Originally posted by DavidSKAF3 Three weeks ago when I bought the Sigma 17-70 Contemporary, it had a "9.11" forum rating. So I figured it was a sure thing, performance and quality-wise, and I went for it! I paid $369 for a used one, and I do like it so far.
But I'm curious because now it's forum rating has mysteriously slipped to 8.50!
Where can I get unbiased, factual, and consistent lens appraisals when I am shopping around?
Or are any so-called ratings I might find anywhere not really so relevant in actual, real-world use?
Thanks!
I think the ratings are too high generally. If you read through you find quite a few where someone bought the lens, took a few shots, then rated it. The ones you want to pay attention to are the ones where someone shoots over a long period, gets to know the lens, then tells us. The initial reactions are valuable as well because we see things the first time we use something, but less so.
In other words, to get value out of the forum ratings you have to read them, figure out the circumstances behind the comments, then make a judgement.