Used lens... What should I look out for?

[duong625]

I'm looking to purchase a Nikon 50mm f.14 used lens and I'm not so sure what I should look our for? I will check it out cosmetically and will test it out as well. What else should I be looking at?

 

[VIPPhotog]

When I buy a used lenses I always want the original packaging, manual, etc.

 

[Stephen.C]

Scratches and focus ring grinding.
If they have it, box + receipt.

 

[duong625]

He does have the box and paperwork. He's not sure on the receipt but he will check. Will I need the receipt for the warranty? Isn't nikon under a 5 yr warrant?

 

[PASM]

Scratches or marks on the optics.
Asymmetrical iris shape.
Discolored or oily iris blades.
Loose mechanisms (or contaminated by sand/grit when you turn them).
Dents in the filter ring or rough lensmount which suggest the lens got dropped or poorly treated.

 

[tirediron]

John's "How to buy a used lens":

Buying used lenses is a great way to save money and get better gear than you normally would. All but two of my lenses have been bought used with nary a problem.

Always make sure that you review the lens on-line especially if it's something more on the unusual side. Like cars, some lenses are prone to certain issue, and knowing what to look for ahead of time can save you a lot of grief. As well, know what prices are common, check eBay, used gear stores etc.

When you first meet with the seller, look at the lens carefully. What is the condition of the exterior? Is is scraped or scratched? Is the filter-ring damaged (always ensure you know what diameter filter the lens takes and bring a filter with you). If a filter won't screw on easily, question the seller, it's usually a good indication that the lens has been dropped or banged hard. The price should reflect this ('though I would likely walk away at this point).

Ensure you have a small penlight and look through the lens from both ends; look for any odd refractions which might indication displacement or separation of internal elements or fungus growing inside (not uncommon in older lenses). A little internal dust is nothing to worry about. Hold the light against each end element at various angles to look for cleaning damange, scuffs, swirl-marks etc. Again, I would walk away if there are any; this is an indication someone didn't know how to care for the lens.

Close the aperture (if you don't already, check to ensure you know which pin on the lens operates the aperture) and watch it carefully. When you let the pin go, it should snap back quickly and evenly; look for any signs of oil or residue on the blades. When they're closed, do they form an even pattern, or do one or more appear to not be in the same position? If so, you know what to do here.

Smell the lens carefully. Sound funny? Probably, BUT if a lens has been stored somewhere damp (especially an older lens) you may smell a damp, moldy/mildew smell. Again, you know what to do if you think there's any indication of that.

Mount the lens on your camera; ensure that it functions correctly in ALL modes, take and CHECK test shots in manual mode at all apertures. Mount and unmount the lens several times, ensuring that it feels smooth and doesn't catch. Manually focus the lens and operate the aperture ring (if so fitted) if it's a zoom, operate that. These functions should feel smooth and positive. If there's slop, grinding, or points at which something feels wrong, walk away. Ensure you do this with the camera in normal shooting position, upside down, lens pointed up, down, etc. often a problem can manifest itself in one position and not in others.

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[duong625]

Wow thanks guys for the great info...

 

[ulrichsd]

He does have the box and paperwork. He's not sure on the receipt but he will check. Will I need the receipt for the warranty? Isn't nikon under a 5 yr warrant?

Nikon's warranty (5 years on lenses) only applies to the original buyer.

 

[Bram]

He does have the box and paperwork. He's not sure on the receipt but he will check. Will I need the receipt for the warranty? Isn't nikon under a 5 yr warrant?

Nikon's warranty (5 years on lenses) only applies to the original buyer.

I believe the original buyer can pass on the information slip if it hasn't yet been filled out correct? In Canada lenses come standard with the 5yr warranty so.

 

[KmH]

Look for oil on the aperture baldes and for fungus inside the lens (http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=lens+fungus&go=&form=QBIR&qs=n&sk=). The inside of the lens will be dusty. It's unavoidable.

Nikon's US lens warranty is for only 1 year, unless the buyer registers the lens on Nikon USA's web site, and then the lens gets a 4 year warranty extension.
So, it pays to register the lens and any other new Nikon gear you get for that matter.

Once gear is registered online, the paper warranty registration slip is useless - regardless the country.

The seller can pass the slip on, but to no avail.

 

[duong625]

Thanks for all the great tips.... Just picked it up earlier today (very mint) and took a quick snap!!! 200 Smackaroos

 

[djacobox372]

• Beware of any hazing or fungus. If you can, shoot the lens into a light source and compare the results to another lens--if you see excess blooming and low contrast from the used lens, don't buy it.
• A little dust in the elements is normal and harmless, in fact a used lens that doesn't have any dust is probably one that has been taken apart and fixed/cleaned.
• Look for any dents in the filter ring that may indicate it was dropped.
• The aperture coupling should snap back quickly when you close it with your finger
• Minor scratches on the external elements are harmless to the quality of the lens, but hurt the value somewhat

 

[PASM]

200 Smackeroos..how much is that in CashaDash?

 

[itf]

ALWAYS BRING A FLASHLIGHT!