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which lens has the most 3D POP?

jojib
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p.117 #1 · which lens has the most 3D POP?

bwcolor wrote:
After 116 pages trying to answer the unanswerable, I sure hope that we don�t conclude that AI blur provides the best 3D look. It sure can manage so much separation that it screams AI.

I'm kinda used to severe background separation because I was an early adopter to the Canon EF 50/1.2 and 85/1.2 lenses that I shoot mostly @ f/1.2. Like I said numerous times, it will give me my desired 'subject trying to come out from my monitor' or a cutout and put in the photo. That to me is 3D pop. I'm not the only one who loves that look. I've seen it in youtubers like Manny Ortiz and my fave Julia Trotti

Mar 19, 2026 at 04:51 PM

bwcolor
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p.117 #2 · which lens has the most 3D POP?

jojib wrote:
I'm kinda used to severe background separation because I was an early adopter to the Canon EF 50/1.2 and 85/1.2 lenses that I shoot mostly @ f/1.2. Like I said numerous times, it will give me my desired 'subject trying to come out from my monitor' or a cutout and put in the photo. That to me is 3D pop. I'm not the only one who loves that look. I've seen it in youtubers like Manny Ortiz and my fave Julia Trotti

Wow, I forgot about that lens. I had the second version the EF 85mm f/1.2 USM. Stunning results wide open. Of course, you could send out for lunch while it tried to focus on the 1DMkiii.

Mar 19, 2026 at 05:04 PM

jojib
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p.117 #3 · which lens has the most 3D POP?

Yeah. I still want to keep shooting with my Canon R/EF systems mainly because of those lenses----just easy 3D pop along with the silky smooth 135/2 L.

I'm a firm believer in the old adage----you marry the lenses and date the cameras!

Mar 19, 2026 at 05:17 PM

OregonSun
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p.117 #4 · which lens has the most 3D POP?

Here's one from a few years ago that I've always thought has a great sense of 3D to it, not POP so much as a sense of the physical space and depth in the scene. It also does it without as many of the normal compositional techniques, and without any bokeh.

Maybe it's because of the Medium Format Look

Lens was SMC Pentax 67 45mm f/4 on a real MF sensor (Provia 100)

Mar 19, 2026 at 08:47 PM

Viramati
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p.117 #5 · which lens has the most 3D POP?

What an extraordinary thread 117 pages so far and started in 2011. I'll come back in 10 years time (if still alive) to see how it's coming along!!

Mar 20, 2026 at 03:40 AM

RustyBug
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p.117 #6 · which lens has the most 3D POP?

Nifty Fifty wrote:
2. Mistake: I used a flat Sony lens.

Interesting comment ... for a variety of reasons. But, given your assertion of this subject being so amusing to you, how genuine your comment regarding this is ... umm, well, it might be questionable.

Is that to suggest that since this lens is by your assessment flat ... which infers as compared to others, that other lenses are then non-flat?

Or, is this your amusing sarcasm of a lens that has significant amount of optical capability (Sony / Zeiss based GM series f/1.2 capable) and downplaying its contribution ... yet, still presenting its contribution, despite the limitations you've otherwise mentioned.

My point has been that of contribution, and that all the pieces of the puzzle combine to yield outcomes. The magnitude of the outcomes can / will vary based on the matrix of said aspects combined. Imo, this image isn't what I'd call "the strongest" ... but, your assertion is that even in situations where things are working against you (your list), you still produced some, and are questioning (sarcastically / amusingly, I assume) how it is possible, trying to discount the lens contribution by making the assertion as stated above.

To this ... your own assertions have indicated elements of disingenuous interest in the subject (except for musings, et al) ... and then to dismiss this lens as "flat ... seemingly retains an element of disingenuous participation in this thread, but now adding in an element of attempt to misdirect your audience by calling the Sony GM 50/1.2 (Flickr exif) a "flat" lens.

It is obvious that there are two camps of folks participating in this thread ... which reminds me of the previous thread (2009) and the participation of our fellow member, Bifurcator. Although, while Bif was one to ardently challenge the subject ... he did so with a genuine interest. Not sure I can say the same of all bifurcators.

So, back to the optics / lens ... contribution vs. no-contribution.

Not sure, I'd classify the Sony GM 50/1.2 as a "flat" lens (which, btw you used for another shot with different lighting / factors, and even stronger results ... get the picture, that they are contributing / cumulative factors). In certain regard, you've presented the strength of the lens, herein to overcome the lesser contributions by the other factors, in this instance.

But, YMMV as your intentionally muse with folks.

In the meantime, folks will continue discern for themselves whether they acknowledge or dismiss the contribution of the optic.

Again, YMMV.

Mar 20, 2026 at 06:52 AM

Steve Spencer
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p.117 #7 · which lens has the most 3D POP?

gdanmitchell wrote:
I�d agree with that, and add that photographing the subject from a point where a corner is closest (rather than photographing a side/end straight on) also contributes, as does the camera position being lower than the vertical center of the subject. (It looks like maybe the verticals were �corrected� for perspective line convergence in post?)

There�s also a tonal difference between the dark upper part of the structure and the very bright sky, and between the highlights on the lower structure and darker background � the latter, in particular, help separate the foreground object from its background.

There�s considerable vignetting in the...Show more →

Interesting that you comment on the closer corner helping creating the effect. That no doubt contributes as it takes advantage of the Muller-Lyer illusion. Interestingly this illusion is not experienced the same by everyone, but appears to be at least partially learned by having lots of experience living in buildings that are rectangular. Much can be learned about 3D perception from Art, but there is also a pretty large literature on 3D perception in the study of perception. Here is the wikipedia entry for the Muller-Lyer illusion:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muller-Lyer_illusion

Mar 20, 2026 at 07:08 AM

RustyBug
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p.117 #8 · which lens has the most 3D POP?

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/920070/2722/#lastmessage

Check out p. 2723, post #13

Edited on Mar 20, 2026 at 07:32 AM · View previous versions

Mar 20, 2026 at 07:26 AM

jojib
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p.117 #9 · which lens has the most 3D POP?

Viramati wrote:
What an extraordinary thread 117 pages so far and started in 2011. I'll come back in 10 years time (if still alive) to see how it's coming along!!

That'll be great! I'll have 10 years to see if someone would post images from either the Sony 28-70/2 or the 50-150/2---I'm pretty sure both those lenses are capable of doing some 3D pop pictures. Love to see some zoom lenses pop!

Mar 20, 2026 at 07:27 AM

Nifty Fifty
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p.117 #10 · which lens has the most 3D POP?

RustyBug wrote:
Interesting comment ... for a variety of reasons. But, given your assertion of this subject being so amusing to you, how genuine your comment regarding this is ... umm, well, it might be questionable.

I think I've made my position regarding the relevance of this thread clear (I believe more than once). Therefore, there should be no remaining questions on this matter.😉

RustyBug wrote:
Is that to suggest that since this lens is by your assessment flat ... which infers as compared to others, that other lenses are then non-flat?

I don't want to imply anything at all. I love the 1.2 GM. However, the FM lens design guru and China lens influencer has repeatedly emphasized here that the GM lenses are "flat lenses" that render everything beyond the focal plane in a slimy blur, and whose bokeh is painful to look at. As a loyal reader of this thread, you should already know this very well.😇

Mar 20, 2026 at 10:44 AM

j4nu
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p.117 #11 · which lens has the most 3D POP?

Nifty Fifty wrote:
Yesterday, during my evening walk, I combined several mistakes that you absolutely shouldn't make if you want to create a "3D" effect.
1. (and worst) mistake: I didn't use a Chinese lens.
2. Mistake: I used a flat Sony lens.
3. Mistake: no lines leading into the background.
4. Mistake: flat, rather diffuse light.
5. Mistake: no clear contrast and/or color contrast between the subject and the background.

And yet, it somehow looks three-dimensional to me, in a pleasant, not exaggerated way�that is, it looks three-dimensional, but not like it's been cut out and pasted in. How is that possible? 😄

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55156792398_4ba1d19f88_b.jpg DSC08208 (2) by Werner Wurst,...Show more →

I think it's a great example, despite all the mistakes made

.
Now, if you only had a couple other 50mm lenses with you and took the same shot with a Zeiss, Voigtlander, Thypoch (god forbid!), ... Maybe, just maybe we would be a bit closer to the answer

Mar 20, 2026 at 11:09 AM

3dpophunter
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p.117 #12 · which lens has the most 3D POP?

jojib I like your shots and you're a great portrait photographer. A lot better than me'

But I'm not sure you understand what 3d pop is.

I guess there's no real definition. So maybe I don't understandit myself either.

But a lot of people here seem to confuse it with shallow dof. I don't see a whole lot of pop in those Canon 1.2 lenses. I've owned them myself. The rf 85 1.2 makes the subject pop out from the background.

But it's not like the pop I got from contax zeiss 35-70 where things that are suppose to be outside the focal plane suddenly come in to focus kind of. I've seen the same in pentax limited lenses. And the 100 mm macro. Unfortunately my lighroom library is too big, I didn't Mark the images with 3d pop. Because as I said in respect to you, one can make great images without 3d pop.

Micro contrast adds depth to texture and makes thing stand out, not from the background but from other things also in focus

Now I'm mostly shooting leica. Lenses are great. From the apo sl to summilux m 50 1.4 asph. But while I find many qualities in the leica glass. I don't find the 3d pop we're talking about. Guess that's more zeiss territory, and perhaps a little bit pentax. Good thing I've kept my k-1 and the three amigos. I should shoot it.more often

Pardon my English

Mar 20, 2026 at 03:44 PM

jojib
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p.117 #13 · which lens has the most 3D POP?

Thanks for your kind words.

I realize that 3D pop is very subjective. In my case I've watched numerous 3D movies in movie theatres (yeah with the 3D glasses) that I know what 3D is. And pop to me is beautiful, sharp, contrast and colour image. So I combine them I get 3D pop. I think all the movies that I've seen in 3D are action movies so I know I had to 'duck' in my seat when something gory or like a fighter plane as if coming right at me. Since we are talking about stills not video, the 3D image to me is like someone cut out the subject and pasted it to the picture. But like I said people's definition of 3D pop might be different than mine and I respect that.

BTW, I do agree that you make great images without the 3D pop or even without the pop. I don't think it's a requirement.

Mar 20, 2026 at 04:08 PM

Nifty Fifty
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p.117 #14 · which lens has the most 3D POP?

And again in 3D using a "flat" GM.

DSC05452 by Werner Wurst, on Flickr

Mar 22, 2026 at 01:45 PM

RoamingScott
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p.117 #15 · which lens has the most 3D POP?

3dpophunter wrote:
jojib I like your shots and you're a great portrait photographer. A lot better than me'

But I'm not sure you understand what 3d pop is.

I guess there's no real definition. So maybe I don't understandit myself either.

But a lot of people here seem to confuse it with shallow dof. I don't see a whole lot of pop in those Canon 1.2 lenses. I've owned them myself. The rf 85 1.2 makes the subject pop out from the background.

But it's not like the pop I got from contax zeiss 35-70 where things that are suppose to be outside the focal...Show more →

Let's all just a take a second to recognize this incredible troll of a username

Mar 22, 2026 at 01:49 PM

RustyBug
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p.117 #16 · which lens has the most 3D POP?

jojib wrote:
Thanks for your kind words.

I realize that 3D pop is very subjective. In my case I've watched numerous 3D movies in movie theatres (yeah with the 3D glasses) that I know what 3D is. And pop to me is beautiful, sharp, contrast and colour image. So I combine them I get 3D pop. I think all the movies that I've seen in 3D are action movies so I know I had to 'duck' in my seat when something gory or like a fighter plane as if coming right at me. Since we are talking about stills not video, the 3D...Show more →

Perception of forward projection is what I think of when the term "pop" is used in conjunction with (or alone) 3D-ish. Imo, 3D-ish has two components to it. One is the modeling aspect of the dimensionality of the subject / plane of focus. The other is the rate of transition between foreground, focal plane, background. That's not necessarily the same as obliterating the BG with bokeh separation.

Pop, then (as I suggested previously) is oriented into the rapid rate of change, in that something which pops (a balloon, jack in the box, pop gun, bubble gum pop, etc.) does so with a rate of acceleration (rate of change / transition) that is significantly accelerated vs. the surrounding environment (i.e. relative vs. absolute).

With regard to physiological response cues, we can have forward or recessive perceptions of projection. Part of the issue with this topic is that folks intermingle the 3D and pop without having ever really defined them. Understanding which attributes of the optics / lighting / comp / etc. induce recessive perceptions vs. forward perceptions (field curvature direction, tonal value variance, focal plane falloff,) all are factors involved.

But, I think your point about "duck" when something was "coming at you" ... that is likely a key perspective that for many people, "pop" is a slang term for forward projection perception. That, and in a rapid (vs. other areas of image) rate of change manner vs. the surrounding areas of the image, etc. Lenses with a mid-zone dip, or field curvature ... when subjects are placed in concert with that attribute, can either harness or fight against that aspect of the optic (for example). Imo, this in part where the wavy aspect of many Zeiss lenses are designed to "bake in" transitional rates of change variance for a "typical" landscape scenario. Leica, otoh has some lenses that have BIG mid-zone dips, designed to provide for a more centric differential rate. More to it than that alone, but hopefully you get the gist. Some lenses seek to create transitional variations. Other lenses seek to minimize variations. Imo, that's why certain lenses (e.g. VM 40/1.2, etc.) behave differently than others.

Mar 22, 2026 at 02:02 PM

Jonas B
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p.117 #17 · which lens has the most 3D POP?

RustyBug wrote:
[...]
But, I think your point about "duck" when something was "coming at you" ... that is likely a key perspective that for many people, "pop" is a slang term for forward projection perception. That, and in a rapid (vs. other areas of image) rate of change manner vs. the surrounding areas of the image, etc. Lenses with a mid-zone dip, or field curvature ... when subjects are placed in concert with that attribute, can either harness or fight against that aspect of the optic (for example). Imo, this in part where the wavy aspect of many Zeiss lenses are designed...Show more →

Hi,
I interpret this to mean that you believe the mid-zone dip in Leica lenses is a characteristic that was intentionally designed. That sounds pretty strange to me. Do you have any sources that can confirm, for example, that the mid-zone dip in the Summilux-M 35/1.4 ASPH is intentional?

I have the same question regarding Zeiss (which lenses are you referring to?) which, if I understand you correctly, intentionally designed their lenses to �bake in� transitional rates of change variance for a �typical� landscape scenario. Is that really the case? What does a typical landscape image look like (one that�s well-suited for a Zeiss lens)?

I don�t think I�ve ever considered the characteristics you just described in certain lenses to be desirable. But I�m pretty straightforward: I like it when it�s sharp in the center and from edge to edge; if the quality degrades (and it does), I�d prefer it to do so linearly from the center out toward the corners.

Mar 22, 2026 at 03:57 PM

jojib
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p.117 #18 · which lens has the most 3D POP?

Hey Rusty, funny you mentioned about a 40mm lens. I've been looking at Fred's review of the Septon as well as the threads of the Nokton 40/1.2. For me those images have a 3D pop to them more so of the latter. Because of its price I was tempted to get the Septon 40 as my first manual focus lens. OTOH, I checked out AF lenses like the Batis 40/2 and the Sony 40/2.5 G. I know the Batis will have pop (I have the 85/1.8). I looked into the Sony too and I am liking what I see. Definitely a lot of pop but I don't know about 3D. Anyway, I just ordered one. If it doesn't have 3D---I can always manufacture one via Photoshop and DXO PL 9 Elite. I'm not a purist. I'm looking forward to shooting it with the A7V---it's fully compatible with it i.e. 30 fps using ES.

Mar 22, 2026 at 04:32 PM

gdanmitchell
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p.117 #19 · which lens has the most 3D POP?

3dpophunter wrote:
jojib I like your shots and you're a great portrait photographer. A lot better than me'

But I'm not sure you understand what 3d pop is.

I guess there's no real definition.

That�s correct. There�s no specific, definable individual thing that people agree is pop.

The way the term �pop� functions is similar to how some of the following words function: beautiful, cool, rugged, wise, colorful, yummy, interesting, big, and many others. We use these words in subjective ways, yet we have some notion of how they can be applied, but there�s no specific set of objective features that universally defines them

I can say something is beautiful, but things can be beautiful for many different reasons. We have an idea what it means to say someone is �cool.� But there is no specific thing that makes a person cool.

If you and I look at a photograph and I remark, �That photo really pops!� we might agree, but if I followed that statement with, �What makes it pop?�, you might point to any number of features and qualities that explained it. We�ve been through a list of many of those things earlier in this thread, presented by people who would be pleased if you told them their photograph �pops,� but who would explain it in a variety of ways.

By the way, if there was a singular definition of �pop,� can we agree that it would have emerged over the course of the thousands of osts in this thread? And if there was a lens that produced the most of it, that some agreement might have been reached by now? But neither has happened. That�s because it cannot.

FWIW.

Mar 22, 2026 at 05:55 PM

j4nu
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p.117 #20 · which lens has the most 3D POP?

gdanmitchell wrote:
That�s correct. There�s no specific, definable individual thing that people agree is pop.

The way the term �pop� functions is similar to how some of the following words function: beautiful, cool, rugged, wise, colorful, yummy, interesting, big, and many others. We use these words in subjective ways, yet we have some notion of how they can be applied, but there�s no specific set of objective features that universally defines them

I can say something is beautiful, but things can be beautiful for many different reasons. We have an idea what it means to say someone is �cool.� But there is no...Show more →

It would help your point, if you didn't ridicule what others think of as "pop"...

Mar 22, 2026 at 06:02 PM

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which lens has the most 3D POP?

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