JT,
I was merely pointing out what are "beliefs" out there that are not grounded, only assumed. As noted, the best way to know the actual sweet-spot for sure is to ask or seek info from the manufacturer. I like Chip's mentality, just fu#$%g shoot! When I shoot, I don't worry about the sweet-spot on my lens anymore than on my scanner. I know my equipment and I know what it will deliver with different combination for different scenarios. I do know practically any lens will have the sharpest point somewhere
around F/8, so it's safe to say F/8.0 is a happy medium.
In the end, what works best for you applies to everyone here. While you've done your "bench tests" it's based on subjective testing, i.e., your eyes, your lenses, your equipment, your subjects, your working environments, your lighiting, your post production and so forth. No one is saying you're wrong, to the contrary, knowing your equipment and what works best for you is always the ideal solution. Just like diopter adjustments for camera viewfinders are adjusted for the user, bench tests vary too, even at manufacture level with scientific equipment and bench test experts.
Depending on what I'm shooting, where I'm shooting, and whom I'm shooting determines my sweet-spot, and as Chip pointed out, I rarely worry about it, I shoot off instinct, or in my case, 27-years of photographic experience with every brand of equipment out there, from 35mm to larger formats.
In the end, use what works best for you and learn your equipment along the way while developing your style. Practice, practice, practice. I practice my craft everytime I release the shutter--photography never ends and it's always subjective.
I wish you the best, rg sends!
