Lens build quality over time, and which are/were best?

[AgX]

Not always true. Thorium was used quite extensively in coating material, even if the underlying glass was not thorium-doped.

To my understanding radioactive lens coatings were only used in laser-optics, not in general photo-optics.

 

[Nodda Duma]

Not necessarily true, but I can’t comment much further on the topic.

-Jason

 

[Two23]

For the past two years I've mostly been doing wet plate with 19th C. lenses like from Voigtlander, Darlot, Ross, etc. They are made from solid brass and have one or fewer moving parts. These are very solid and are still working perfectly after over 150 years.


Kent in SD

 

[16:9]

There's a difference between a lens that feels well made, and one that is. The acid test is longevity.

 

[PonySoldier1887]

For me the Schneider Angulons of the early 1960's were the "gold standard" (in 120, 165 and 210mm focal lengths). Lens construction, optical rendering... it just all came together. I was a young soldier, in Germany, using 4x5 and 8x10 and had selected Angulons for their coverage. Used and loved those lenses for years!