Lenses are the most important part of your camera and can be expensive. When buying a used one it is best to take the time to check it out thoroughly. It’s also worth trying it out in person if you can and getting a return policy from the seller.
Look for scratches on the rear and front elements. Also, examine screws and rubber pieces that hold the lens together.
Cost
With cameras getting more expensive, many photographers are turning to the used lens market for a way to get great lenses at a lower cost. However, buying a used lens is not without risks. It is important to know who you are buying from, especially when buying off eBay or photography message boards. Buying from a camera store or reputable online retailer is the safest option, but there are also plenty of scammers out there and it is important to be careful when purchasing from other sources.
When buying a used lens, look for signs of wear and tear. Scuff marks and scratches on the paint and ridges of the zoom and focusing rings are normal, but damage to the lens body is less acceptable. Also, be sure to check if the lens is a “gray market” version. This will determine whether or not you can send it to the manufacturer for repair. If not, you may need to purchase a new lens.
Convenience
Buying used lenses saves money, of course, but you do have to make certain that the lens you’re purchasing is actually good. This is especially important if you buy a lens without seeing it in person, such as through an online seller or eBay.
Look for dirt, smudges, scratches and wear marks on the lens and make sure it matches its grade description. Examine the aperture blades for oil stains (if present). Also test any buttons and switches – they should move freely and not stick.
Dents on the lens warrant greater scrutiny since they can suggest a more serious impact and potentially reduce optical quality. A minor ding on the front element is far less serious than a ding on the rear element. Lastly, find out whether it’s a gray market lens or an authorized dealer’s version; you won’t be able to send the latter back for repair. Also check for fungus, as this can be spread to your camera.
Quality
When purchasing a used lens, it is important to examine the condition thoroughly before handing over your cash. Look for signs of wear and tear and any physical damage that could affect the optical quality of the lens. If possible, ask the seller to let you mount the lens on your camera to test it out before buying. If they refuse, you should probably find another seller.
Regardless of whether you are looking at a new or used lens, make sure that the seller gives you a warranty. This way, if you encounter any problems with the lens, you can return it to the seller and get your money back.
A small amount of cosmetic wear is expected, but a significant amount of damage could be an indicator of heavy use. Also, examine the rubber components for any looseness or stretched rubber. These things may not be obvious and can be a sign of poor maintenance.
Reputation
Most reputable photography retailers offer used gear and are much safer to buy from than eBay, Craigslist or private sellers. They’re more likely to allow you to mount the lens on your camera and thoroughly test it. They also stand behind their products with a return policy if you’re unhappy.테크노마트카메라
KEH, for example, has an extensive X point inspection and cleaning program to ensure that all its equipment functions correctly. Its bargain grade lenses have a 21-day return period and come with an extended warranty for a small additional fee.중고렌즈
Many people sell their cameras and lenses because they upgrade to the next model, want to try a different genre of photography or simply want to save some money. There are plenty of honest and legitimate sellers willing to part with their gear, far outnumbering the tricksters and thieves. The trick is to know where to look and what to avoid. The pitfalls to watch out for include excessive cosmetic wear, signs of heavy use and foreign material buildup on the lens surface.