Originally Posted by
Manfred M
As long as that has been done correctly, I would agree with you. Lens manufacturers have been known to be a bit liberal in how they mark their lenses with respect to both the maximum aperture and the actual focal length.
However, especially on zoom lenses, the focal length markings refer the performance at "infinity" only. I know my Nikkor f/2.8 70-200mm was roundly criticized at some quarters of only being the equivalent of a 135mm focal length when at the closest in-fcous setting at the 200mm marking. Even fixed focal length lenses change their focus lengths between the closest and furthest distance settings; this is commonly referred to as "focus breathing".