Worth buying this 20mm Lens for $50?

[Ett]

Hey guys,

So, I'm still an absolute newbie, but I've found what seems to be a deal of a lifetime. I've found a Nikon 20mm f/2.8 Manual Focus Lens, like this one:




For the equivalent of about $50. After checking ebay, they're all around $500. The barrel apparently shows some slight wear, but the optics are still good.

I should go for it, right?

[BuddhaPi]

If it looks to good to be true, it probably is..I'd be weary

[Ett]

Yep, that's what I'm thinking. I'm going to make sure it's good before I pay for it though...

[Aegea]

I'd need to know more about the deal before commenting - Craigslist? Ebay? Pawn shop? Friend? Acquaintance? Definitely sounds too good to be true, so you need to test the lens fully before parting with cash.

[inkista]

But at least it's an AI lens.

Yeah, for that price, you really want to inspect it in hand, and also be prepared on what to look for--it's not as simple as just checking there aren't any scratches on the front element. You also need to know what cleaning marks, dust, fungus, (and oil and adhesive breakdown) look like when they're on the glass, how to check the mechanics of the lens, and how to distinguish what's fixable from what's not.

I'd highly recommend pricing out a good CLA (Cleaning/Lubrication/Adjustment) from a local service person you trust for the lens, too, just in case, and add that to your budget.

[Ett]

Thanks guys

Turned out to be a totally legitimate sale. The guy had the lens in a box and he was never using it. He didn't think anyone would want it, but sold it almost immediately after posting it. I was too late