Just mentioning ... the Sigma 85mm received 5*.
It is not just about metal. I would have no problem to give 5* for an all-plastic lens (well, the mount should be metal) if I had the impression that it is tough and fulfills all the criteria. At the end of the day it is a check-mark list:
- does something wobble (no)
- is there an inner lens tube that moves (no)
- does it have a constant physical length during focusing/zooming (yes)
- does it feel hollow (no)
- quality perception of the used materials (very good)
- weather sealing (no)
- quality of the lens hood (very good)
- how smooth are the control rings (a bit tight)
- does it have electronic coupling (no)
- is the AF decent enough (n/a
I am slightly surprised though that you started the discussion with the Laowa but not with -say- Fuji. Fuji has usually a high quality perception as well whereas the internal construction seems to be soso at best (plus centering issues as well). Locally they don't even bother repairing them.
Personally I would also never touch a Tamron lens. They have my zero confidence vote. Yet for the reviews I have to put that personal opinion to the side lines and provide a rating according to the criteria that we defined.
I agree, however, that this is a subjective category.
It is not just about metal. I would have no problem to give 5* for an all-plastic lens (well, the mount should be metal) if I had the impression that it is tough and fulfills all the criteria. At the end of the day it is a check-mark list:
- does something wobble (no)
- is there an inner lens tube that moves (no)
- does it have a constant physical length during focusing/zooming (yes)
- does it feel hollow (no)
- quality perception of the used materials (very good)
- weather sealing (no)
- quality of the lens hood (very good)
- how smooth are the control rings (a bit tight)
- does it have electronic coupling (no)
- is the AF decent enough (n/a
I am slightly surprised though that you started the discussion with the Laowa but not with -say- Fuji. Fuji has usually a high quality perception as well whereas the internal construction seems to be soso at best (plus centering issues as well). Locally they don't even bother repairing them.
Personally I would also never touch a Tamron lens. They have my zero confidence vote. Yet for the reviews I have to put that personal opinion to the side lines and provide a rating according to the criteria that we defined.
I agree, however, that this is a subjective category.