What happens to returned "L" lenses? Open box?

I'm buying a new 24-105 L IS lens this week from one of the major online camera shops (IE Beach Camera, B&H photo, Abes, etc.) and was wondering how you can tell if the box has been opened and if the lens is a return or not? I know there are no seals on the box, so how can I be sure this isn't a bad return lens that's been carefully packed back up and sent out to me?

What do they usually do with returns like this? I know with the rebates that lens sales are higher right now, so the possibility of them re-selling a lens as opposed to returning it to Canon because of low inventory may be a possibility, but is this just me being paranoid about buying an expensive "L" Lens and being stuck with a lemon. Don't get me wrong, I plan on testing the lens out, but I'm just an amatuer and can't be 100% sure I'm checking everything correctly. I just want a NIB lens like I paid for.

Any comments or feedback is appreciated!! I plan on testing my lens in Sedona AZ a few days after I get it, so the oppurtunity will be there to give it a workout....

In my expereince of three new recent lenses, boxes aren't sealed and the plastic bag that the lens is in is not taped, so they don't even make an effort to seal the lens.

This might well be deliberate because I suspect quite a few lenses are exchanged and they would want to resell those rahter than have them returned to Canon.

I bought many gears from Canada and US, none of them had any seal on the box or tape on the plastic bag I believe Canon does not put any seal on the boxes, so I guess there is no way to know if it has been opened or not.

There are no seals from the factory.

Look for obvious signs; the plastic bag is more crinkled than it should be, there's fingerprints all over the lens or dust, the warranty card is folded twice, etc.

If you are not sure how to test the IQ, or any other factor of a lens, you are throwing your money away on an L. You're better off saving the cash, buy a consumer grade lens and practicing with it for 2 - 4 years. Learn to shoot, learn about trigger control, breathing control, body position, and get overly familiar with your camera.

Play with a slow telephoto and a cheap fast prime ... play with them for two years or more. The slow telephoto will teach you to steady your shots in lower-light conditions. The fast prime will teach you about depth of field. Once you've done all of this ... now look into investing real money in this hobby.

If you want to blow thousands of dollars now to help you get a better picture you are more than welcome to do so. But keep in mind that doing so will teach you to rely on your equipment for a better picture and will keep you from learning the techniques that separate the snap-shooter from the photog. That trend runs rampid around here ... don't fall into it.

My $0.03

Bill

like said before, there's no way to be certain that it's not a return object.

and the seal not being there has a purpose, what if you want to try a lens in a shop before you buy it? than the sales would have to break the seal and when you don't take it he would not be able to sell it as new.

My normal supplier claims all lenses are direct from Canon, possibly true but no way to check if the item is in stock and there is no wait.

If you're happy with the lens does it really matter if it works and looks like new ?
If you're not happy with it just return it.

Taken from Khalil Gibran's writtings:

And what is fear of need but need itself?

Is not dread of thirst when your well is full, the thirst that is unquenchable?

In fact, Khalil Gibran wrote words which could be turned into a sticky on this forum:
" Most people who ask for advice from others have already resolved to act as it pleases them."

There are a couple of places you can find clues. These box lids are constructed so that it is nearly impossible to open them without creasing the finish on the box and especially on the little tabs on the ends of the last fold on the lid. So, before you open the box, take a close look at all surfaces surrounding both lids (top and bottom). If you see excessive fingerprints, folded cardboard, etc, then you have a clue.

But, like Panza said, "If you're happy with the lens does it really matter if it works and looks like new ?"

Scott_Quier wrote in post #2195418
But, like Panza said, "If you're happy with the lens does it really matter if it works and looks like new ?"

Ohhhhh I dunno... because you can buy used for 10-20% less on here, FM, eBay etc?

...but you're right... in the end, happiness is all that really matters (ya bunch of hippies!)

Bill Ng wrote in post #2190107
If you are not sure how to test the IQ, or any other factor of a lens, you are throwing your money away on an L. You're better off saving the cash, buy a consumer grade lens and practicing with it for 2 - 4 years. Learn to shoot, learn about trigger control, breathing control, body position, and get overly familiar with your camera.

Play with a slow telephoto and a cheap fast prime ... play with them for two years or more. The slow telephoto will teach you to steady your shots in lower-light conditions. The fast prime will teach you about depth of field. Once you've done all of this ... now look into investing real money in this hobby.

If you want to blow thousands of dollars now to help you get a better picture you are more than welcome to do so. But keep in mind that doing so will teach you to rely on your equipment for a better picture and will keep you from learning the techniques that separate the snap-shooter from the photog. That trend runs rampid around here ... don't fall into it.

My $0.03

Bill

The only trouble with this philosophy is you will have spent a great deal more money in the long run. If you are sure you are going to progress to the point of needing an "L" lens or a very fast lens than go ahead and get what you will eventually need.

My 2 cents
Hugh

I just bought the sigma 17-70. Came in last night. Order it from B&H photo. I was disappointed in the shipping box they shipped the lens in. It did not have a lot cushion. Looks like the lens could move around a lot. I order a canon 50mm f1.8 from compusa, since I got discounts there. It came in two days, In a really protect covering and a really big box fill with those air cushion everywhere. Yeah you cant tell if it been open or used on either lens I got.

If you can't make the basic assumption that your seller is honest - you should be buying from someone else. too much suspicion in this world as it is.