What the Research Score means
Every camera and lens carries a Research Score out of 100. It is our editorial rating, not a customer star rating. It is built from manufacturer documentation, verified specifications, independent published measurements where available, long-term owner feedback, compatibility research and pricing, then compared against competing products in the same class.
Our scoring framework
Each product is assessed against the same weighted criteria, so scores are comparable across the whole site:
| Criterion | Weight | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | 20% | Mount, sensor, adapter behaviour and stabilisation pairing |
| Optical capability | 20% | Sharpness, aberrations, rendering and published measurements |
| Autofocus and video | 15% | AF speed and reliability, focus breathing and video handling |
| Handling | 15% | Size, weight, ergonomics, weather sealing and controls |
| Feature set | 10% | Stabilisation, custom controls and relevant modern features |
| Value | 10% | Price relative to performance and the alternatives |
| Versatility | 10% | How many real-world jobs the product covers well |
What we do
- Read manufacturer documentation and verify specifications.
- Use independent published measurements and lab data where they exist.
- Weigh long-term, aggregated owner feedback and reliability trends.
- Check compatibility, pricing and how each product compares with its rivals.
What we do not do
- We do not claim first-hand lab testing or hands-on hours we did not perform.
- We do not invent measurements, included accessories, or compatibility we cannot verify.
- We do not let affiliate relationships change a ranking. Our links help fund the research at no extra cost to you.
Corrections
If you spot an error, please contact us. We verify against primary sources and update the page, because an accurate page matters more than a fast one.