Yes I got the same evaluation in the Photography community. It shouldn’t be that much play.
Unfortunately I bought this lens specifically to scan film negatives, that play is enough to mess with the focus.
I use pic highlighting and x2 zoom to focus on the film grain, then manipulating the camera menus or adjusting others settings. I often need to get back to x2 zoom and use the free play alone to get back to optimal focus. Not a tripod issue, nor a negative holder slide on the table.