Buying a used lens for the beginner is a very daunting and nerve racking task, but of course you look for the obvious sign's of wear and tear, but what are the hidden faults that must be looked for, and how can you spot them.
Best regards Paul
Full Version: Used Lens
Buyer Beware - I recently bought what I thought would be a bargain Canon 17-85 IS lens (second-hand) from a famed NYC photography store. They rated its standard as a 9.
It has recently failed - after 4 months - the AF contacts are damaged. The timescale for return of damaged goods was 48 hours - yet the real problems did not become
apparent until after 45 days or so!!! Now I am forced into a repair situation - at my own expense. (The only reason that NYC prices were impressive was because we used
to get $2 to the £ - it is now $1.50 / £).
It has recently failed - after 4 months - the AF contacts are damaged. The timescale for return of damaged goods was 48 hours - yet the real problems did not become
apparent until after 45 days or so!!! Now I am forced into a repair situation - at my own expense. (The only reason that NYC prices were impressive was because we used
to get $2 to the £ - it is now $1.50 / £).
I'd also be interested in any advice that people have on this.
S
S
check the lens buyers guides on ebaY...
some quick tips:
look in the lens using strong lighting, either direct sunlight or a bright flashlight or lamp.
the lens element on the camera end is most important; any scratches or scuffs will degrade image quality considerably. slight cleaning marks there, where lens coating has been worn, have less effect. front lens element condition is less important, heck even big chips can be painted black and the lens will still perform well in most conditions, but any condition issue should lower the price over a perfect lens.
internal dust has little effect too, but the further back in the lens the more effect. there should be no mold or hair-like growths.
the aperture blades should be free of oil and operate "snappy"
focus ring (and zoom ring) should turn smoothly throughout the entire range of movement.
try the lens on your camera if you can, take several test shots at different apertures (and focal lengths if a zoom).
buy from a reputable source with a return policy and examine thoroughly before return period expires.
some quick tips:
look in the lens using strong lighting, either direct sunlight or a bright flashlight or lamp.
the lens element on the camera end is most important; any scratches or scuffs will degrade image quality considerably. slight cleaning marks there, where lens coating has been worn, have less effect. front lens element condition is less important, heck even big chips can be painted black and the lens will still perform well in most conditions, but any condition issue should lower the price over a perfect lens.
internal dust has little effect too, but the further back in the lens the more effect. there should be no mold or hair-like growths.
the aperture blades should be free of oil and operate "snappy"
focus ring (and zoom ring) should turn smoothly throughout the entire range of movement.
try the lens on your camera if you can, take several test shots at different apertures (and focal lengths if a zoom).
buy from a reputable source with a return policy and examine thoroughly before return period expires.
when it comes to lens, i would recommend not buying a used one... wait or pay a bit more for a new one... you never know what is the problem, it may not happen always, you might be the unlucky one who might get a horrible lens if it is a used one... for example, one my my friend bought a lens on ebay and he got a great deal, and the lens works fine, but you may not be so lucky... like i have a lens which works at times but does not work in some situation, i was to shoot a horse race in the delaware race tract, and it got off when i tried to hit the shutter button.. so you never know about the used lens
try refurbished, it's better choice and tad cheaper then new.
on the other hand, I bought my 50mm f/1,8 mkI from the year 1987, it works perfectly. Purchased it on ebay, looked through glass, af was working, and that's about it, it's like new.
so ur running a big risk... just try to buy from a reputable person.
on the other hand, I bought my 50mm f/1,8 mkI from the year 1987, it works perfectly. Purchased it on ebay, looked through glass, af was working, and that's about it, it's like new.
so ur running a big risk... just try to buy from a reputable person.
Technology continues to depreciate so you might be better off buying something brand new, if you do consider this please beware of some websites that send out faulty products... i have heard good reports about this site: www.bhphotovideo.com
I hope this helps
I hope this helps
QUOTE (bonsaidad @ Nov 3 2008, 03:27 AM) 
Buying a used lens for the beginner is a very daunting and nerve racking task, but of course you look for the obvious sign's of wear and tear, but what are the hidden faults that must be looked for, and how can you spot them.
Best regards Paul
Best regards Paul
Hi Paul
I highly recommend the purchase of a special study sites and forums.
For example:
http://www.photozone.de/
Regards
Stan
There may be infected eye infection and disease by improper care and long-term use of the lens. While others believe that the introduction of any foreign objects into the body will make long-term side effects.
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