Brand New Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM AF Lens Date Code 2012

n0chex

n0chex

Suspended / Banned
Messages
1,275
Name
Andrew
Edit My Images
No
Just a quick question in regards to date codes on canon lenses.

I've just purchased a Brand New Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM AF Lens and it has a date code of UA0828 which is a 4 year old lens. I was expecting a 2016 or maybe an older 2015 lens.
I know some of the Older 24-105's had lens flare so a little worried with my purchase.
 
My 24-105 must be getting on for being that old and I've never had a problem with lens flare. You would expect a new lens to have been made a bit more recently though, I suppose it has full warranty?
 
It was Purchased from Kerso ( Ian Kerr Flash Camera's ) and reading the lens flare was only an issue with a certain batch ( UT09xx ) but still concerned about the age of the lens being near 4 years old.
 
The flare issue affected only early copies that were recalled and fixed/replaced FOC by Canon. There is zero chance that you have one of those.

I wouldn't worry about it, assuming the price was right ;)
 
The price is the current market value, I paid for a Brand New lens and received a 2012 dated lens. I can only suggest its either a used old lens or old/new stock.

Your comment about don't worry about it , if you purchased a "Brand New" lens and received a 2012 model would you be happy? This also must effect the resale value if I ever come to sell it.
 
Have you questioned Kerso about this?
 
I have popped him an Email this afternoon and still waiting a reply. Is he still active on the forum?
 
n0chex said:
The price is the current market value, I paid for a Brand New lens and received a 2012 dated lens. I can only suggest its either a used old lens or old/new stock.

Your comment about don't worry about it , if you purchased a "Brand New" lens and received a 2012 model would you be happy? This also must effect the resale value if I ever come to sell it.
Click to expand...

I said, 'assuming the price was right' for older stock. If you paid the full going rate for brand new, then you should certainly have a word.
 
Sorry Richard I didn't mean that to come across rude and the price I paid shouldn't come into the equation really as it was purchased as BRAND NEW.....he did throw in a cheap free UV filter .
 
n0chex said:
Sorry Richard I didn't mean that to come across rude and the price I paid shouldn't come into the equation really as it was purchased as BRAND NEW.....he did throw in a cheap free UV filter .
Click to expand...

No problem bud :) Kerso has a good rep around here, even if so many other grey importers have now caught up with his prices.

It raises an interesting question about what the exact definition of 'new' might be, though I bought a lens from Kerso a few years ago and the date code was less than six months old as I recall.
 
I think you have it the nail on the head with the definition of "New" I don't think Ian has sent me an Old lens on purpose or anything but just very surprised its a 4 year old lens. I would have been happy with a early 2016 lens or even a late 2015 lens but 2012 makes me a little suspicious on why is it this old if that makes sense, hence asking for advice here.
 
Here is an instance .......Classifieds Ad

Brand new Canon 24-105 lens for sale only purchased 2 days ago and never used but dated 2012 , People are going to be asking how can it be new if its got a manufacturing date of 2012.
 
Last edited:
Hopefully Ian addresses your concern to your satisfaction.

Personally I agree with you but my concern would on more technical matter.......I surmise all mechanisms have some lifetime(?) lubrication but if this item has indeed been in storage since manufacturing for approx 4 years, what if any impact can such long term storage have on a never used item?
 
I would say being stored for 4 years not being used can not be good for anything.
 
If in good storage conditions - dry, dark and reasonably cool I don't see what could degrade in that time.
 
Question you have to ask yourself is does Canon have stock thats that old? They may make a batch of glass and pack it, sits in a warehouse for X period of time until stock is cleared and that model may never even be made again, I know they gear up for production based around one model at a time, surely the description of new is new if its unused right? I have sold many "new" items of late that were twenty years old, they were new just old... I think in fairness I would feel the same as you, but if the lens is "current" spec what do you gain in a new/later one, you could dig deeper and question if newer lenses are build to more of a budget? I know not in this case I am sure..
The problem would be your supplier or even another supplier would have to be willing to search all the date codes of stock to find a 2016 lens that perhaps Canon never even in 2016? Why not tweet or email Canon, I have many times they have always answered my questions and more.
I'd not panic as your warranty is still valid no matter what code, its a great lens btw.
 
Last edited:
Even though a "New" lens as never used I feel I've received an Old lens if that makes sense, its second hand value would almost certainly be effected further down the line and that would be my loss for accepting a 2012 lens in late 2016.
 
The date code on the lens mount is not always 100% accurate. Several years ago, Canon were shipping one of the 70-200/4 variants with date codes that weren't reflecting the year of manufacture....it was down to a shortage of mounts and the need to use up leftovers to allow production to continue.

Bob
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top