Date code on lens? Is this new??

Hi,

Ok, I'm not sure if I'm just being overly worried, but need some feedback from others more experienced in buying lenses from people. I'm about to purchase a 24-105L lens from someone on Craigslist. He says he bought the lens in late 2008 or early 2009 - can't recall. The date code is UV1212, which I believe means it was manufatured in Dec of 2007. Ok, here's my question. He said he bought it new (has blank warranty card). I guess I would have thought that if he bought it in Dec of 2008 or Jan of 2009ish, that it would have been manufactured sometime in 2008, closer to the date he bought it.

Ok, tell me I'm too paranoid or something.... I think I just need a bit of reassurance that this is entirely plausible for new lenses to be manufactured 8-12 months prior than the purchase date. Buy the way, he bought it from Amazon.

Can I get some feedback on this one? Thx again everyone. You've been great so far to this rookie!

Not a good example, but its like buying expired food from the grocery store. Sometimes it just takes a while for it to make it on the shelf. The blank warranty means alot and is a great reason to consider the lens.

I don't get the obsession with date code. It's just a date FYI only, and there isn't a guarantee that a more recently manufactured lens is better than the older, same model. Especially if it's used. I'd rather buy an older, well kept car than a 2008 rental.

But to answer your question, the lens could have sat in the warehouse for a while before it's sold.

(and lens IQ doesn't expire. Yeah, warranty does, but in this case, it's expired anyway).

if its craigslist then its local....just bring your camera with you and snap some pics

I wouldn't worry about it. If the lens works as desired, the manufacuture date isn't really that important IMO.