Buying used camera lenses can be a cost-effective way for new photographers to gain access to higher quality optical glass while staying within their budget. However, it is important to be thorough in inspecting the lens before you make a purchase – especially when dealing with a seller that you’ve met directly through classified sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji. These types of trades often involve cash-only transactions and do not offer the protection of store refunds or manufacturer warranties.
The first thing you’ll want to look at is the mount. Ideally, it shouldn’t be too scratched and all of the contacts should be clean. These are responsible for passing electronic data between the camera and the lens (autofocus, aperture control, etc) – and dirt can cause them to stop working altogether.
Scratches and dents can also be an indicator of how the lens was handled in the past. Some minor scratches are not a big deal, but if you’re seeing a lot of them it’s probably time to move on to another lens. Dents are a little more serious and can indicate that the lens was dropped, which could seriously damage its optical quality.
Next, you’ll want to examine any buttons or switches on the lens to make sure they work. Be particularly careful to ensure that the zoom and focus rings turn smoothly, without any resistance or jamming. If they seem stiff or sticky, it could be a sign of mechanical problems in the future.중고카메라
Finally, you’ll want to make sure that the lens does not rattle when being shaken. While this is somewhat normal for some lenses, it can be a huge problem with other types of lenses – like zoom lenses that use image stabilization or macro lenses that have moving parts that can become loose and fall off.
You’ll also want to examine the filter threads. If the lens has screw-in filters, be sure that they are still threaded properly – if not, it will be expensive and time consuming to get them fixed later. Lastly, you’ll want to ensure that the lens is in good condition and does not have any fungus or mold on the inside. To do this, shine a bright light through the lens to see any spores of dust or fungus on the inside. Then, gently blow off any spores with your breath to make sure the lens is clean. 중고카메라렌즈 If you find any fungus or mold, it’s definitely time to move on to a different lens. Fungus can easily ruin a lens’s optical coating and severely reduce its image quality. This is not a problem you’ll want to have to deal with after the sale is complete.