Add to Reddit
Conclusion
Buying used lenses is certainly a far more affordable alternative to new lenses. Assuming you get them in good shape, you are essentially getting the same performance for far less money. Just remember to check them for these potential problems :
) |
- Missing parts
- Damaged filter rings
- Loose switches
- Dust inside the lens
- Tight or gritty rings
- Loose zoom action
- Damaged zoom action
- Worn or damaged focusing helicoid
- Damaged lens motor
- Malfunctioning image stabilizer
- Oily aperture blades
- Sticky aperture blades
- Eroded lens coatings
- Scratched lens elements
- Chipped lens elements
- Separated lens elements
- Loose lens elements
- Lens fungus
Although you may prefer to stick to scrounging for used lenses in the local camera shops, online shops like Amazon, or auction sites like eBay offer a wide range of used lenses. Buying from online shops are generally safe, especially if you buy from a reputable shop.
Auction sites like eBay offer a wider range of used lenses and many at bargain prices, but they also come with the risk of fraud. So, you need to be alert and wary of deals that are simply too good to be true. We hope our short list of red flags can help you identify scams and zoom into the real deals.
Incidentally, if you have any pictures that can help make this guide more complete,
please do let us know. Also, drop by the forums and chat with us about your latest used lens purchase! Till then, shop safely! 
Support us by buying from Amazon.com! |
|
| Grab a FREE 30-day trial of Amazon Prime for free shipping, instant access to 40,000 movies and TV episodes and the Kindle Owners' Lending Library! | |
Questions & Comments
Please feel free to post your questions or comments here!
| Date | Revision | Revision History |
| 10-03-2005 | 1.0 Part 1 | Initial release. Part 1 posted. |
| 24-03-2005 | 1.0 Part 2 | Initial release. Part 2 posted. |
| 27-04-2005 | 1.0 Part 3 | Initial release. Part 3 posted. |
| 14-10-2005 | 1.1 | Added the Damaged
Zoom Action section in Page 4. |
| 05-08-2006 | 1.2 | Improved the layout of the guide. |
| 20-06-2007 | 2.0 | Revamped the entire guide with re-edited photos and an improved layout. |
| 01-06-2008 | 3.0 | Revamped the entire guide with an improved layout. |
| 18-02-2011 | 4.0 | Revamped the entire guide with additional details and photos. |
| 31-08-2012 | 4.1 | Updated the guide with many new photos, and an improved layout. |
| 09-10-2012 | 4.2 | Added a new Damaged Lens Motor section. |
| 06-08-2013 | 4.3 | Added a new Damaged Contacts section. |
| 09-04-2014 | 4.4 | Revamped the entire guide, compressing it from 13 pages to just 7 pages. |
Support Tech ARP!
If you like our work, you can help support out work by visiting our sponsors, participate in the Tech ARP Forums, or even donate to our fund. Any help you can render is greatly appreciated!
