I'm done with lens reviews

KariP wrote:

I just had a look in the mirror and my past purchases. I have always checked 2-3 different reviews from reviewers who are from different countries and hopefully have different views (and biases) . A couple of times it has rescued me... some testers see things only very superficially and are afraid to really criticize. A couple of times I have understood that the lens "X" is not the lens I can really use.

Yes, I also look for common threads between reviews, where similar issues are flagged.  That’s usually a pretty good indication that the problem might go a bit beyond just one person’s biased opinion.  Beyond that, I take all review content “with a grain of salt” and use it for guidance, not necessarily as hard data needed to make a buying decision.

BUT! the home made reviews/tests and people "testifying" on some forum are really something I do not want read seriously. Of course reading someones real life experiences can be useful - like some advice we can get from a person who obviously can use lenses and cameras in a more or less professional way. Which camera/lens combination works for BIF ... And some serious amateurs can also have useful opinions - like how it was to carry some lens xxx around on a holiday and could he/she use the lens, really

Yup, it’s always nice to see a variety of opinions to help make a difficult buying decision.  That said, as much time as I’ve spent on the forum, it’s pretty easy to determine whose opinions you find most credible and useful when making a decision.  Regardless, I regard all of this as guidance and just one of many data points needed to make a well thought out decision.  Also, knowing your reviewers and assessing whose opinion to trust can be very helpful in separating the wheat from the chaff.

I like to find well made reviews when I need them - at the moment no GAS

Last lens purchase was almost two years ago and camera soon 3 years ago - should I go away from a gear forum ?

Depends on whether other people’s experiences and advice ends up being helpful to you.  There are some VERY talented and experienced people who populate this forum (alas, I’m not in that group ), and I’ve learned a lot here.  As with any advice, it must be assessed critically.  It doesn’t take a lot of time and reading to know whose opinions you might want to consider more carefully.  I am also continually grateful to those who choose to share their expertise and offer solid advice here.