Buying Used Camera Lens, I Need Advice Please
I found a Nikkor VR 55-200 camera lens, on Craigslist for $130, and I'm going to look at it tomorrow from the guy selling it. What should I look for when I look at it to make sure that it's in good condition? Other than the obvious of; no scratches and dings on the lens.
Note; I'm bringing my camera so that I can try it out.
Make sure it focuses accurately.
Also look at the corner sharpness of the lens (use the magnification feature of your camera display).
Make sure there's no oil deposits on the aperture diaphragm.
Check for fungus, and other lens issues.
Everything - zoom ring and focus ring - should be smooth and have no binding.
When handed to you, inspect for dust and fungi. Before mounting, zoom it out then shake it. If the zoom creeps then that's not good. Mount it in your camera and try to take a picture at different focal lengths. The zoom should hold and autofocus should be responsive. Test it too in manual focus. Don't forget to test VR on and off then compare if VR indeed works. It is VR after all that makes this lens quite attractive.
My check list:
1.chat a bit with the seller, find out why it's being sold
2. Look at the exterior, some useage marks on the zoom ring are normal. Excessive wear on a lens that the seller claims "was hardly used" is suspicious as is no wear on a lens that was used daily.
3. Look at the front element for damage
4.look at the rear for damage
5.hold lens up (bring a small flashlight if you got one) and check for excessive dust (some dust is normal) and fungus (early stages look like scale on a bathroom or car mirror. A new lens like that shouldn't have fungus but check just in case)
6.move the aperture lever to closed, look at the blades, there shouldn't be any visible lubricant
7. Let go of the lever, the aperture should snap open.
Only if it passes these check do I mount a lens to test.
If at any stage you get a funny feeling make an excuse and walk away from the deal!
I'd advice you to practice this on your lens at home.