I've been reading a lot of lens reviews but don't know how to value their characteristics for adapter use.

Here are some distinct lens qualities:

Vignetting.
Chromatic Aberration.
Sharpness.
Barrel distortion.

The Zeiss Planar T 50mm 1.4, for example, is exceedingly sharp but has more than average CA. So is this lens a good choice for an adapter, IDK?

Any thoughts on which lens characteristics are most important for adapter use would be much appreciated. Thanks!

I've heard they're fantastic... but haven't seen much. IMO, they're too expensive for adapter use. If I was going to drop some money on 35mm lenses that still breathe, I'd want some tricked out lenses like those from RP Lens (http://rplens.com/) - smooth aperture ring and focus gear built-in.

I've heard they're fantastic... but haven't seen much. IMO, they're too expensive for adapter use...That's my thinking too. I feel like the limitations of HD, sensors, adapters, etc. cummulatively wipeout any difference between a very good lens and a fantastic lens. That's not experience speaking, rather just a summary of everything I've read so far.