Canon L lens without a date code??

Hello all,

I have a quick question in regards to date codes on Canon L lenses. I am looking to purchase a 24-105L lens that was apart of a 5D mark3 kit from someone on craigslist.

I had asked for the date code on the lens and he claims that this lens does not have the usual UR0902 date code on the bottom of the lens, but rather a 7 digit serial number.

Has anyone encountered an L lens with no date code? I am just trying to make sure the lens is authentic.

Thanks for your help.

These might help shed a little light...no pun intended.

http://petapixel.com …ons-new-10-digit-serials/

http://www.the-digital-picture.com …ses/Canon-Lens-Aging.aspx

I bought that lens in '06. Mine does not have the code, either, just serial number.

This link may offer some insight to the codes.

My 24-105 from a 5D3 kit was date code UAxxxx. Before I picked mine up, every other 24-105 I saw had a date code. If they have changed it, it is a very recent change. Does the seller know that the code is on the back of the lens and not the bottom? I would just ask him to take a photo of the mount end for you.

As to not having a date code from an 06 lens, is it possible that perhaps the mount or rear assembly was replaced?

Why are you all so much looking at the date codes and evaluating the production time?

I mean if it works flawless be happy or do i miss something?

The older, the less it fetches...

Some L lenses don't have date codes like the 70-200 II, etc

davidfarina wrote in post #16687294
Why are you all so much looking at the date codes and evaluating the production time?

I mean if it works flawless be happy or do i miss something?

There are some lenses which can wear and require service as they age. The 24-70 MK1 for example is one such lens. Other times people just want to make sure they are getting the newest lens for their dollar. It is quite possible that a lens of the same model will have updated parts in them vs one that is 10 years old. Manufacturing does change.

As to the date coes, if someone claims they bought their lens new a year back, but the date code indicates the lens was made 4 years back, you may want to do a little investigation before sending off your $$$.