Buying Tamron 2nd Hand

Hey

I'm meeting somebody tomorrow to buy a Tamron 55-200mm (F4-5.6).

The lens is advertised as 'Never Used', which doesn't bother me, I will be able to tell just by looking at it on the outside.

What I would like to know about is what kind of quick tests I can do to check that it isn't a really bad copy etc? I'm taking my 400D body and will be hoping to get some time to check its all ok (won't be buying otherwise).

Thanks

Chris

Nothing in an hour?

What about opinions? (of the lens) Everybody loves sharing those?

Test it like any lens, shoot some photos at different focal lengths, different apertures, make sure aperture blades don't stick, make sure af locks reasonably. Bring a laptop if you want to pixel peep.

I don't know how to test lenses, other than going out and taking photographs with it. I suspect that if a lens is no good, you will know right away. I bought a Sigma 70-300mm (APO version) once, went out, took 200 shots, came back home, saw the results and sent it right back. Then I got the Tamron 55-200, went out, shot lots of photographs, came home, saw the results and knew this was a good lens. After using it a year I can say that although it has its flaws in the mechanical department, optically it is very good. Take a look at the Tamron 55-200mm thread in the Lens Sample section. I just updated (coincidence) that thread with a few recent shots. I will post some more later.

Thanks guys. I was going to give it a few shots at different focal lengths + apatures etc, just wanted to see if there was any quick tests i could do to check for miss-focusing etc.

Away to pick it up now.

Without being able to view the results on a computer screen, you'll never tell how sharp or how well it focuses using the LCD on the back of your camera.

Bring a laptop, if you have one. If not, then you won't be able to tell unless the lens is really off.