand movements and very shallow depth of field changes furing this movement as the fast SWM focus trys to fast focus on the subject. Not a headache for me, just shot of VR for extreme macros and the problem solved. But this small detail does not suit to Nikon quality.
- Chromatic Aberrations (blue/purple color shadows at harsh contrast transitions) are around 1 pixel limit. Increases as the aperture slows down.. Interesting!!!. ED and Nano works here...

- 105mm VR is a "G" type lens and has no aperture ring on the body so old film cameras can not use it. Also Pn-11 owners can not use this extention tube. D40 and D40x owners can use this lens.

VERDICT : It is not a cheap lens but the build quality, sharpness and all other test result are excellent. Only autofocus may be a little problem in micro mode when used together with VR. Highly Recommended (9/10)

MY SAMPLE SHOTS :