Following up on our IG Reels HERE, here's an addendum to that segment with screencaps to show higher clarity. Still images have a limitation of omitting noise flux but it does show more static image characteristics such as contrast, sharpness, etc.
All images can be clicked to show the 4K high-res screen caps.
First up is the classic Carson "teal" lens.
Last is current-production Carson.
Lastly, here are some screen caps showing off-axis flare suppression. Pay attention to the light source inside the garage at 8 o'clock.
Observations (in no particular order):
• Old Carsons maintain sharpness over a larger centre zone (pay attention to the markings on the satellite dish on top of the garage), but off-axis flare suppression is not as good as Edmund or Carson when panning
• Edmund lenses improve on flare suppression over old Carson but has less very slightly less contrast than current Carson lenses
• Off-axis flare suppression is slightly better on Carsons vs Edmund
• All three lenses exhibit excellent rectilinear performance
Conclusions:
Carsons appear to represent the best balance in terms of contrast and flare suppression compared to other lenses in this control group. Old Carsons are no longer produced, and a larger "sweet spot" is desirable, but flare suppression falls short of current-production lenses. How much does all of this really matter? In a practical sense, higher contrast will yield better detection levels. That being said, the difference is subtle and slight but present.