7 Things to Check For When Buying Used Lenses

A checklist of points to inspect when buying used lenses - just sharing the exact process I personally use!
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[jianerntang]

Remember to check if image stabilisation is working, the way I check is put it in video mode and watch those tiny shake

[MarioSoMedia]

I'm all about buying used lenses as long as they work lol. I always get a little nervous but I have bought 4 lenses used and I haven't had issues. Thanks for the video!

[KWSWAG]

You are legit one of the most underrated youtubers. Your contents are so good.

[smith]

Another potential side effect of dropping a lens is that individual elements could be de-centered or misaligned.
I’m always fascinated by all the engineering that goes into optics because, after all, lenses are fine-tuned precision instruments.

[christofott]

5:56 Please please please bring your own camera on which you are planning to use the lens on. I've seen and bought many lenses that were faulty with one camera but behaved perfectly fine on the other. Even on two exact same camera models I had a lens acting different. Don't ask how, because I don't have a clue either :-/ .
Also make sure to check the autofocus of a lens both in Live-View mode and while looking through the viewfinder. My Sigma 150-500mm did focus correctly through the viewfinder but not when using Live-View. This problem only occurs with newer Nikon cameras, so this lens worked on the body the seller was using, that's a great example why you should bring your own camera.

[busabayashi]

GREAT video, VERY helpful, thanks ZY Cheng for taking the time to show us how to buy a used lens, really needed this help!

[SniperPhotography]

Just purchased a Canon 17 40mm F4 second hand.Went through the 7 steps and the lens was in fantastic condition.Used twice by the seller.Cost for me was half price.Great video.Thank you.

[max_larum]

super super helpful! Thank you so much

[timelinefilmsweddingevents]

Hi good one. Just like to mention I normally check the screws on the back of lens too. If it was removed before you might see the screw driver mark inside the tinny nut. There are some technicians might replace the brand new nuts but better to check.

[IkeseSanJG]

I sometimes was thinking what the hell did the previous owner do to their lenses lol like i had my 85mm 1.2 bought it from 2010 it still looks fresh n new *perhaps i dont do wildlife photography i guess 🤷‍♂️

[manardowidar]

ok that video is legit, one of the best out there to refer back to when buying a used lens

[greeiny]

Thank you for the idea of how to see fungus or dust using a light spot in bokeh!

[seanchang]

Thanks for the video ZY, it's very helpful!
BTW, I am from Malaysia as well!
Stay safe in this critical moment 🙏

[omegaman]

I always throughly check the lenses. I even do test charts. So far I haven’t had problems on lenses. I am surprised how perfect of a condition are some lenses that are over 20 years old.

[beachbum]

As ever a very comprehensive insight - Thank you :) I'm already subscribed, but to newbies; This guys exceptional, please consider hitting that little bell so you get email advises of new vids' very well worth it :)

[porkchops-tube]

Absolutely fantastic video, armed me with the knowledge I needed and very, very fast at that. Thank you!

[samgrieg]

All great points. You missed one, hazing. Just by looking straight through the lens into bright source of light wont always reveal it unless it's obviously fogged up. Looking down into the barrel, let the light reflect off the front and rear elements at an angle, and it could be noticed then, if it's there. From personal experience 😁

[fookenny]

do check for the weather seal gasket/rubber on the back of the lens that will be in contact with DSLR body

[uuuxxx]

Great video. In general, for me I've found used lenses to not be worth it. There is usually some problem with the lens and you may not discover it until it's too late.

[olafzijnbuis]

With Canon lenses select the smallest aperture (like 22) and actuate the aperture repeatedly with the preview button on the camera WHILE ZOOMING IN AND OUT.
Observe that the aperture closes and opens.
The aperture control uses a flex cable that can break. You then get an Error 01 I believe.
This may only happen in a certain zoom position.