How to Inspect Used Lenses

Purchasing used lenses can be an excellent way to save money on what can often be a very expensive hobby. However, it’s also important to take the time to carefully inspect each lens before handing over any cash. The following are a few tips to help ensure you’re getting a quality lens for a fair price.중고렌즈사이트

Check the Cosmetics

According to Duclos, a quick visual inspection is a good place to start. Look for dents, serious scratches, and any spots where the finish might have worn off from extensive or careless use. In particular, he recommends looking at the mount and paying special attention to the condition of the nickel plating. If there are any spots where it has worn off, that’s a pretty strong indication the lens was not well-cared for.

Another thing to look for is fungus and mold, particularly in older lenses that were used in very humid climates. This can cause a variety of issues, including damage to the rear element, which is important because it’s the last gate for light to pass through before hitting the sensor. In the early stages, fungus and mold will appear as dried water spots or spider webs, but they can progress to more serious conditions that can affect your camera’s performance.

A physical check of the focus, aperture, and zoom rings is also important. The ring shouldn’t be loose or hard to turn, and it should have the proper amount of resistance. Also, make sure the filter threads are in unmarred condition and that all switches are intact and functioning properly. Finally, it’s always a good idea to look for any previous owner’s engravings (usually the person’s name or an inventory number) on the mounting collar and/or body.

Ask Why They’re Selling

If you’re buying from a store or website, it’s important to check the seller’s reputation. Do they have a lot of positive feedback? What about their return policy? If they’re reputable, they should be able to give you a reasonable answer as to why the lens is being sold.

When it comes to eBay or other online auction sites, Duclos recommends doing a little research to find out what to look for. He says to check the seller’s statistics and ratings, along with their comments. It’s also worth comparing their price against the price of new lenses being offered on that site and other sites.

Of course, the best way to buy a used lens is in-person. Especially for higher-tier lenses, it’s important to be able to test out the lens before you pay any money. If you do that, you should be able to find some amazing deals on some top-notch gear! Good luck and happy hunting. If you have any other tips, please share them in the comments! And if you’ve ever had any great used-lens experiences, let us know about it in the comments as well! Thanks for reading!럭키카메라