SUMMARY
Photographer Craig Roberts argues that using f/22 can soften images due to diffraction, where light bends and scatters at narrow apertures, reducing overall sharpness despite increased depth of field. He notes that aperture equivalency differs across sensor sizes, with f/16 on full-frame being comparable to f/8 on Micro Four Thirds. Roberts favors f/8 for general use, but ultimately prefers selective focus using wider apertures to control the viewer's eye, rather than chasing maximum sharpness.
TAKEAWAYS
Using f/22 can soften images due to diffraction, a phenomenon that scatters light.
Aperture equivalency varies by sensor size; f/16 on full-frame is like f/8 on Micro Four Thirds.
Roberts prefers f/8 for general shooting but often uses wider apertures for selective focus.
Maximum sharpness is limited by diffraction at narrow apertures and lens performance ranges.