What to look out for when buying used lenses?

AlwaysANewbie · Aug 19, 2010

I just purchased my dslr so the hobby fund is a little low so I have been searching craiglist in my area for lenses and I was hoping I could get tips on what to watch out for. I know some basics like looking for scratches and dust but what else is there to keep in mind.

Don't want to end up buying a lemon! Thanks for you help.

mrsmacdeezy · Aug 19, 2010

I'm in the same boat as you! Just out of curiosity, what lens(es) are you looking at? I'm saving for the Canon 85mm 1.8, then sometime down the road 50mm 1.4

Josh66 · Aug 19, 2010

I don't think it would be too complicated...

Look for the obvious stuff - scratches, dents, etc.

Move the zoom/focus ring around. It should feel smooth.

Look for signs of wear/damage on the mount. Same for the filter threads.

edit
Bring your camera with you and make sure it fits nicely. Take a few pictures - review them when you get home (or on the LCD, I guess). Make sure the AF (if applicable) works and all that stuff.

tnvol · Aug 19, 2010

O|||||||O said:
I don't think it would be too complicated...

Look for the obvious stuff - scratches, dents, etc.

Move the zoom/focus ring around. It should feel smooth.

Look for signs of wear/damage on the mount. Same for the filter threads.

Makes sense to me. That's what I would do.

kundalini · Aug 19, 2010

Great Values in Used Nikkors (3)http://www.nikonians.org/nikon/great_nikkor_values/

dxqcanada · Aug 19, 2010

Make sure the aperture movement is smooth with no oil on the blades.

If there are aperture levers, make sure they work.

Return policy if the item does not work or is not as described in the ad.

tirediron · Aug 19, 2010

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 somethin gmore 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 thing 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.

Good luck!

AlwaysANewbie · Aug 19, 2010

Thanks guys for the tips, just worried I'm going to miss something.

mrsmacdeezy said:
I'm in the same boat as you! Just out of curiosity, what lens(es) are you looking at? I'm saving for the Canon 85mm 1.8, then sometime down the road 50mm 1.4

Been looking at 50mm 1.4 as well but some of the prices I have seen for telephoto lenses have caught my interest. My wife has also strongly hinted about getting me a lens so there might be two new to me lenses in my camera bag.