Originally posted by EssJay But since lens reviews are completely subjective who am I to argue?
Good point, and one person's 10/10 reflects their satisfaction with a lens and nothing more. It is probably enough to notice that rare is the expensive lens that garners a low score. Similarly, it is more often than not that "accessible" lenses are overrated based on relative value more than anything else.
I have done a few dozen reviews on this site and have a current backlog of at least another dozen lenses, bodies, and accessories waiting to be done. There are also a number of reviews that need to be revisited. The reason why there is a backlog is that my reviews tend to be verbose. The reason why some need to be revisited is some insights require time. Having written a few, I will admit to having gathered a small collection of "pet peeves".
Stevebrot's Gear Review Pet Peeves- Single poster: Review is the only activity for a new member...ever. Something tells me that someone had something to sell that was lacking positive reviews.
- Empty review: Yes...bare minimum
- Almost empty review: "Love this lens!"
- Listing as Con or whining about the obvious: The most common being, "Not AF"
- Really bad product shots: This runs the gamut from simply hard to look at (no, that dark red background and intentional underexposure is not working) to zero information (usually, OOF and/or poorly posed) or wrong subject. Unfortunately, the responsibility here falls to whoever created the entry. For entries needing attention, a note to the Site Suggestions forum often helps, particularly if one has a few good images to donate to the cause.
- Gear assassination: Basically a rant in the form of a review, often posted as one of several in a single session before disappearing forever...
- Sample photos and more sample photos and yet more sample photos: ...most of which do not serve to highlight features or characteristics of the gear being reviewed. There is a place for a few cool shots just to show the pixie dust is real. There is also a fairly comprehensive example gallery here on PF that is easily linked to. I suggest a middle ground of contributing to or starting a new thread in the example gallery and including a link, along with a couple of really good shots for the review. Lens Sample Photo Archive - PentaxForums.com
- Panning without explanation: If it sucks, please elaborate (within reason).
- Lauding without explanation: It is not enough to say that reputation is justified. Tell us how the item fits your needs.
- No review: Copying marketing content, scanned test charts and nothing else, or linking to an off-site article.
- Inaccurate or hard to verify claims: ...mine is the CheddaRitz-brand version of this highly regarded Zeiss lens...made in Arkansas to Zeiss specifications...
- Review without ownership: Usually coupled with a complaint about pricing.
I will admit to being a little picky and to the above being subjective, though I will point out that rating inflation is not on the list.
Steve
Last edited by stevebrot; 01-14-2020 at 02:55 PM.