Buying lenses with scratches to front element?

cambsno

cambsno

Suspended / Banned
Messages
20,999
Name
Simon
Edit My Images
Yes
I have seen a lens at what I consider a good price, around 40% less than a mint example would go for. There are a series of scratches on the front element, some small ones and maybe 1 or 2 larger ones, looks like it affects just off centre and 10-20% of the lens area. Seller states there is no effect on IQ.

Now, I did buy a sigma 10-20 recently which has 2 scratches on the front and this really does have no effect on IQ so would hope this other lens would be the same although they do look a bit worse. Obviously from a looks wise this is offputting but am I just being vain in not wanting to go for it???

Resale value will of course be low, and possibly harder to shift, anyone else buy lenses with damage and is there any way it can get worse over time??
 
I've only ever used a couple of lenses with significant marks on the front element. One had light grazing all over it and the images were generally pretty soft. Another lens had one largish (3mm or so) scratch and that was unnoticeable until it was facing a light source at which point it would often flare but was easy to work around.
 
It is rather difficult to make such damage. It needs to have been badly neglected, dropped, banged, etc. I probably has a lot of internal damage and will perform badly regardless what the seller says. AVOID
 
It seems every seller listing 'scratch on front element' also mentions:

- No effect on PQ.
- Can hardly see it.

A scratch is still a sratch and it got there through incorrect handling, avoid.
 
Last edited:
I'm not so sure that this has to be down to abuse or being dropped. A lens front could possibly be damaged by contact with something without causing any internal or other physical damage at all.
 
woof woof said:
I'm not so sure that this has to be down to abuse or being dropped. A lens front could possibly be damaged by contact with something without causing any internal or other physical damage at all.
Click to expand...

'I am not sure' is the key part. Why would you risk? Chances are it was serious impact(S).

The only things that would scratch such glass are diamonds and some rocks (drop and fall, surprise surprise), perhaps sand and grinding action. Neither is good...
 
I probably wouldn't buy a scratched lens but money isn't a problem for me, it is for some though.

I'm pretty sure that lenses can be scratched without being badly neglected or dropped but there is the possibility that no other damage is done - at all - and for those looking for a bargain and accepting the possible consequences buying a bargain scratched lens could make sense.

Trying before buying would obviously be best unless the seller is trustworthy.
 
cambsno said:
To be fair seller looks ok - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sigma-EX-100-300mm-F4-DG-APO-HSM-Pro-Zoom-Lens-NIkon-Free-UK-Postage-/280949869486?pt=UK_Lenses_Filters_Lenses&hash=item4169eacbae

As I would use it for aircraft (and so bright sky) flare could be an issue so dont think its right for me...

I guess a simple way to do that damage is to put it down on a table with no lens cap - any grit or rubbish there could make a mess?
Click to expand...

watch this first http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzOLbMPe0u8

then look at those photos again. It was seriously buggered, and it is sold by a reseller, all 'described' with no chance to get the money back. Run away from it! I'd be happier sending money to nigeria than this.
 
I have a 24-105 with a small scratch on the front element and the only thing that stops me from selling it is that I know people would think that it had been badly handled and will give inferior results! It doesn't and I've never noticed an issue.

It's a 24-105 cracking lens - I just needed the f2.8 of the 24-70 - so the 24-105 is the backup lens now :)

I put it in my bag without the lens cap on and carried it about all day - still don't know what exactly caused the scratch - bug*er!

Anyway my point is it would not put me off if the price was right - The lens does look like it's seen a bit of work though lol

I'd rather sell something here with an agreement to take it back than play with ebay though so buyer beware really.
 
My 300mm f4 L has scratches on it and I've not noticed any IQ loss
 
my 24-70 hsm sigma has a couple of scratches on the front elemet and it does not affect IQ that I can see - would cost £100 to replace which I would get done before I sold it.

Find out the cost of replacing the front element then add that onto what the lens is going for.
 
I might look at that
 
My grandson scratched the front element of his 18-55 kit lens when he slipped and it hit a stone wall. The marks are pretty deep but as far as we can tell there's no loss of image quality and we haven't seen any evidence of flare so far.
 
Some people might also be mistaking srcatches on the lens for marks on the coating. I have marks on the coating of one of my lenses, but its not a scratch.

Scratches are a bit more serious, but its impossible for anyone to know that it was abused, since we weren't there at the time. Only the seller or previous owner knows the truth.

Caveat Emptor, really
 
Alway a hard one,if does not effect P/Q and the price is very right and it was a lens I could not afford otherwise might be tempted :)
 
I have a Sigma with a mark on the coating - definitely not a scratch and it doesn't affect IQ.
 
IMHO, scratches on front lens is not so bad, they really doesn't affect IQ, but be aware from scratches (not matter coating or lens) on back lens.

I have small scratch on a 50mm 1.4 and its happen in the same way as EOS JD explain- lens was without the lens cap.
 
If from ebay can always return if IQ is affected, think you would have to pay for trackable return postage. Private sale try before buying perhaps, shop will have return policy.
Resale is the main issue I would think, still if you are sure you will keep lens if IQ is good..
 
nog said:
If from ebay can always return if IQ is affected, think you would have to pay for trackable return postage. Private sale try before buying perhaps, shop will have return policy.
Resale is the main issue I would think, still if you are sure you will keep lens if IQ is good..
Click to expand...

private seller can be fairly easily forced to refund. business resellers are tough luck, and one will most likely need to go through paypal claim. As it is listed with all the pics, one will find it difficult raising such claim in the first place. I've been there once (same seller!) and would never ever want it again in my life.

The lens is obviously very badly neglected, full of heavy marks everywhere. Donation to charity is more reasonable here.
 
Agree lens has seen better days but return policy seems clear - see below, buying from a business seller you have right to return and ebay always favours buyers.

"If you are unhappy with your purchase we offer a full seven day money back guarantee upon return of goods for the full purchase price of the item excluding p&p.
When items are returned, it is your responsibility to pay the shipping costs incurred when the goods are sent back to us."
 
If you shooting at large apertures, youl probly not see them, if your shooting at the smallest you might see.
But I read some were that you don't need to clean your front element as the camera can't focus on it, only on sensor and rear
 
nog said:
Agree lens has seen better days but return policy seems clear - see below, buying from a business seller you have right to return and ebay always favours buyers.

"If you are unhappy with your purchase we offer a full seven day money back guarantee upon return of goods for the full purchase price of the item excluding p&p.
When items are returned, it is your responsibility to pay the shipping costs incurred when the goods are sent back to us."
Click to expand...

So you automatically lose £20 on post, and unless it is recorded delivery they will claim they never had it back and so on. But chances are it IS as described, so you won't even get the chance to send it. AVOID at all costs

It took me 40d to get my money back from one unscrupulous business seller. Luckily that was only £5 :lol:

Never buy anything from a business re-seller. Ever.
 
Siilver said:
If you shooting at large apertures, youl probly not see them, if your shooting at the smallest you might see.
But I read some were that you don't need to clean your front element as the camera can't focus on it, only on sensor and rear
Click to expand...

The problem IS NOT the front element. It is all the other damage in focusing system and dislocated lens elements inside that will have very dramatic effect.
 
daugirdas said:
The problem IS NOT the front element. It is all the other damage in focusing system and dislocated lens elements inside that will have very dramatic effect.
Click to expand...

but im talking about the scratch, AS that COULD be A problem
 
Siilver said:
but im talking about the scratch, AS that COULD be A problem
Click to expand...

true, but scratches are usually indicative of further impact related issues
 
If it really doesn't affect anything why not

You could buy a brand new lens and scratch it yourself straight away, not always because of abuse, just accidental or unlucky.

My 17-55mm has a tiny mark (can't really call it a scratch) very near the edge of the front element, never been a problem and very pleased with the large price discount because of it
 
Last edited:
daugirdas said:
true, but scratches are usually indicative of further impact related issues
Click to expand...

I think you have a bee in your bonnet on this issue, perhaps a wee look at the link in KIPAX's post 8, might lay some of these fears to rest:D

If not plenty of folk have described non-impact scenarios for scratches.

Anyway, to the OP, if it's cheap enough and doesn't affect the final photo, I would buy it.
 
daugirdas said:
So you automatically lose £20 on post, and unless it is recorded delivery they will claim they never had it back and so on. But chances are it IS as described, so you won't even get the chance to send it. AVOID at all costs

It took me 40d to get my money back from one unscrupulous business seller. Luckily that was only £5 :lol:

Never buy anything from a business re-seller. Ever.
Click to expand...

Distance selling regs and sellers policy say you can send it back if you no longer want the item/change your mind.
 
nog said:
Distance selling regs and sellers policy say you can send it back if you no longer want the item/change your mind.
Click to expand...

Doesn't apply to places like ebay
 
EOS_JD said:
Doesn't apply to places like ebay
Click to expand...

I looked into this a few months ago and I understand that the Distance Selling Regs apply to Buy It Nows and Second Chance sales made by business sellers. They don't apply to auction sales or sales by private sellers.
 
Last edited:
EOS_JD said:
Doesn't apply to places like ebay
Click to expand...

It does

See http://pages.ebay.co.uk/safetycentre/rights.html

"What if you change your mind?

Distance Selling Regulations
The Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000 generally apply to sales to consumers made by sellers acting in the course of a business, which have been made at a distance. In other words, where there's no face-to-face contact between the seller and the consumer before the contract is made. The Distance Selling Regulations apply to items purchased via Buy It Now listings and Second Chance Offers on eBay.co.uk. However, they don't apply to auction format listings on eBay.co.uk."
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top