Difference between two different lenses at the same settings...

[splproductions]

If you took a Canon 24-70L 2.8 and a Canon 50mm 1.4, and shot them both at 50mm and 2.8, how would the images compare? I realize this may be hard to answer exactly, but theoretical answers are welcome.

Thanks!

 

[o hey tyler]

The 24-70 II has 9 aperture blades and the 50/1.4 has 8. You will notice a very small change in bokeh, but that would be it. I would expect the 50/1.4 to be sharper. But I personally have no interest in a 24-70 because it's a yawn fest.

 

[KmH]

You would also likely see a difference in the field curvature, acutance, distortion, and some other optical aberrations.

 

[splproductions]

You would also likely see a difference in the field curvature, acutance, distortion, and some other optical aberrations.

With the prime being better? Or just differences in general because they are two different lenses?

 

[Derrel]

I wish this site had 100 percent life-for-like comparisons of both lenses on IDENTICAL camera models....but it does not have that... ANyway though, here are a few test links.

http://www.photozone.de/canon_eos_ff/564-canon50f14ff


Canon 50mm 1.4 USM tested on full-frame 5D


Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 USM L - Full Format Review / Test Report


Canon 24-70 L tested on Canon 5D-Mark II


and on the 15MP EOS 50D


Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM - APS-C Review / Retest


the 50mm f/1.4


Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 USM L - Review / Test Report
the 24-70 L, but unfortunately, tested on an 8MP EOS camera

 

[Dao]

There is also a possibility that the field of views are different. A forum member took 2 photos at 70mm. One with 24-70mm lens and the other one is 70-200mm lens. Both looks different even they were shot at 70mm. And I mean really noticeable different.

 

[Sw1tchFX]

The 24-70 II has 9 aperture blades and the 50/1.4 has 8. You will notice a very small change in bokeh, but that would be it. I would expect the 50/1.4 to be sharper. But I personally have no interest in a 24-70 because it's a yawn fest.

I almost fell asleep at 24...

 

[Overread19 7]

There is also a possibility that the field of views are different. A forum member took 2 photos at 70mm. One with 24-70mm lens and the other one is 70-200mm lens. Both looks different even they were shot at 70mm. And I mean really noticeable different.

I think this is partly because focal length of lenses is always measured at infinity, whilst many zooms can shift their focal length a bit as they focus closer and closer. Also remember that zooms tend to have only rough measurements of their focal length between their two extreme ends. As a result the 50mm mark on a 24-70mm might not be quite as 50mm as a 50mm prime lens shows.