Let's get straight to the point shall we, the Photographer could have used a cardboard tube with bits of glass in it and got a good picture (A little exaggeration for effect but you know what I mean), this picture is what should be talked about and the Photographers skill, it's also about timing not just the Lens.

Why doesn't anyone talk about the Camera or what shoes he had on, simply because the Internet feeds on drama and has made it some sort of reference picture for a Lens that has always been able to take good images, then add some misguided forum users or reviewers to add fuel to the fire and before you know it, the whole point of this beautiful picture is lost in Internet bullshit.

Things like...."It was a true classic back then..."  Duh!

The Lens doesn't know or care when you use it, it will always be and do what it is, a decent lens in the right hands.