help, lens with no date code

I'm looking a used lens, but it doesn't have a date code on it. There is a number engraved on it "47800651". The lens is an 85mm f1.8. Is there a way to tell the age of this lens?

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Is age really of any importance as long it functions properly?

There's no date code on non-L lenses.

Tawcan wrote in post #9396577
There's no date code on non-L lenses.

This.

i walked into the forum and though that it'd be the 85 1.8 or the 50 1.4. low and behold, it is! yay!

there is no way to tell the age. just shoot with it, and decide for yourself if its worth your money. some of my lenses are dated from 2006. my criteria is that if it sharp, and produces the results i want, then its a definite keeper.

Old non-L Canon Lenses also have date code. My 50mm 2.5 CM has UKXXXX.

Tawcan wrote in post #9396577
There's no date code on non-L lenses.

There are many non-L lenses with date codes. The 85/1.8 just isn't one of them.

ValkyrieLenneth wrote in post #9396920
Old non-L Canon Lenses also have date code. My 50mm 2.5 CM has UKXXXX.

Modern ones too, like the 35/2 and the MP-E 65.

Thanks for all the replies. i was curious because I see that question all the time in the Sell forum.

I'm meeting the guy this weekend to check out the lens in person. It's a good price and no shipping. Hopefully I'll be the new owner this weekend!

That 85mm f/1.8 is an excellent lens, especially given the cost. Hopefully, it works out.

85 1.8 doesn't have date code as you know by now.

I didn't have a date code no my 50mm f1.4. I guess there is none on non-Ls.

I'm meeting the guy tomorrow morning. I actually spent an hour talking to him about lenses. It seems this guy has owned just about every lens ever made. Seems like a really nice guy. I expect the lens to be in stellar condition.

My 24/2.8 had a date code. I think it was a UU so not that old.

50mm f/1.8 MkI = Date code