Nikon Lens Legitimacy

Restomage · Jul 2, 2011

I'm buying a lightly used Nikon 70-200mm VRII tomorrow, but the seller seems kind of sketchy. I'm going to make sure he has the original store receipt, but I just wanted to make sure before I buy it what I should look for to make sure it's legit. I know the first thing is to look for a US serial number, but is there anything else I should be aware of? Thanks all.

480sparky · Jul 2, 2011

Put it on a camera and take some shots. Make sure all the rings turn properly, the aperture closes & opens as it should. Looks for mold and sticky aperture blades. Make sure it doesn't creep when held in the vertical.

orb9220 · Jul 2, 2011

Why waste your time and ask him ahead of time if there is a receipt or proof of purchase before meeting?
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tirediron · Jul 2, 2011

Call ahead, ask for the serial # of the lens, and call the local PD, see if it shows up on any of their records. If he won't give you the serial #, walk away.

djacobox372 · Jul 2, 2011

LOL,rest assured that it is a legitimate nikon lens... I don't think there's such thing as a convincing knock-off.

As long as he gives you a few days to return it, then you have nothing to worry about.

molested_cow · Jul 2, 2011

Just make sure it's not a stolen property.

Restomage · Jul 3, 2011

Picked it up today for a pretty good price. It was from an older gentleman and his wife, and he used it twice (I believe him cause the lens is immaculate). He gave me a receipt, box, papers everything. Good find on my part. Thanks for the help guys.