When you’re spending a significant amount of money on a used lens it pays to be picky. Small signs of deterioration in rubber or paint are often acceptable, but dents should be avoided at all costs. Dents are difficult to repair and can seriously affect optical quality.
Small scuffs and marks on the zoom and focus rings are also expected and usually won’t have any practical effect.
1. Check the condition of the lens
A used lens can still perform well, but it’s important to look at the condition of the exterior and interior. Scratches, dents, dirt and oil all affect performance to different degrees. Fuzzy spots and mycelial filaments can indicate the presence of fungus, which will eat away at multicoatings and cause distortion.
If the lens is a zoom or macro, check that the front and rear elements are still securely held together and that there are no scratches on the glass surface. Also, make sure that the filter mounting ring is free of dust and grime.
If you’re buying from a private seller, you may not have the opportunity to return the lens if it turns out to be damaged or unsuitable. In this case, it’s a good idea to shine a bright flashlight through the lens and look at the back of the element for signs of fungus or mold. Lastly, it’s worth checking that the plastic mount and tabs are in good condition.테크노마트카메라
2. Check the condition of the packaging
Buying used lenses can be a risky proposition. Unless you stick with camera retailers that have large reputations and return policies it is hard to evaluate a lens before you purchase it. However, honest sellers greatly outnumber those who like to fool and steal cameras. There is always a little risk, but you can minimize that by doing a few simple tests as soon as you get the lens in hand.중고렌즈
The first step is to inspect the packaging and look for any damage or imperfections. If the box has been damaged or torn the lens could be harmed during shipment. The second step is to unpack the lens and examine it for dirt, smudges or scratches. Dents on a lens deserve greater scrutiny since they are often an indication of a drop that may have knocked precision optics out of alignment. If you see any dents ask the seller to explain them.
3. Ask the seller why they are selling the lens
Most people who sell gear do so for good reasons. They may have discovered that they prefer to shoot with different lenses, or they may be switching camera systems and need to sell off their unused zoom lenses. Others may simply have bought a newer model of the lens and find their old one sitting unused.
It is also worth asking why they are selling a specific lens – the answer to this question can give you some insight into whether or not their lens is as described. For example, if the seller claims that their lens has a “light” mark on it, this could indicate that the threads for mounting filters have become cross-threaded (a common problem).
It is important to note that when buying a used lens from an individual, you will likely be giving up any rights to store refunds and manufacturer warranties. This is a risk that many buyers are willing to take in order to save money on a great lens.
4. Check the warranty
In some cases you might find a lens with a warranty attached to it. If so, check to see that it is still valid and whether or not it is transferable.
Nikon, for example, states that their warranty is not transferable if the original owner wrote on the card or threw it away. I think that this is a bit silly as the warranty is paid for in the price of the lens so it should be transferred no matter who owns it.
When you buy a used lens from someone you don’t know, via classifieds or other online trading platforms, you are giving up the peace of mind that comes with store refunds and manufacturer warranties in exchange for a lower price. However, this doesn’t mean that you should be paranoid – honest photographers outnumber tricksters and thieves by a large margin. Just make sure to examine the lens thoroughly and test it before buying.