Testing a lens

[glitch]

Bit of a hypothetical one this, but hopefully some use will come of it.

Let's assume we've just bought a lens or two. Or, more accurately, you've bought them and have 7-days in which to test that they are as good as they should be, given that that this kit is your livelihood and you need it to be right, first time.

How would you go about testing the lenses in order to ascertain this? Assume you have access to whatever Canon or Nikon body/bodies you need along with a fairly decently-sized working area (and obviously access to the Great Outdoors) and whatever else you need, within reason.

What would you do?

 

[glitch]

I would put the lens on a camera and check autofocus is snappy and there are no odd noises.

Sorry, sorry, I should have said - I'm talking mainly optical tests here, not just electronic.

However, I'd say you're spot-on with your initial assessment.

I'd then take a few test shots, i.e bright sky through trees for CA and a detailed even scene for sharpness (tripod mount camera and check a few apertures). Look at the four corners plus centre at 100% on pc.

All well and good, but given than you don't have another copy of the lens to compare this against, how accurate would you say this test is in determining the optical 'quality' of said lens?

I don't think there's any need to set up test charts and mess about with mtf graphs etc.

But do you know anything about them? If you do, I'd love to hear your musings.