How to test a lens?

[Actorlife]

Hi,

Meaning if the focus is right or if it's soft or any other problems? A reliable service to get a estimate, but not too costly?

Thanks!

[gstark]

If you're into pixel peeping and number for numbers for numbers' sake, DPR has ways and means of shooting and testing for backfocus. That's one way.

A second would be to download a test chart and look at the lp/mm your lens can resolve to. Again, it's numbers, and bears little real world relationship to how you, as a photographer, can see images and make your camera sing and produce images that you love to show everyone.

So ... what is the problem you believe that testing the lens might solve?

[smac]

Tim Jackson's focus test chart has been used by many to test backfocus (or front focus, or in fact any focus) problems, but tests like these can leave you paraniod......be careful

http://www.focustestchart.com/chart.html