----- Original Message ----- From: "J. C. O'Connell" Subject: RE: 50 or 100 mm
> Regarding the pseudo-zoom Macros, > > William Robb wrote ( edited ) : > > > there is absolutely nothing wrong with > >the lens design. > > > > I am sorry but that couldn't be more wrong. There is something > "wrong" with every lens ever made, none of them are perfect. > The optical designers have to make lots of compromises in nearly > every parameter and to say that the pseudo-zoom macros > have "absolutely nothing wrong" with them is going a little > to far IMHO. Adding all those extra elements to achieve > wider focus range is going to improve some parameters most notably > infinity performance at wider apertures but at the same time degrade > others > like contrast and flare and quality control. It is a choice the > designers > and marketing dept felt was worthwhile or more valuable to the customer > or they would not have done it. Allow me to rephrase that then. Based on my single A100mm f/2.8 lens sample, I have found nothing to complain about regarding the lens design in question. It is as sharp a lens as I have seen (I have seen a lot of very good lenses BTW), has excellent contrast, and flare has never been a problem. For me, there is nothing wrong with the lens design, since I have yet to find a better performing lens in it's focal length and focusing range. Happy now? William Robb
