What to look for when inspecting a lens you're about to buy?

[jdong217]

Brand new I mean.

I do the usual examination of the lens itself, then I try taking a few shots at different apertures. And I make sure the autofocus works too. But I always feel a bit foolish and unsure of what else to look for. So what do you pros do?

 

[cnutco]

New...

I take it out of the box and just start using it! Works for me...

 

[Kerbouchard]

One thing I will add is bring a laptop with you to actually view the images. Just about all of the current mass produced bodies and lenses have sample variations. Just grabbing the first lens off the shelf does not guarantee that 'within tolerance' will produce the best photos for you. Trying to compare different lenses on the LCD is difficult, at best.

Much better to have a camera shop that will let you test several lenses, view the images on your computer, and pick the one that you are happiest with. Just my .02.

 

[TiCoyote]

Testing it in the store is a little difficult, but those are great suggestions.

A benefit of buying new is that you can always exchange it through the store or the brand if there are flaws. Also, check out reviews and sample images online, and try to determine if your results are comparable.

 

[molested_cow]

Check for oil spots or sticky blades, dust inside the lens. If it has manual aperture ring, make sure it feels right when turning it. If you can take photos with it at every stop. Bring a small flash light (LED or something) and shine through it to look for things that will otherwise be unnoticeable in the dark.
For the glass, I personally is more concerned with the rear element. Check for scratch, coating wear and so on.

 

[Kerbouchard]

Testing it in the store is a little difficult, but those are great suggestions.

A benefit of buying new is that you can always exchange it through the store or the brand if there are flaws. Also, check out reviews and sample images online, and try to determine if your results are comparable.

Maybe if you are buying a lens from Best Buy or Walmart...but any decent camera store should have no problem with letting you test a lens out before you buy it.

 

[480sparky]

I'm not endorsing his web site in any way. I just posted this because it covers much of what you need to look for.

One thing he missed is checking the aperture blades. Make sure they're evenly spaced all through the aperture range, and manually actuate them with the lens off the camera to make sure they don't stick, either when closing or opening.

Although there is a filter on the lens he uses, you may be looking at one without a filter. It at all possible, put a filter on the lens to check the threads. This will show you they're not a buggered up. If the threads LOOK fine, but you can't spin a filter on, it may be the threads are egged and that may mean the lens took a hit at one time.

If you have a camera that will work with the lens, by all means, take a variety of shots..... then check the images in your camera.

 

[TiCoyote]

Testing it in the store is a little difficult, but those are great suggestions.

A benefit of buying new is that you can always exchange it through the store or the brand if there are flaws. Also, check out reviews and sample images online, and try to determine if your results are comparable.

Maybe if you are buying a lens from Best Buy or Walmart...but any decent camera store should have no problem with letting you test a lens out before you buy it.

I didn't mean that you're not allowed to do it, it's just difficult. You have to bring a laptop, you only have the light available in the store. It's just easier to use it wherever you normally shoot.

I'm not sure why you're arguing with me over this.

 

[Kerbouchard]

Testing it in the store is a little difficult, but those are great suggestions.

A benefit of buying new is that you can always exchange it through the store or the brand if there are flaws. Also, check out reviews and sample images online, and try to determine if your results are comparable.

Maybe if you are buying a lens from Best Buy or Walmart...but any decent camera store should have no problem with letting you test a lens out before you buy it.

I didn't mean that you're not allowed to do it, it's just difficult. You have to bring a laptop, you only have the light available in the store. It's just easier to use it wherever you normally shoot.

I'm not sure why you're arguing with me over this.

Not arguing. For what it's worth, my camera usually has a flash on it, and indoors with mixed lighting like most camera stores is pretty close to the conditions that I normally shoot in.

In any case, I think just about every camera/flash/lens purchase I have made, the first photo taken was the salesman that sold it to me. As far as whether bringing in a laptop is convenient, I would say it's a bit more convenient than having to go through an exchange process.

To each his own. If you want to look at an image taken with equipment you are about to buy on a 3" screen, it doesn't hurt my feelings. Do whatever works best for you. I'm not trying to change anybody's mind. I'm just giving my opinion.

 

[DiskoJoe]

you really should have researched the lens first before going to the store. And if it is new the you just pull it out and make sure it works. The particulars you figure out in the field.

 

[DiskoJoe]

Check for oil spots or sticky blades, dust inside the lens. If it has manual aperture ring, make sure it feels right when turning it. If you can take photos with it at every stop. Bring a small flash light (LED or something) and shine through it to look for things that will otherwise be unnoticeable in the dark.
For the glass, I personally is more concerned with the rear element. Check for scratch, coating wear and so on.

he was talking about buying brand new lenses. This would be good stuff to check for if buying used though. You have to be much more thorough when buying used.