What to Look For When Buying a Used Lens

A used lens is an affordable way to get high-quality glass for your camera. But it is not without its risks. A used lens can be sold in a variety of places, from local camera stores to online retailers that sell secondhand gear and eBay, as well as on photography message boards and Facebook marketplace. But what should you look for when buying a used lens? The first step is always to examine the lens visually. You should pay special attention to scratches and dents on the front lens element and barrel. Scratches on a lens can be easily removed with a blower and some glass cleaner, but dent marks may indicate damage to the rear element and can significantly decrease image quality. 니콘 중고렌즈 쇼핑몰

The next thing to check is the condition of the rubber grips on zoom and focus rings, as well as the filter threads. A good quality lens should not feel loose or worn, and if you can hear a scratchy sound when turning the rings, this is likely due to sand or other debris that has rubbed off inside.

Finally, you need to check the aperture mechanism to ensure that the blades are working correctly. This can be difficult to do with some lenses, but if you shine a light through the lens (it’s best done with a bright LED light – even the flash on your smartphone should work), you should see whether the blades move freely when stopped down and are not jammed in place.

You should also check the lens for dust particles and fungus (mold) by shining a bright light through it. A few small dust specs are not to worry about, but if you can see fungus on the internal lens elements or on the coatings of the element, it is best not to buy the lens. Fungus and mold are living organisms that can spread to other lenses as well as the camera, so they are very serious concerns.

If the lens looks and feels in good condition, the final test is to put it on your camera and take some pictures with it. This is the only real way to judge how it performs in practice, and you can also see if there is any flare or distortion caused by a lens that has been dropped, or if there is evidence of mis-use such as dirt in the internal mechanism or scratches on the rear element.

A used lens is still a great piece of kit, and it is much cheaper than buying new. But with the right knowledge you can reduce the risk and find yourself a bargain that will serve your camera system for years to come. Just be sure to take a few simple precautions and keep an eye out for potential problems, and you will save yourself money while getting better glass at the same time. If you follow these tips, it will be easier to choose the perfect used lens for your needs.럭키카메라