Quote Originally Posted by Frog
We Nikonians don't need any artificial designation as all Nikon lenses are of top quality.:thumbsup:

That or we look at the price tag.
I see what you mean - especially the price tag part - but I don't think it's quite that simple:

- I have the impression that the minimum quality standards for Nikon lenses are pretty high, and that includes consumer lenses. For me, currently there is only one real lemon in the Nikon lens range which I would definitely not want to own - and I don't believe that any of the regular contributors have one (so don't ask me to name it).
- I think that there is a subtle difference with the "gold ring lenses" - the equivalent of the Canon L series. It doesn't come out in tests, but I find they have something extra in the coulour and contrast. I have three of them which are now 10 years old. The latest generation - like the 24-70 f2.8 - has fabulous test results. However I'm not about to buy one. The range of focal lengths is perfect for a 24x36 FX sensor but as a humble amateur I'm sticking with the smaller sensor.