Post your gear thread!

[flar]

I think the optical quality vs. build applies mostly to older zoom lenses. The kit lenses of today are almost always better than older zooms. Old prime lenses generally have optical quality that meets today's standards. One area that has improved greatly in recent years are the lens coatings. Some older lenses may have low contrast with backlighting or be prone to flare. Others are not optimized for digital sensors and may have noticeable chromatic aberration. Even so, many of the classic Nikkor, Leica or Zeiss primes are still in demand today. Often the older lenses render images with a certain look that people are after. These qualities are certainly why people still use the Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 or the Vivitar Series 1 90mm macro. I don't think anyone seriously bothers with 1970s zoom lenses.