rehess wrote:
OK, I'll rephrase my question: in your experience, at what point {3x, 5x, 10x, etc} do those design compromises become bothersome, something to be avoided??
I don't have that kind of experience because I've never had really long range zoom ratios. My experience is this: (And I dislike the constant references to what EYE have) My 80-400 Nikon mount Tokina zoom (5:1) is nice, except at the long end, where it really falls apart. My 70-300 (just over 4:1) Olympus lens is superb at all settings, but it's the old 4:3 formula with an MFT adaptor and is a bit better built (in Japan) than the current lens.
This may not prove my point, but I think it illustrates that there is a point where design compromises start to creep in. I have a Nikon mount Tokina 12-24 that's a real winner, likewise an 18-55 Fujinon 2.8-4 that's a great performer throughout its range. Many regard that as the best "kit" lens available.