3/27/10
Oh no! Some people are getting confused about the Sony 20mm Focusing issue article below. I’m getting letters saying things like “that’s just the same as depth of field focusing,” or “that’s called focus shift, and I use micro adjustments to take care of it.” That’s not what I was talking about in the article. Depth of field sharpening occurs when you don’t have the focus set properly in the first place, or you’re looking at areas of the image in front of, or behind the subject. Focus shift occurs when you have a fast lens and you’re using it stopped down, all the while looking through the viewfinder for the sharpest focus, and/or trusting the AF system to do the correct focusing. I never use AF for any review or test shot sequence, because the AF systems are not accurate or reliable enough to get the absolute best focus point every time. I pick a subject, and bracket my focusing to get the sharpest shot, then go from there.
Using AF micro adjustments in the case of the Sony 20mm F/2.8 lens is a mistake, unless you’re only going to use it at the same aperture you adjusted it for. If you use another aperture, you may wind up with a bunch of worthless pictures. I warned people in the article not to try stuff like that unless they knew what they were doing.
I’ve put a link to B&H photo for the great deal on the Sony A230 with kit lens, all for $399.95, and free shipping for most people. This would be a real cost effective backup camera for serious mateurs or anyone that gets paid to take pictures. Don’t get caught with a faulty camera and have to tell the client “well gosh dang it, my camera went bad, when I get it fixed I’ll come back.” No you won’t come back, because they’ll be on the phone trying to get someone who really is competent as soon as you walk out the door.