Which Way Works? Soft Vss. Sharp, a continuing drama....

[jimgalli]

This is little meadow falls, a lovely little spot in a slot canyon in Railroad Valley, Nevada. Just so happens I did it both with 150mm Super Symmar XL and a 12 inch Darlot Landscape Meniscus with no stops, wide open at f6 on the 5X12.

little meadow falls, 150 Symmar XL


little meadow falls, Darlot meniscus

The soft one works well for me. It transports me.

What say ye?

Sorry Ian, posted for my friends over at LFForum also

[Whiteymorange]

Good subject for the Darlot's particular look. Transports me, too.

[mhcfires]

I really like the soft look, it creates an ethereal feeling. Wonder shot.

[André E.C.]

Well Jim, I'm a sharpness sucker, therefore, I take the Symmar one.

But the most important thing here is, which one you really prefer as the creator? Take the Darlot's and be happy!


Cheers


André

[ricksplace]

I like 'em both. The soft one is more intriguing...I think...

[keithwms]

Sharp. But I'd be curious how the Darlot handled that highlight area, which I find a bit distracting.

[Ian Grant]

No problem Jim I don't like either that much

Well that's not strictly true, the sharper shot is OK but I find the framing far better in the Darlot shot, I'd prefer to see a bit of sharpness. Like André I'm sharpness fanatic with my own work, however I often like softer work by other photographers, your images included.

Ian

[Thomas Bertilsson]

I'm a Softie. The Darlot shot is just gorgeous! It speaks to me in heaps. The other one is a wonderful composition, but it doesn't really communicate with me. That's just me, speaking my heart. The quality of light comes through much better with the Darlot, and to me that's what it's all about.
Logically - the Symmar is probably more in tune with most people.
- Thomas

[bdial]

Of these, I like the Symar shot best, but I find the Darlot shot a little too tight, more than too soft. I'd love to see a shot with the Darlot that's in between this one, and the Symar.
Like Ian and Andre, I like sharpness, at least in my own work, but your stuff done soft is really special.

For me, even when I try to work with a soft lens, it comes out sharp.

[jimgalli]

Thanks for all the interesting comments!