Used camera lens are a great way to save some cash on the kind of equipment you want without having to buy it brand new. However, there are some things to look out for when buying a used lens to make sure you’re getting a good deal and not paying for something that’s defective or going to break quickly.
Look for signs of fungus or other damage. Fungus is a common problem for lenses and can ruin them if left untreated. It’s often caused by moist conditions or water condensation inside the elements and can eat away at the glass, causing it to crack or become cloudy. Look for dark spots or a greenish tinge in the element if there is fungus present. This will ruin your photos and should be a deal breaker, especially if the lens is expensive.
Check the mount and mounting ring. If the lens is modern, it will have contact points on the back side that pass electronic information from the camera to the lens for auto focus and aperture control. These are typically gold and should be clean and shiny, like they were when the lens was brand new. It’s also a good idea to examine the zoom and focus rings to make sure they turn smoothly and have a reasonable amount of resistance. If they’re too easy to turn, it could mean that the lens is past its prime.
If the seller is able to let you test the lens on your camera, bring it along and see how it works. Most people are willing to sell their gear if it doesn’t work well on their camera and will either offer you a lower price or take it off the market altogether. If they won’t let you test the lens, ask why not – the answer may be more telling than you think.중고카메라
If you’re buying online, carefully read the seller’s description and compare prices on other sites. Check to make sure the seller has a legitimate email address and phone number and isn’t using an anonymous proxy service to hide their identity.중고렌즈 If you’re buying from a classified site or Facebook group, try to find out whether the seller has any references or friends who can vouch for them. If you’re in the market for a particular type of lens, ask friends and other photographers for recommendations or referrals. A quick search on Google will usually tell you if a seller is reputable or not, and you can always find other user reviews of the lens in question to help make your decision. A trusted seller will be more likely to provide a high-quality lens at a fair price. If you’re unsure, it’s often best to go with a larger store that specializes in cameras and will have an in-person return policy should anything go wrong with your purchase. This article was written by Peter Morgan and published on his blog on August 2, 2018. It is republished with permission.