How to tell age of zoom lens?

[raynerg]

Hi, sorry if i sound lazy but i did do a search and didn't really come up with anything.. maybe I wasn't looking hard enough.. no excuses, i AM lazy

But was wondering how to gauge the age of a lens, with all those UV UW etc codes, what do they mean? Am going to pick up a used 70-200mm f4 L but need to see the age and such first before taking the plunge into the abyss

On another note.. posted this q on the Others section but doesn't seem to be getting much views, what are the pros/cons of a tripod and monopod? Was thinking of getting either one as a first pod but dunno which is used for what? If it helps i like landscape/scenery shooting as well as street shots and the occasional free rock concert Thanks in advance! Using a 40D atm, if weight is going to be a concern in any of ur suggestions.

[nigel84]

Go for tripod. A monopod is gd if you need to move abt fast, i mean reali fast. Like when someone say go after u press the shutter you are ready to go and move on the next position and shoot. A tripod is gd for longer shoots, like can camp there, wait patiently for things to happen...Since u like landscape and scenery and both require some longer exposure, with the straight horizon usually as one of the most important factor of a pic, a tripod would be best for you. If you are worried abt the weight you are mounting on, get those tripod which allows you to hook weights on them...

[Russ]

UA =1986, UB =1987 ..... count yourself

[raynerg]

Thanks for the quick replies! hmm well gotta look around for a tripod then.. cos monopod did seem easier to set-up/tear down but Benro's MP-91 has this 3 folding leg thing that looks like it allows the monopod to stand on its own.. anyone can shed some light on that?

[J-Chan]

but for rock solid stability, esp for long exposures you'll definately need a tripod..

[ST1100]

Originally Posted by raynerg But was wondering how to gauge the age of a lens, with all those UV UW etc codes, what do they mean? Am going to pick up a used 70-200mm f4 L but need to see the age and such first before taking the plunge into the abyss On another note.. posted this q on the Others section but doesn't seem to be getting much views, what are the pros/cons of a tripod and monopod? Was thinking of getting either one as a first pod but dunno which is used for what? If it helps i like landscape/scenery shooting as well as street shots and the occasional free rock concert Thanks in advance! Using a 40D atm, if weight is going to be a concern in any of ur suggestions.

The age code on a Canon lens tells the year, month and place of production. The first two letters is the year of production, the next two numbers is the month, and the last two numbers indicate the location. The cheaper consumer lenses do not have an age code, but still have a serial number where the age can be estimated.

The time of manufacture is a very rough gauge of lens condition at best. The not so popular lenses can sit in the shop for years, so a 5-year old lens code can be only a few months in usage. On the other hand, a pro can put a relatively new lens through very rough conditions in a very short period.

About monopods: the biggest advantage is the weight and space saving, while the biggest negative is that you cannot let go of the pod when in use. Not a big deal if you get used to it, but i like to go hands free when i take a break from the action. Also, a tripod can double as a monopod - just don't spread the legs - so, yeah, the tripod would be a better first 'pod'.

[jkaiser]

easy way to remember.. UO is 2000

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_L...non_lens_codes

[raynerg]

Thanks for all the replies guys.. guess i'll start looking for a tripod now..