How to test if your copy of lens is good?

[xriz2fer]

Hi,

Just want to know from the experts what are the things you check and how do you check it,
when buying a lens. Can you please teach me how to accurately check the sharpness of a certain lens.

 

[Artosoft]

Never check. Buy, test it, look for the result. If ok, that's a good copy.

Regards,
Arto.

 

[Henessy]

Try the lens by taking a few shots, and see whether you are satisfied with the sharpness of the picture and the contrast of it. If you are satisfied with it, then buy it.

 

[tamiya_model]

Ask salesperson to take out all the same lenses and you shoot and compare so there is a reference ...lol:bsmilie:

 

[Artosoft]

Ask salesperson to take out all the same lenses and you shoot and compare so there is a reference ...lol:bsmilie:

Don't do that :nono: .

Regards,
Arto.

 

[Static]

Ask salesperson to take out all the same lenses and you shoot and compare so there is a reference ...lol:bsmilie:

:thumbsup:

Use a black marker and mark a "X" on those u tested not ok incase u lost track. :heart:

 

[Witness]

actually...for slrs....wats the point.... if u are shooting MF however, metinks thats a different story.....

 

[Ramius]

That's a fair qn and I'm a little surprised there are no suggestions towards a straight answer yet.

There's no difference buying first hand or 2nd hand. Basic things to look out for include;

- Lens condition
Electrical contacts, diaphragm scratches, zoom ring smoothness, glass coat evenness etc...

- Image quality
Do your homework on the lens before buying. Note the peculiar weaknesses to look out for. Eg. Bad copy Sigma lenses are sharper one side than the other. Some have creeping problem when they should not

Of course, all these depends on how much time and support you have at the shop. Not many will give you the luxury of testing it out with your laptop to view on the final image output. Use of PDAs or Media Viewers may be easier.