If you’re buying from a private seller, you may not be able to get a return or a warranty. So you need to be extra careful when examining used lenses.
Examine the lens for scratches and dents (especially on the barrel). Look for a sign of separation.
The reason why someone is selling a lens can tell you quite a bit about how the previous owner treated it.
Do Your Homework
If you’re buying a used lens online, it can be hard to see it in person and hold it before making your purchase. In these cases, it’s important to ask the seller lots of questions.
Check for dings, scratches and any areas where the finish has rubbed off. Also, make sure the zoom and focus rings turn smoothly. Listen carefully too, as there may be a scratchy sound from the inside which could be sand or debris.
When possible, try to buy locally. This way you’ll be able to physically examine the lens and test it on your camera. Plus, buyers and sellers tend to travel in the same circles so you have a higher chance of an honest, above-board transaction. Also, ask for references or referrals.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Our fear of asking questions that feel too sensitive or personal can be overblown. In fact, when framed correctly, sensitive questions can help us make better decisions and build stronger relationships.
If you are buying a used lens, it’s important to ask the seller questions about the condition of the lens. A few key questions can save you a lot of headaches and money in the long run.
For example, if the lens has a rear element scratch or signs of fungus, it should be discounted in price. Dents on the barrel are more serious and could indicate the lens was dropped or exposed to water. It’s also important to know if the lens has image stabilization as this feature can save you many blurry shots.
Bring Your Own Camera
It is a good idea to bring your own camera to a sale and inspect a lens in person. This is especially true for used lenses that you are considering purchasing.
It’s common for dust specks to be present in camera lenses, but they shouldn’t affect image quality too much. Large clumps of dust can be a big problem, and can often lead to expensive repair processes.
Also be sure to check the rubber pieces and screws that hold the lens together. Any signs of re-assembly can be a red flag that the seller may not be entirely honest about the condition of the lens.
Don’t Forget About Fungus/Mold
Fungus is a major problem with used lens, particularly older lenses. It eats and erodes the glass elements and coatings that are essential for image quality. It also produces an acid that can etch lines into the glass. Once this happens, the lens is unusable.
Fungus can be removed with cleaning solutions but it takes a lot of time and effort. Soaking the lens in the solution for a few minutes is very helpful. Be sure to soak only the lens elements that are not glued together. Remove each element from the solution and wipe it with clean lens tissue, using different parts or corners of the tissue for each one.
Some people are concerned that fungus can spread to other lenses but this is not a significant concern. Most modern lenses are assembled in air conditioned and air filtered environments so fungus is not a huge issue.테크노마트카메라
Get a Warranty
Many people buy used lenses because they’re cheaper than new ones. However, they are not able to enjoy the warranty that a lens would normally come with from Nikon because they have sold it to someone else. This is because dealers won’t give out a warranty if the previous owner wrote on a registration card or tossed the box.중고렌즈
Scratches and wear on the exterior of a lens are normal and expected but if there’s any sign of disassembly or mechanical failure it should be reflected in the price. Look at the screws and rubber pieces holding the lens together to see if they have any signs of wear. This is a good indicator of whether the lens has been well-used or not. This is especially important if you are buying a lens through a trade.