I'm done with lens reviews

Rod McD wrote:

Hi,

I'm joining the thread late, but what the heck.... Surely being 'done with' them all is a tad sweeping? And surely one isn't buying new lenses so often that reviews are a staple part of the reading diet? I think the better tests and reviews have their place, as long as one is judicious in the reliance one places on them.

One learns that

• there is sample variation between reviewers.... Their standards and interests vary.
• there is sample variation between lenses.... The reviewer's sample may be the rule or the exception. But you can't know. (And the best sample to test is your own).
• some reviewers are better than others (or at least appeal in methodology and delivery)
• some reviewers' verdicts tend to align with your own conclusions, and so you tend to regard them as more reliable next time.

I think reviews can be worthwhile. You get an overview and pick up aspects critical to your own tastes in photography. Eg, If you have personal pet hate of (say) flare and a reviewer tells you some lens flares badly, well maybe there's no point in buying it for your uses. If a tester tells you that a lens has CAs so bad that it makes the average backlit tree look like a kaleidoscope - well personally I'd give that one a miss too. If you avoided reading the reviews you could have paid a lot of money to get a lens you don't like.

Lenses are expensive. So I do read reviews on those that might interest me. It makes sense to select reviews from the reviewers I respect. I still weigh them up with a little caution. But I see no point in refusing information.... All grist into the mill.

YMMV.

Cheers, Rod

Well, said, Rod.  Many people desire a fair amount of validation before making a purchase, and rely heavily on reviews and other people's opinions.  Reviews have their place, and knowing which reviewers provide the best and most reliable information is a good starting point.  Also, looking for specific "hot buttons" or issues that multiple reviewers flag can help determine where there might some specific weak points in a lens design.  Worst case, if there's still some remaining doubt based on certain issues or concerns about weight/handling, renting a lens before buying can turn out to be a very good investment.

Bottom line: as with any expensive purchase, it's always good to see a variety of opinions before making a big decision and to look for common threads in reviews.  If there are concerns about handling/weight, then renting before buying makes sense and can really pay off in the long term.  It's something I've done as well in the past.