Macro comparison between HC 120 and HC 120-II

[raffa]

so would you say it's a good deal?

[jerome_m]

so would you say it's a good deal?

Well, the price is right, yes.

[raffa]

I also have the 150mm, I was wondering if it's a good idea selling it since I'll have the 120mm macro.
I don't use it so much after all, and I fear I can't justify it anymore since the difference from 120 to 150mm is not so much.
opinions? what do you guys think?

[Stonemonkey]

Jerome_M

Have you noticed that after F/18 the image starts to get a bit softer on the 120 when using in macro? I had that experience on a rented lens, but between 11-16 everything was very sharp.

Brian R.

[Buddy]

I also have the 150mm, I was wondering if it's a good idea selling it since I'll have the 120mm macro.
I don't use it so much after all, and I fear I can't justify it anymore since the difference from 120 to 150mm is not so much.
opinions? what do you guys think?

I have both of them. But since I have the 150 I only use this one for portraits anymore. the 150 is way sharper and lighter as well.and incredible bokeh at f/3.2.

[jerome_m]

Have you noticed that after F/18 the image starts to get a bit softer on the 120 when using in macro?

Yes, of course. This is the effect of diffraction. All lenses do that.

[NickT]

The fall off in sharpness when stopping down can be quite sudden, worth testing!

[Stonemonkey]

Jerome_m

Yes that is true, but not at F/18 and not as apparently. In fact in regards to simpler lenses such as those used in large format cameras, this may not occur until F/32.

[jerome_m]

Yes that is true, but not at F/18 and not as apparently. In fact in regards to simpler lenses such as those used in large format cameras, this may not occur until F/32.

a
When one peeps at pixels, the first effects of diffraction can be noted at f/8-f/11 on 6 µm pixels, which is what our cameras have, so quite noticeable at f/18. On large format cameras, the effect will only be noted at very small aperture, because of the larger negative.

This being said, maybe your diaphragm is malfunctioning (e.g. stuck blade closing more than it should at f/18...). Just have a look at it from the lens front.