Canon 'L' Series lenses...

[janakkpandya]

I want to buy L series lens of Canon. But the price is too high as I’m a beginner I don’t want to invest in such a precious high costing brand new lenses.

Where some one can guide me for second-hand lenses? What I should look while purchasing second-hand lens? How to make sure that lens is not faulty and the same working nicely?

Also is it advisable to buy second-hand lenses?



Thanks in advance.

[Jojie]

Originally Posted by janakkpandya

I want to buy L series lens of Canon.

You should really think of the above quote. I bought a 400D because that was my first DLSR. I knew nothing.. this was in comprasion to 40D back then which I could afford... I wasn't fully interested in photography as I am intrested now. But I would have settled for 40D if I knew better...

Personally if L lens is in your sights. I'd save up for it. I'm in for L lenses as well. But I go as far as either 24-70 and 70-200.. but since I have 24-105 and that 1.6 crop.. and my style of shooting.. I"m actually just content having the 24-105L - the other 70-200 are still in my sight but I don't see (now) as an essential tool. so now my 18-250mm Tamron just sits there and does nothing... ---- sorta nothing..

so what are my thoughts then? Grab your L's for your mostly used Lens - the others can wait..

[sybren]

As a beginner, I wouldn't buy an L lens. It's just too expensive. There are plenty of good lenses out there. So far I've shot with what I had, until I started to hit the limitations of my gear. Then I learned how to cope with those limitations (this is very important). Once I had saved some money, I knew exactly what lens to get to get rid of those limitations. Yes, I want to have an L lens too (thinking about the 35mm f/1.4 and 85mm f/1.2) to be able to shoot in the rain, but for that money they'll have to wait ;-)

What is it that you're looking for in L glass?

[janakkpandya]

As ‘L’ stands for luxury, doesn’t mean I wanted to go fore ‘L’ series as there are some good lenses like EF70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, EF70-200mm f/4L USM, EF100mm f/2 USM these are also out of my budget right now. For the same only I wanted to know if USED LENSES are available then what need to be taken care while purchasing the same.

[sybren]

Originally Posted by janakkpandya

As ‘L’ stands for luxury, doesn’t mean I wanted to go fore ‘L’ series

Ah, you got me confused about that when you started your post with "I want to buy L series lens".

Anyway, on the topic of buying lenses second-hand, here's a checklist I just came up with, that might be helpful:

• Do a visual check of the electrical contacts at the mount. They should be clean
• Look through the lens to check for dust
• Check the glass elements for fungus
• Feel the zoom (if any) and the focus rings, rotating them should be smooth. They should also not feel loose.
• Of course look for wear and tear everywhere you can see

[janakkpandya]

Sybren, I really apologise for the same.