Buying used lenses

What do you pay attention to and check when buying a used lens either in person or online?

I've never purchased used in person, but I would want to look at the overall lens condition, front and rear elements. I'd also want to try the lens on my camera body.

I always feel more comfortable if there are sample images, original box, warranty card, copy of receipt. Anything else you guys look for?

I've bought two lenses used online one from KEH and one from POTN classifieds. It depends where you purchase from, from KEH I didn't get any pictures of the lens, or any idea about if it was a sharp copy, but they are extremely conservative with their ratings so I trust their ratings. I got a fantastic deal, and the lens looked brand new. I would have been able to return it to them as well, had it not been what I was looking for.

When buying online from a personal seller, you're correct in wanting a picture of the rear and front elements, any blemishes on the body, and a few sample pictures so you can ensure there are no blatant defects/problems with the lens. Original box/warranty card aren't necessary in my opinion, but they are always appreciated.

In person, always try the lens out, make sure there is no mold growing inside of the lens, and that's about all I can think of.

In person check it for dust or any foreign matter on the elements. Put it on your camera check the zoom range so that its free of noise or obstruction. Make sure its autofocusing quickly and accurately as much as can be determined by the review screen (on the 5dII no problem). Obviously you cant do those things online so you have to have a degree of trust with the person you are dealing with, if you dont have it then just stop there because you arent cut out for that type of transaction and will always be second guessing yourself.

You do bring up on point that drove me nuts selling a used 70-200f4 on here. I was upfront that it was the second owner of the lens, but people kept asking about warranty cards and reciepts. I guaranteed it was in great shape and included the date code. What is the point in wanting an unfilled warranty card and receipt for a 4 year old lens?

Not to mention, if your not the original owner (with receipt), the warranty card is USELESS.

You need to prove to Canon that YOU bought the lens NEW from one their retails. Once it is second-hand, its worthless.

I've had good success buying here, it is a good community. Generally I ask for photos and ask for any auto focus issues.

I've bought all of me lens' used. Most of them from my local Craigslist. I've never had a problem selling them if I didn't like it, sometimes for a little profit.

gonzogolf wrote in post #9547637
What is the point in wanting an unfilled warranty card and receipt for a 4 year old lens?

Good question. I guess people assume that the newest lens with only one owner is going to be the best. But a lens can be excellent or problematic whether it's brand new or had multiple owners.

Invertalon wrote in post #9548043
Not to mention, if your not the original owner (with receipt), the warranty card is USELESS.

You need to prove to Canon that YOU bought the lens NEW from one their retails. Once it is second-hand, its worthless.

This is not necessarily true. I've sent in 1 camera body and 2 different lenses for calibration, and I've never supplied receipt or proof of purchase. Work was done without charge.

Invertalon wrote in post #9548043
Not to mention, if your not the original owner (with receipt), the warranty card is USELESS.

You need to prove to Canon that YOU bought the lens NEW from one their retails. Once it is second-hand, its worthless.

This isn't accurate. The warranty goes with the lens, not with the owner.

I own 2 L lenses that I wouldn't be able to afford if bought new. Both of these I've bought in person through Craigslist. I'm not comfortable buying sight unseen with no return policy. However, that being said if the price is right then anything's game. When buying the lens, I inspect it thoroughly to ensure that it is in like new condition. I bring my camera and computer and take several shots with the lens at various zooms and apertures. Then inspect the pics zooming in and making sure everything in the shots looks good.

Also, I only would consider the lens if the price is on the low side. When buying look at the owner. How their home is kept. Do they smoke. Are things clean, etc.

I've bought all my lenses new except for the MF lenses and, in the last couple of weeks,

A Canon 300f4 IS
Sigma 150 Macro.

Both are as new and are excellent copies (IQ and focus as they should).

The most I paid for either lens was 61% of the new price.

Both were purcahsed on FM (Fred Miranda) from sellers that have a track record of happy purchasers.

I would not even consider a lens that was $1000 more, new, unless it was selling for less than 80% of the new price, delivered. Less expensive lenses... I buy new. The savings, usually are $100 or so, often less. It would cost me more to send it to Canon for servicing, if required. I don't count on being lucky, usually.

All of my lenses are used from this board or FM. What I do is check on the seller. I look at a lot of their posts. I want to see if they complained about the lens not functioning correctly. I also want a feel for how serious the seller is about photography and how well they take care of their equipment.

I never buy from someone who only posts on the forums to sell. If they don't post on comment threads and try to add to the community on the board, then I am nervous about them. They are only dealers. Maybe their items are fine, but I would rather do business with another hobbyist.


All three of the lenses I have now (and three of the camera bodies I have owned) came from sellers who tried them out and were satisfied with them but want to raise funds to buy something else. I find that the serious hobbyist like myself takes remarkable care of their items.