buying a used lens

[pilatesbody]

Hey, this is my first post here. I am an amateur photographer. I use a Canon 50D and I'm looking to buy a used lens. Is there anything I should be aware of when dealing with strangers on Craigslist, for example? I understand lenses keep their value (more or less). Thanks.

[UlpilotSC]

I have wondered the same thing. There seem to be a lot of used lenses through amazon. I'm wondering how you go about knowing good stuff from crap.

[SwissJon]

Lenses do keep a residual value, so do a search on eBay etc and check to see if the price is about right.. If it's substantially less then it's probably a ringer.

READ THE DESCRIPTION.. I've seen people hide "oh by the way it's broken" or similar in the text, within the description pulled off the manufacturers website.. A simple trick that most don't seem to spot.

Ask for close up photos of the front and rear optics.. Look for scratches, places where the coating has been rubbed off, and especially fungus Lens fungus - Light Is King

Last.. If you receive a lens with a fungal infection, DON'T PUT IT IN YOU CAMERA BAG.. The spores can live forever and spread to your other lenses, even after you remove this lens..

Hope that helps..

[Durnik20]

check for ratings, if they have 12 thousand positive reviews, chances are its good. If they have 5... even if they are good, its a bit more risky.

[pilatesbody]

Thanks SwissJon. I didn't know that about fungus before. I will be sure to examine this lens closely if I get a chance. It's a good L lens that is basically half price. I don't know much about it at this point as the seller has not replied to my email.

[Aegea]

General sensible rules for Craigslist can be found here:
craigslist | about > safety

As far as lenses go, the ideas above are all good, one obvious one not yet mentioned is to put it on your camera and take a few shots!

[pilatesbody]

I've decided to rent one for a week and see if I like it. The guy on CL did not get back to me, but in the meantime I found dozens out there - so I don't feel like I need to take the first thing I come across. I will also probably buy used from Henry's in Toronto.

[tlake55]

As mentioned above, try to get close pictures of the front and rear of the lens...looking for scratches, fungus, dust, etc. Also get the date code so you know how old the lens is, it will be on the rear end of the lens that mounts to your camera (Canon Lens Date Codes - How Old Is That Lens?). I just purchased a lens off Ebay (Canon 70-200 2.8)...the first one I purchased was from a seller with a high number of positive feedbacks, he listed no lens damage, rings turn smoothly, lens in great shape, etc but when I got the lens I was quite surprised how bad it was..quite the opposite of what was listed; however, when I told him the issues he promptly refunded my money but I had to pay return shipping & insurance I tried again and the second time I actually purchashed from a new seller who only had 1 feedback (which was positive), he had several pictures and I asked him specific questions (learned from the first purchase) and he answered with positive remarks stating the lens was in great shape (and seemed to be by the photos)...I received the lens and it was in great shape just as he described! I highly suggest good photos of the lens and ask questions....and a low number of feedbacks isn't bad but make sure they are positive (no matter how many they have). Another plus is if they offer returns.

Another thing to look for is if they have the original box and accessories/manuals...generally people who are meticulous enough to keep the original packaging and manuals take care of their stuff (I said GENERALLY.

[pilatesbody]

Just seeing this reply now tlake55. I am still in the market for a lens and this information (esp. date codes) is very helpful.