Miranda 24mm PKA Macro - Image heavy

So, I was going to put this lens up for sale - but just prior I wanted to take a few shots through it to make sure I wasn't gonna be screwing anyone over. I just got a Siggy 18-50mm EX Macro f2.8 so I'm trying to trim down a touch.

Now, I really liked this lens, but after taking a few shots I'm not sure if there is something wrong with it - or if this is normal for a wide angle lens. When I stop down the aperture the image gets noticeable softer.

As I'm an honest bloke - I'd like you all to tell me if you think I should sell this, or if I should just keep it around for fun because of the weird dreamy effect of higher apertures? It's pretty nice @ f2.8 but much above f4.0 and it starts to loose a lil something. All shots just raw converted with 'auto/auto' in LR3B2

f2.8



f4.5



f9.5



f13



f22





With a Macro
f2.8



f4.0



f5.6




100% crops of the macro shots
f2.8



f4.0



f5.6

When you look at this shot.


You can clearly see that only the centre gets blurry, it certainly isn't normal!
Is your lens and sensor clean?

DOH! I've got a fingerprint on the back glass. Why do I somehow think that's the problem. Lemme go see if that fixes things ...

Sigh... I guess I'm a moron! Thanks Stefan! (I feel rather stupid right now, almost stupid enough to ask for the thread to be deleted, but it could serve some help to someone in the future).

Why not leave the thread open in case this is a useful bit of info for someone?

Yeah, I was just editing as you wrote that

I was in a camera shop earlier this week when a lady came in with a Panasonic compact that produced images very much like this. The front of the lens was fine, now I wonder if there was a finger print on the inside of the lens from when it was assembled. :

By the way Whelmed, you really should give your sensor a clean.

Dan

The 'after' images ... Imageshack is being annoying so I'm just uploading the macro shots.






















and one of the bridge at f16

How do you clean it? I've used the cleaning button in the menu - is there a safe way otherwise?

Lucky it was something simple as that Whelmed

Let he who is without cock-up cast the first smirk.

We've all been there mate.

(Except George possibly :wink

I'll proudly take a seat next to you on the cock-up step.

Hello

Don't feel stupid at all we all make errors - me possibly more than others

There are some dishonest characters around who would have assumed it was a faulty lens but unknowingly sold it as being perfect - we should all congratulate you on your honesty (in my opinion)

Cheers

Stu

I think the sets of photos were very informative. You should definitely not feel like a moron for illustrating effects a finger print can have at different aperture settings.

Cheers,

/Ian

Sensor cleaning - on those occasions when the built in sensor shaker hasn't done the trick I've used a Giottos "Rocket Blower" puffer bulb. Make sure the tip of the nozzle doesn't touch the sensor and give it a good blow.

If that doesn't work I have heard good things about the Arctic Butterfly cleaning brush, and also heard of people using top quality extra-soft artists brushes after thoroughly cleaning them to remove any contaminants.