Quote:
Originally Posted by Renato1
You say that crop factor is idiocy, but you have not explained what arithmetically is incorrect about using crop factor - what wrong answer it gives in terms of describing image relative to a 35mm full frame sensor.
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The problem is, the term is misleading to most new camera users, and completely un-necessary if just a minimum mental effort is added to grasp the concept of field of view.
BTW, why they took 35mm as standard? Who not something else? 60mm was also standard (especially among professionals).... or APS. (yes, I know - it was the fact most of cameras then were 35mm but "laziness factor" was also heavily involved).
As to why this is a problem now... basic arithmetic (geometry, in relation to FV of the camera/lens combination) is OK, but it doesn't take f/ into account.
We had a discussion here on this forum some time ago when someone start to apply crop factor in calculation of camera scale (arcsec/pixel), confusing couple of people in the process. His calculation was completely wrong, of course.
It is beyond me why some people are willing to spent huge amounts of money for the equipment, and then don't put any additional effort in understanding the basic physical/geometric principles on which that equipment works.
Suma summarum:
- 50mm lens is 50mm lens, was and always will be, no matter with what sensor size it is used.
- "Crop factor" is applicable to camera only... it should be avoided/rooted out (and explained to users properly every time why), as it becomes completely redundant once the basic optical geometry is properly understood (which in our hobby doesn't have alternative IMO)..