Whether you've picked up photography as a hobby or it's your chosen profession, you'll know that using the best camera lenses is important. Unfortunately, these lenses come at a premium.
Aside from the cost of the camera itself, buying brand new, high-quality lenses will probably cost you an arm and a leg. This is why many photographers choose to purchase second-hand lenses.
There's nothing wrong with buying used lenses for your camera, but is it a good idea?
Why Should You Buy Used Camera Lenses?
From the get-go, photography will cost you a lot of money. You'll need a range of camera gear and equipment, like batteries, reflectors, tripods, and gear bags.
Apart from the extras, buying the basics, such as the camera body, memory card, and lens, can easily knock you back thousands of dollars.
The most popular reason people buy used cameras and equipment, like lenses, is to save money. A pre-owned lens will often cost half the price of a brand-new one, and if you're lucky, it'll be in good condition.
Buying used camera lenses all depends on you. It's not for everyone, and it all depends on whether you're comfortable with the risks. That's why you need to take the time to do your homework and think about a few things before you jump into it.
Here, we'll help you out with some valuable tips so that you can buy a second-hand camera lens without ending up disappointed.
1. Check the Seller's Reputation
When buying second-hand products, particularly a camera lens, it's best to always buy from a trustworthy source.
There are so many places to buy used gear, whether you visit your local second-hand store or shop online using Facebook Marketplace or eBay. With that being said, always do your homework beforehand to know who you're buying from and if they have a good reputation.
The more you know about a seller, the better you can trust them. It's essential to judge their reputation. Be cautious if you can't find any information or reviews about them.
2. Look Out for Any Damage Inside and Out
Before you do anything else, do a general visual inspection of the lens. Look out for severe scratches and dents, as this will tell you a lot about whether the seller has looked after the lens or not.
If the scratches are minor on the outer casing, then there's nothing to stress over. A camera lens is well-built, and a few tiny marks don't mean that you should overlook it.
On the other hand, if the seller has dropped or abused the camera, there will be damage to the glass, and it won't work properly. To spot any visual evidence of this, look out for dents and uneven edges.
3. Examine the Lens' Optical Condition
Once you've visually inspected the camera lens, it's time to test its optical condition. To do this, shine some light on the lens so that you can see through it. This step will help you see any possible flaws between the optical elements.
Be on the lookout for large collections of fungus or mold growth. Minor dust or dirt isn't serious, but larger clusters could mean it needs professional cleaning.
If you're looking to buy a vintage camera lens, this is something important you need to be aware of. Older lenses are more susceptible to fungus growth, and therefore, if you find anything seriously wrong with the lens, stay away or ask for a much lower price.
4. Check the Lens' Aperture Blades
People often tend to overlook this, but checking the aperture blades is extremely important. To test the aperture blades, you'll need to attach them to a camera body, then open and close them.
Before attaching them to your camera, visually inspect them for any damage. Afterward, use your hand to open and close the aperture blades manually. There should be no delay when they're opening and closing.
If at any point the aperture blades feel like they're not moving smoothly enough, walk away and find a camera lens that's in better working condition.
5. Take Some Test Shots With the Lens
Don't skimp or feel embarrassed about testing the camera lens before buying it. You need to be careful not to avoid taking this step because you're going to be throwing away money if you buy a pre-owned lens that doesn't work.
Always bring your camera along with you and attach the lens and test it meticulously. Don't take one or two simple photographs; shoot multiple shots and capture a range of different things. Do whatever you need to do to ensure everything works as you would like.
If the seller doesn't allow you to take test shots with the lens before buying it, they're probably hiding something. At this point, it's best to move on to a more trustworthy seller.
6. Check the Focus of Lens
While you're busy taking test shots, you'll want to make sure to examine the focus. Shoot a few photos at different focal points and distances.
If you hear strange sounds coming from the focusing motor when you're shooting, this means it's going to break down soon. Next, switch it to manual mode and then use your hand to adjust the focus ring.
If the ring makes any grating noise or feels almost like there's sand stuck in it, this is another sign that there are possible problems. A loud focusing motor doesn't necessarily mean it's damaged. However, crackling noises are something to be wary of.
7. Always Ask the Seller Why
One of the most important tips to remember when buying a used camera lens is to start by asking, "Why are you selling the lens?" There is a range of valid reasons they could give you, like they're not using the lens anymore, or they've simply upgraded to a different camera.
The number one warning sign to look out for is if they lack a genuine reason for selling the lens. This could mean that the camera lens has a serious problem, and they're hiding it. Steer clear of these sellers to avoid buying a dud.
Don't Go Wrong When You're Buying a Used Camera Lens
It's exciting to buy a brand-new camera lens, but it's not exactly cheap. Don't make the mistake of glancing over second-hand camera lenses because you're under the impression that they won't work as well.
Remember that camera lenses are strong and made to last, so because they're pre-owned doesn't mean they're worthless. If you use these tips and take the correct precautions, you'll be on your way to owning a high-quality used camera lens that'll last you for years to come.