Camera lenses are an excellent way to expand the capability of your camera. But buying a new lens can be expensive, for the budget conscious, second hand lenses or pre-owned lenses are a good way to get the lens you want at a fraction of the price.
Buying second-hand can also give you the opportunity to purchase a branded lens for your camera rather than a third party lens from Sigma for instance, if money is tight.
Compared to camera bodies, lenses can keep their value a lot more. So the perfect time to buy a second-hand camera lens is when a new model is being announced and everyone is trying to offload their perfectly good lenses so they can buy the latest and greatest.
If having one or two models behind the current model doesn’t phase you. Then you’re in the perfect position to get a good bargain.
10 tips when buying a second hand lens
* Try to buy in person* Check for any visible body damage* Check lens accessories* How to check the glass elements for scratches* How to check the lens for dust and mold* Bring a camera to test the lens* Has the lens been repaired in the past?* Does it have warranty* Don’t be forced to buy anything* Compare price
Today’s question is from Tom who is asking how do you avoid getting ripped off when buying a second hand camera lens? He wants to add another lens to his
event photography kit, but can only afford a 2nd hand lens.
Buy in person rather than online
To avoid any disappointment I would highly recommend you buy the second hand lens in person. I’m not saying that you will be ripped off if you buy a second hand camera lens from an online retailer.
It’s just sometimes the photos don’t always show the true condition of the lens, such as does it have noticeable dust in the glass elements, does it have mould, or even a scratch on the front glass element.
This is why it’s important to be able to physically handle the lens and see for yourself. Does anything sticks out as a red flag when it comes to the purchase?
You could always ask the sell questions about damage, If it’s been repaired in the past, and the general conditions of a second hand lens if the online product description doesn’t give you all the information you need, but still not the same if buying in person.
How to check for visible damage on the exterior
The first thing you should do is to check for any visible damage on the lens.
It’s natural for a lens to have some scuff marks or even a couple of dings depending if it was a professional that was used for everyday work if the lens is a few years old.
If the previous owner was a casual user that only took photos on the weekends would less likely have scuff marks on the exterior of the lens unless it was dropped or misused.
What you really looking for is for the 2nd hand lens to be as perfect as possible for its age. That means if the lens is only a couple years old and if it looks like it’s been through a war zone, I would personally think twice about buying the lens. One or two light scuff marks are ok, but when you see deep gouges or dents should rings alarm bells.
If you’re looking at buying an L series lens or a professional grade lens that are working professional used every day. 99% of the time you are going to get some sort of scuff marks and Dings.
