Mapledurham Mill - take 2

by PeterKR

This shot of Mapledurham Mill was taken yesterday using the DAL 18-55 kit lens at 55mm to compare with the previous image (posted earlier) taken with the Sigma Epsilon 28-70 AF at 70mm.
Both shots were taken from a similar viewpoint and the light was of similar quality.
Whilst this shot has been cropped slightly to frame the image about the same size as the previous shot I feel it confirms my previous feelings that this is not a good lens ! The image is noticably softer, duller and less vibrant.
Am I just unlucky and got a poor copy of this lens or what do others feel about the 'kit lens' ?
Both images are the RAW files developed using PDCU4 but this one took a lot more work !
Uploaded09/01/2013 - 11:46
CategoryLandscape / Travel
Shutter Speed1/125
Aperturef/5.6
LensN/A
ISO200
Focal Length55mm
Views/Likes41/0

Horst
Posted 09/01/2013 - 12:14 Link
Well, I think the slightly softness seems to fit. Since there is no blue bright sky. It makes it look somewhat warmer and cosy.

I wish I was there.

Regards, Horst
nonur
Posted 09/01/2013 - 16:36 Link
Beautiful view across the river.
Regards,
Nezih
PeterKR
Posted 09/01/2013 - 20:31 Link
Many thanks for your kind comments.

I do love the views across the Thames here.
I think what makes them special is the fact that whilst you are so close they are 'forbidden fruit' ! i.e. this Oxfordshire side of the Thames is cut off from main roads. Mapledurham village is at the end of a narrow winding and hilly side road which helps to keep it unspoilt. In Victorian times I could have got a ferry across the Thames from 'The Roebuck Hotel' (mentioned in Three Men in a Boat) but IK Brunel put a stop to that when he built the GWR beside the river !

My comments about the lens is the 'Engineer' in me coming out - the strive for perfection ! I used the same view to compare my lenses and the Sigma shot looks much sharper when viewed full size. However, the 'artist' in me tells me that this is still a lovely view, whatever, and I'll continue to take more shots of it in future !

Thanks again
Peter
nonur
Posted 09/01/2013 - 21:22 Link
After comparing them I can say that the previous upload taken with Sigma is much better. The only Sigma lens I own is the 10-20mm (previous version), and I am more than happy with it. However, I am also fond my two kit lenses, the one that came with K20 and the WR one of the K5. Although they are comparatively cheaper, they both work even better than my expectations.
Regards,
Nezih

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