----- Original Message -----

From: "T P" <tp@nospam.com>

Subject: Re: Wide Angle AF Nikkor 28mm f/2.8D Autofocus Lens

> "David Ruether" <rpn1@no-junk.cornell.edu> wrote:

> <big snip>

> >

> >Landscapes are

> >a common subject type, and included distant material is

> >common to other types of photography (architecture,

> >group photos, even portraiture, etc.), and having the

> >"plane" of focus wander about is generally not useful.

> >at least to some of us...;-)

> David,

>

> I know that you are approaching the subject from a scientifically

> rigorous point of view, and that there is a significant theoretical

> difference between flat field and non-flat field lenses, but the truth

> is that, in practice, the flat field lens is simply unnecessary.

>

> As someone who makes his living doing all the above, I can tell you

> that there would be absolutely no benefit whatsoever in having a flat

> field lens. They are useful for copy work, shooting lens lest charts

> and brick walls and ... er, ... that's about it!

Then we must agree to disagree. I prefer a horizon line to look

equally sharp across the frame by at least a mid stop (preferably

wider). This is often impossible with a lens that is not flat-field,

and I consider this a lens defect which can detract from the quality

of the resultant image, or limit what and the way I can shoot...

--

David Ruether

d_ruether@hotmail.com

http://www.David-Ruether-Photography.com