buying pre-owned/2nd lenses

[wahoo]

im thinking of buying a 2nd hand lens, what should i look for to make sure that it is in good condition. not that i dont trust the seller but i thought there is something some of us newbies are not aware of though.

 

[spazzer]

im thinking of buying a 2nd hand lens, what should i look for to make sure that it is in good condition. not that i dont trust the seller but i thought there is something some of us newbies are not aware of though.

look out for fungus , usermarks and try shooting with the lens be4 handing the cash over

 

[ZeroDivine]

if it's AF lens, check to make sure the AF is working properly and can focus no problem.
Check for scratch/fungus on the lens/elements
try the manual focus clutch and ring, turn to see if they are smooth/no problem.

 

[geraldkhoo]

Have a read on the following thread:

http://forum.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=311048

 

[reedcat1965]

Two really useful articles about this subject:
http://www.photo-mentor.com/buyer_s_guide_how_to_check_a_second-hand_lens.html
http://www.photo-mentor.com/buying_a_lens_online.html

 

[synapseman]

As a buyer or seller, when dealing with second hand lenses, I always bring along a reasonably high-powered LED flashlight. Especially if the deal is to be conducted at night. Makes it easier to conduct the checks as mentioned in one of the posts in this thread.