Need urgent advice

Hello friends, after searching long time for Canon 35mm 1.4L I found this guy selling his Lens for $1100. He would not go less then that. According to him he is the first owner of the lens and the date code is UU. Tomorrow I am going to meet him and take a first look at the lens. Two questions. 1) is it worth paying $1100 for five year old lens? (according to him its in pristine condition. 2) What should I look for when I inspect the lens? These L lenses seldom come by used in Dubai and I can’t afford to pay for new one. Million thanks in advance.
KK

Do you use a crop camera or full frame?

Velorium wrote in post #12371184
Do you use a crop camera or full frame?

Unfortunately I use crop 60D. But investing in L because I want to go full frame soon.

I wouldn't say that's unfortunate at all.

Unless you plan on going full frame within the next six months, I'd get a Sigma 30mm instead. It's cheaper and it's legitimately very close to the 35L in terms of sharpness on crop cameras.

Velorium wrote in post #12371223
I wouldn't say that's unfortunate at all.

Unless you plan on going full frame within the next six months, I'd get a Sigma 30mm instead. It's cheaper and it's legitimately very close to the 35L in terms of sharpness on crop cameras.

Vel thanks for your input, could you please tell me what flaws I should look for in the used lens?

I'll second the Sigma 30 for crop bodies. Gets you 90% of the L's quality for a couple hundred, and you can sell it for almost all of what you bought it for when/if you move.

Same things you would in a new lens, checking if the auto focus works correctly and there aren't any scratches on the glass. The difference with expectations of used lenses in my opinion is that a few scuffs (they don't always indicate a drop) and some dust is acceptable.

Velorium wrote in post #12371330
Same things you would in a new lens, checking if the auto focus works correctly and there aren't any scratches on the glass. The difference with expectations of used lenses in my opinion is that a few scuffs (they don't always indicate a drop) and some dust is acceptable.

Thanks Vel,

Lenses don't expire.

Kammiqazi wrote in post #12371472
Thanks Vel,

You bet.

sbattey wrote in post #12371546
Lenses don't expire.

This is true, at least with this lens. I've seen older copies take $1,400 on fleabay...it really depends on what condition it's in. Most pros don't care about aesthetic things like age, as long as the glass and functions are still good.

That sounds very reasonable given the recent price increases.

You'll save about $400 than buying new, so if it's in good condition - why not?

Also, the lens may be manufactured 5 years ago, but when did the guy buy it? It may have been in the box at the store for the first 4 years You should concern yourself with the date code only if there is a known issue with a batch of lenses, but as sbattey said - they don't expire

Since you're meeting in person, take your camera and try the lens. If you have a laptop, try looking at the images on it to make sure there are no problems with the images. I've had mine for 4 years and it is in pristine condition too, so it's not unreasonable for a 5 year old lens to also be in that condition.

Good luck and hope everything works out for you. You'll love the lens.

All good advice. I bought two lens from a CL seller today. I met him in a public place. I took my Camera, IPad, and a flash light. First I did a external inspection to make sure there no visible damage Checked the date code and glass element for any scratches or haze (fungus). Then I tried with my camera. Several shots to make sure it is focussing correctly and couple of overblown shot. Make sure that focus ring is smooth and working as it should. I loaded the picture into Ipad and inspected the pictures for any issue.

Good luck.