I decided to post a photography tip every day. I believe life is to short to keep all your knowledge to yourself, so I am sharing it with everyone.

I was wondering the whole weekend what the topic will be about and I have decided to start with: The Lens and Image Sharpness.

I am sure the most of you already know that it is not only the amount of pixel your camera have that has an influence on the quality of your pictures, but also the lens. We all tend to take a modern lens for granted. It is just accepted as an image-forming collection of glass, somewhat overpriced and can easily damage. Using a really good lens can be a skilfully solved set of problems concerning the control of light. When designing a lens means taking into account image quality, the picture area covered, consistency over a wide range of subject distances, an acceptable wide aperture and finally coming up with something that is not too large, heavy or expensive to manufacture.

In today’s digital world we as professional or amateur photographers need good quality photographs and unbelievable image sharpness in the final print. Not only having a good quality lens and camera body with high pixels will ensure that, but also to take care of every key stage on the way. The following check list contains all the main influences on image details:

1. Lens quality. Making use of the highest quality modern lens you can afford is very important. The lens must match or exceed your camera’s picture format. It is also very important that the lens is multicoated so it can minimize any scattered light.
2. Lens conditions. Do not make use of lenses that has any signs of damages. And be very careful in buying second hand lenses. Also avoid inferior filters, converters and close-up lenses.
3. The light recording material. With a 35mm camera this will be the film. The film speed, grain and emulsion thickness. With digital this is the number and pitch of elements in the CCD. With digital the film speed (ISO) can be set to suited the conditions you are shooting in the best.
4. Camera. Focusing is a very important influence. It has to be completely accurate or the whole photograph’s composition is off. Beware of non-registration of focusing screen and also auto focus errors.
5. Shooting conditions. The atmosphere may contain dust, ripples of warm air, pollution or moisture particles. Also be aware of the effects indoor lights may have on photographs.
6. Enlarging of photographs. To ensure maximum quality prints shoot in RAW function. In the olden days when you cut the film, quality was lost. With digital the more you digitally manipulate the photograph the more quality you lose. Shooting in RAW will ensure that maximum quality is obtained during the whole editing process.

No one can control all these factors all the time, of course, but try and use equipment and routines that minimize the pitfalls of optimum sharpness.