Unless you’re buying a rare collectible, it’s pretty much a given that any used lens will show some signs of wear and tear. Scratches on the front glass and scuff marks on zoom or focus rings are normal, but it’s important to inspect a lens for more serious problems.
The first step is to open up the lens.
Check the Manual
Camera lenses are amazingly durable, and even older ones might still deliver great results. However, a lot of the time you have to take a leap of faith when buying used lens equipment from private sellers on sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.중고렌즈
Look at the lens closely, and pay special attention to any dents or cracks on the lens barrel. These may suggest a more forceful impact or drop that might affect optical performance. Also examine the front and rear glass elements for scratches and other signs of wear.테크노마트카메라
Also check the seller’s website or storefront for buyer feedback on the lens you’re considering. Sites such as BHPhoto, Adorama and Amazon are among the best places to see this information online. They’ll usually post buyers’ comments next to the item, so you can get a feel for how well the lens performs.
Check the Warranty
When you buy a used lens from a large photography retailer or from an online camera seller with a decent reputation (or at least a return policy) the odds are good that it’ll function properly for a while. If you get one from an individual seller on craigslist or through classified sites, however, it’s a much riskier proposition.
If they say the lens is in good condition, check to see if they have any scratches on the front and back elements of the lens. These are a sign of significant wear.
Also, ask them why they’re selling the lens. They may have a good reason, such as upgrading to a new model or moving. If they have a legitimate reason for selling it, they’ll likely offer you a warranty.
Check the Focusing Ring
When the lens is in a camera, try to focus it manually and make sure that it does indeed move when turned. If it doesn’t, you may have a damaged or misaligned lens.
On modern lenses there are also electronic contact points on the back that communicate with the body to facilitate autofocus and aperture control. Check that these are clean and do not show signs of corrosion.
Lastly, shine a light inside the lens and look for fungus, mold, haze or any other dirt particles that could damage the glass. Listen for any scratchy sounds as well. This is a good test to do if the lens has optical image stabilization, as it will let you know whether it works or not. Ideally, buy from a store or dealer that offers a generous return policy.
Check the Zoom Ring
If you’re buying from a reputable camera dealer or store, the lens should be thoroughly tested and inspected before it leaves the premises. When you’re purchasing from a private seller (such as someone on Craigslist), it’s important to be extra thorough with your inspection.
Make sure the zoom and focus rings move smoothly. If they feel stiff or have any resistance, that’s a sign of wear and tear.
Finally, make sure the optical image stabilization works by capturing several handheld photos with and without the feature enabled. The resulting images should be clearly different if the lens isn’t functioning correctly.
Check the Mount
The lens mount is critical. It holds the lens securely in place and provides electronic contact pins that communicate with the camera body to ensure the correct alignment. Examine the condition of these contacts and beware of dents or corrosion. The mount should also fit tightly and feel tight when you mount it, indicating good mechanical and electrical contacts.
Shine a flashlight (or use the light from your smartphone) into the lens and look through both ends. Small specks of dust or scratches on the front glass aren’t a big deal, but be cautious if you see web-like fungus or mold inside the lens.
Make sure the zoom and focus rings turn smoothly. Damage here can indicate rough handling and impact resale value. Also inspect the lens for any filters that are attached (beware of dents or cracks, which can impact resale value). Remove them and set them aside until you’ve completed your evaluation.