Many beginner photographers are eager to acquire a new lens but can’t afford to pay full price. That’s when they turn to the secondhand market, where used camera lenses can be found at a much lower cost. However, it’s essential for buyers to know what to look for when shopping for a used lens so they don’t get duped into buying something that’s faulty.
Here are three steps to take when inspecting a used lens: Look it over, test it out and check the aperture blades.
Look for scratches, dents and dirt on the exterior of the lens. Check the aperture for dust or fungus. Then, test it out by attaching it to your camera and focusing on a subject. If the lens isn’t sharp, or if it makes a squeaking noise when focused, those are signs that it may have been improperly handled or cared for.
Lastly, check the aperture blades to make sure they open and close smoothly. You’ll also want to ensure that the lens doesn’t have any oil stains on the blades as well. If the lens comes with a filter attached, ask the seller to remove it to take a closer look at its condition. Make sure the filter threading isn’t damaged, as this could make it impossible to attach a filter.
If the lens isn’t in a sturdy case, bring your own so that you can examine it in-person before you buy it. If the lens is expensive, it’s worth the extra effort to be able to tell if it’s in good condition.
When checking the lens, it’s important to remember that some lenses have a date on them that indicates when they were produced. 강변테크노마트카메라 If the lens was manufactured recently, it will likely be a better quality than an older one. However, older lenses can still deliver stunning images if they are in good condition.
Another thing to consider is whether the lens is a U.S. or gray market model. This doesn’t usually impact the lens’s quality but it can affect repairs, as most manufacturers will only repair lenses that were made in the United States.
Also, keep in mind that old lenses often have to be adapted to fit newer cameras because the manufacturer changes electrical contacts and chips on their newer models. If you’re considering purchasing an old lens, be sure to do a quick search online to see if it will work with your current camera body. Otherwise, you’ll wind up with a lens that can only be used on the older model of your camera and won’t be worth the investment. 중고렌즈 Thankfully, internet encryption software has made online transactions of all types very secure, so you don’t have to worry about being scammed when buying lenses from private sellers. This includes reputable photography retailers and people you know in person, such as friends or fellow photographers. It’s also possible to use sites such as eBay or the Facebook Marketplace, which allow you to purchase cameras and lenses from people around the world.