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12/12/2013 12:07:51 PM · #1 |
| I mentioned this in my thread of Finnigan in the snow, but maybe it will get some traction as a separate topic. I have just adopted LR5 and am working on the idea of doing all processing here instead of in CS5 for a typical shot. One thing that is confusing me is sharpening. Because the sliders have a different scale I don't know what is comparable. Typically, on a generic shot, I will make two passes in CS5. I will use Smart Sharpen at about 200% and a radius of 0.3px. Then I will use Unsharp Mask for a wide-radius pass at 25% and 40px. For those who have used LR5 for a while, what would the comparable action be on the LR slider? |
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12/12/2013 12:42:24 PM · #2 |
Originally posted by DrAchoo:
Typically, on a generic shot, I will make two passes in CS5. I will use Smart Sharpen at about 200% and a radius of 0.3px. Then I will use Unsharp Mask for a wide-radius pass at 25% and 40px. |
I don't know about Lightroom, but FWIW I udually do the two USM passes in the opposite order; high-radius first (12%/48px/TH =0 is typical) and then the "normal" type (usually about 66%/0.6px/TH = 5), and I often do two passes at that level (trying to avoid halos). |
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12/12/2013 12:48:12 PM · #3 |
I just sharpen to taste, and most often, I just leave it at the default (which is about 25/1/25/0%). But if something isn't sharp enough, you can crank it up, just make sure you offset with the mask so you don't pick up noise.
If you hold the Alt key while moving the sliders, then you can see the mask applied, which is very helpful. |
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12/12/2013 01:03:32 PM · #4 |
My methodology is similar to Neil's, but I normally find that I want a radius smaller than one, which then requires a little higher amount. Without a doubt pay close attention to the mask, it can really help to eliminate "sharpening noise." One additional thing I have found with Lr sharpening and NR is that the "Detail" sliders on the NR can create nasty patterns. Use with care.
All in all, Lr is very different than Ps in this department, and you just have to get used to it. Though come to think of it, Lr is really no different than ACR (it's the same engine), where you would normally be doing initial sharpening and NR anyhow.
ETA: I have found that there is an optimal sharpening radius and amount for a given camera/ISO combination, assuming that the lens is not contributing significant blur. Normally I set my default processing to reflect the "ISO 100" requirements of the camera, and tweak for higher ISO when required.
Message edited by author 2013-12-12 13:06:05.
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12/12/2013 01:08:54 PM · #5 |
Thanks guys. I have also sent an email to a friend who works on the ACR team (which is where I got LR5 in the first place...woo hoo employee discounts!). I'll pass on any technical info he shares. I did not know about the alt-key and that will definitely be helpful.
Fritz, where does one find the optimal sharpening radius? Are there tables for lenses/cameras? |
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12/12/2013 01:14:53 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by DrAchoo:
Fritz, where does one find the optimal sharpening radius? Are there tables for lenses/cameras? |
Nope, not that I am aware of. It is basically "to taste." I find that, for the 5D "classic" I am using a radius down in the 0.5 range. For the 6D, it seems to be perhaps a little larger, in fact the 1.0 default may be fine; I have to refine this, but honestly I have shot very little with that camera mounted to anything but a microscope, and that's a different game entirely. For most Canon APS-C cameras, the required radius is at least 1.0, because the "acuity" of the RAW images is not as high due to tighter pixel pitch.
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12/12/2013 01:19:21 PM · #7 |
How I understand it is you're supposed to use the Lightroom sliders for input sharpening. In other words, sharpen to taste at 100%. Using the Alt key along with each of the sliders will give you a better view of what you're doing.
For printing, if you've done the input sharpening correctly, set it to standard sharpening in the print module. If you oversharpened, use low, or undersharpened, use high.
For web output, I export to a jpeg at the right size, and use standard/low/high in the same way.
At first, it felt like I didn't have enough control over the situation, but everything's coming out looking pretty good, especially the prints. |
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