How old of a lens would you buy?

I came across a deal for an L series lens for a great price and in great condition. No marks or scratches on the glass at all. The only thing holdign me back is that it is a "UJ" code which I believe was made in 1995. Any thoughts on this? Thanks...

The only problem with very old lenses is if it's discontinued, Canon won't service it. Other repair shops may or may not be able to fix problems.

If it's a current lens, and it works, who cares?

My 50 1.8 mark 1 is UC date code ( 1988 ) and works fine. My 100-400L is UM ( 1998 ) and is perfect.

I'd be more concerned with how much use the lens has seen, but I'm sure age of the lens has an affect especially in harsh (hot/cold/wet/dry) environments. It would be interesting to see if Canon publishes any kind of life-expectancy for lenses.

I have got lenses from the seventies that are still working better than some of the latest models

My non-usm 100 Macro stills works great.

I don't have a problem with buying older lenses, but I wouldn't pay 80-90% of current new prices for them.

the lens is an f2.8L 70-200 for $800... But I would need to actually use it and see how it performs i nthe conditions I would use it in. Motocross and Snow Skiing is where it would see the most action.

I've got a pair of "UJ" lenses and they both work great.

I bought one for 700$, and I think it was made in 1996 according to the date code. Its in perfect shape with no marks, I like mine alot.

If it's still the "current" model, or at least can still be serviced, then I think the date code is irrelevant. Barring some manufacturing error during a certain time period, I would buy a lens only based on it's condition, not it's age. I honestly have never even looked at a date code before buying a lens!

Does any one know if the non IS 70-200mm can still be serviced? If I had to guess I would think so, since it still a widely used and very popular lens.

jeffreynmandy wrote in post #9770680
Does any one know if the non IS 70-200mm can still be serviced? If I had to guess I would think so, since it still a widely used and very popular lens.

It's still in production so of course it can be serviced.

CheshireCat wrote:
I have got lenses from the seventies that are still working better than some of the latest models

Same here. No electronics or motors to go bad, and they're built to last for another 30+ years with reasonable care.

I am looking at the same lens! lol The 70-200 2.8 on craigslist? I was thinking about it too but for not much more you can get a MUCH NEWER one. And not much more than that, you can get a BRAND NEW one. You can get a brand new one right now for about $1200 after bing cashback. So you are basically saving 33% on a 15 year old lens... JMO

i would rather pay a little more for a used newer model than a extremely old one.