Buying a 2nd hand lens - what to look for and avoid.

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Mossberg

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I would like to purchase a new to me Canon ES 24-70 2.8 lens, but as this is an expensive item for me, I need to look at second hand.

I realise with second hand gear there will be wear, but what is acceptable and what should be avoided? Some things state doesn't affect the image whilst others state an "easy fix"

Some things listed are similar to:

Small scratch on front lens.

Some dust inside.

Some fungus.

Noisy auto focus.

Gritty focus ring.

Swollen rubber.

Scratch or worn paint.

Small dent to??

Whilst I understand I will have to compromise or pay a higher price, some understanding of how relevant these issues are to the photo quality or the lens use would be appreciated.

As always, thank you for your help.

Mick
 
From that list I would only be buying if

Some Dust Inside - this is inevitable especially with zoom lenses - the less the better obvioulsy

Some cosmetic blemishes (depending on age and price) - (your "scratch or worrn paint")

I assume that you mean Canon EF 24-70mm F2.8, these should be loads about, and there were decent 3rd party options from Tamron or Sigma.

If you are worried then buy from a dealer and get some form of warranty

Here would be a good place to start

usedlens.co.uk

Used Cameras and Lenses

Search used cameras and lenses from over 60 UK retailers. Price comparison for used digital, film, lenses, medium and large format cameras
usedlens.co.uk usedlens.co.uk

You can exclude eBay from the search (use the filter tool)
 
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IF not as described make sure there is a return policy for the second hand item. Same thoughts at same time David
 
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Mossberg said:
I realise with second hand gear there will be wear, but what is acceptable and what should be avoided?
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No one can tell untill they've exposed some images through it.

Not long ago I bought a "mint" lens from a well-known dealer and returned it for the simple reason that it wasn't focussing. Looked great but no use for capruring images. Yet, a few years before, I bought a "bargain box" lens from another dealer at a ridiculously low price, intending to use it for one rather dirty job. In the event, I used that grubby lens with lots of dust in it for several years and it worked just fine. I even made a small profit on the lens when I finally sold it! :naughty:

So my advice is to buy from a well known dealer with a cast iron return policy and don't shy away from "less than perfect" lenses. The proof is always in the pudding.
 
My advice when buying a 2nd hand lens is to focus on the quality of glass.
 
Mr Perceptive said:
From that list I would only be buying if

Some Dust Inside - this is inevitable especially with zoom lenses - the less the better obvioulsy

Some cosmetic blemishes (depending on age and price) - (your "scratch or worrn paint")

I assume that you mean Canon EF 24-70mm F2.8, these should be loads about, and there were decent 3rd party options from Tamron or Sigma.



You can exclude eBay from the search (use the filter tool)
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Agreed.

I don't avoid ebay, as returns if not as described are quick trouble free and don't cost you.

When buying things like that, you either need money or patience. Patience is free, and hard for some, but worth it :)
 
Mossberg said:
I would like to purchase a new to me Canon ES 24-70 2.8 lens, but as this is an expensive item for me, I need to look at second hand.

I realise with second hand gear there will be wear, but what is acceptable and what should be avoided? Some things state doesn't affect the image whilst others state an "easy fix"

Some things listed are similar to:

Small scratch on front lens.

Some dust inside.

Some fungus.

Noisy auto focus.

Gritty focus ring.

Swollen rubber.

Scratch or worn paint.

Small dent to??

Whilst I understand I will have to compromise or pay a higher price, some understanding of how relevant these issues are to the photo quality or the lens use would be appreciated.

As always, thank you for your help.

Mick
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That is an interesting question as I am quite resilient to buying new gears etc. in general and especially second hand but I will need another lens again (very wide angle this time. Last year I did it too and my conclusion that time was just either it is a new one or from verified photographic sellers that assess the degree of usage etc. Ive chosen Wex, and have never been happier with my lens. Will repeat it soon probably too. They use item condition evaluation where 9 is close to new and this is what I would go for , these are mainly only cosmetic usage changes but the change in price is usually enough. 8 seems to be ok too.
 
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Personally I wouldn't buy a secondhand lens exhibiting any of those issues. Whilst they can all probably be put right, there is a cost involved. Unless it was a very special lens at a very special price, I prefer to buy secondhand lenses from reputable outlets who will describe the lens accurately and offer a warranty. Yes, I'll be paying closer to the new price, but a cheaper lens and a paid for repair is likely to be closer still.
 
Wasn't that lens associated with a ribbon cable problem too?
 
Sangoma said:
Agreed.

I don't avoid ebay, as returns if not as described are quick trouble free and don't cost you.

When buying things like that, you either need money or patience. Patience is free, and hard for some, but worth it :)
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I presume in this case the seller needs to actually describe the condition of the lens and then what they supply clearly is different.
I have seen some that say see images for details, which I am very wary of as i don't feel you can see what you are bidding on in enough detail.
 
Mossberg said:
I presume in this case the seller needs to actually describe the condition of the lens and then what they supply clearly is different.
I have seen some that say see images for details, which I am very wary of as i don't feel you can see what you are bidding on in enough detail.
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eBay always looks. after the buyer first rather than the seller. If buyer is not happy with purchase can simply say its is not working/does not focus etc and eBay will make the seller accept the return and refund the buyer. eBay can't test the lens to check the claimed fault. Not nice but it happens.
Not good if you are the seller :( and someone wants a try a lens for a week- cheaper than hiring a lens
 
nog said:
eBay always looks. after the buyer first rather than the seller. If buyer is not happy with purchase can simply say its is not working/does not focus etc and eBay will make the seller accept the return and refund the buyer. eBay can't test the lens to check the claimed fault. Not nice but it happens.
Not good if you are the seller :( and someone wants a try a lens for a week- cheaper than hiring a lens
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Yep, I've had that happen to me where a buyer claimed he could see major dust particles in a lens after having it for over 3 weeks and then initiating a return saying item not as described... When I received the returned lens it was missing the soft lens case, a filter and the rear lens cap had been swapper for a different one..... I made him return those items before refunding him and threatened to report him to eBay if he failed to do so.

I inspected the lens very closely on return and found no sign of any major dust particles...
 
Only little bit of dust is generally acceptable from that list.

You certainly don't want a mouldy or smashed lens for any price. And to be clear there are a lot of smashed lenses for sale both on eBay and at dealers. Mouldy - a lot less so
 
LongLensPhotography said:
Only little bit of dust is generally acceptable from that list.

You certainly don't want a mouldy or smashed lens for any price. And to be clear there are a lot of smashed lenses for sale both on eBay and at dealers. Mouldy - a lot less so
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By smashed do you mean it's had a knock, so showing a dent or something. I presume you don't mean smashed glass?
 
Lenses are delicate pieces of equipment, and any signs of damage could have repercussions, both on its ability to create an image consistently, and also its longer term ability to focus, stop down or image stabilise. Buy from a photographer who respects their kit, and it will be OK.
 
Mossberg said:
By smashed do you mean it's had a knock, so showing a dent or something. I presume you don't mean smashed glass?
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You better believe it had more of an impact than it looks like
 
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