What to look out for when buying a lens?

[coolpix7900]

Hi there,

I'm not sure if this has been asked before on the forum, but hope I can gain some knowledge from here. If I were to buy a lens over a counter, what do I look out or check for? Is there any really specific details that I have to be aware of?

Thanks in advance for sharing.

[wind30]

Originally Posted by coolpix7900 Hi there, I'm not sure if this has been asked before on the forum, but hope I can gain some knowledge from here. If I were to buy a lens over a counter, what do I look out or check for? Is there any really specific details that I have to be aware of? Thanks in advance for sharing.

For my case, I make sure the shop has multiple copies of the lens I am buying so if I am not happy with the one I got, I can get it exchanged the next day after testing at home.

For me usually I bring it home and test how sharp/soft it is wide open, center and corners. If I am happy, I keep it.

[ronaldjace]

open aperture to each f1.8 f2, f4 f5.6 etc and test all of them.
check the len mount , plastic or metal - it should fit the camera smoothly.
there is a small metal/plastic pin at the len mount, that drive the focusing from camera, make sure that part is NOT BROKEN. check all the electrical contact point.

[Kho King]

Hope this helps...

Tips on Choosing an Used Lens

http://www.shashinki.com/review/reso...anusedlens.htm