7 Things to Check For When Buying Used Lenses

hello sir.. i just want to ask.. I bumped mine on a window (hard wood) while filming.. didn't know there was a frame over there since I was moving while filming.. it bumped really hard (lens not zoomed though, I'm at 18 mm).. how to check if the lens was actually damage?

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

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.

super super helpful! Thank you so much

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.

Bro you the man lah!

Can you find out by looking through it to if the focus works?

Thanks for the info! Is there any evidence if the lens was exposed to smoke? Tobacco/vape anything like that

Excellent video!

Thanks for the tips about to purchase canon ef 24-105 f4l lens

thx!

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.

Thank you sir

Such an useful and concise video with 75k views so far but only 2.7k likes 🫣 WTF! You deserve way more mate! Thank you, this is such a great contribution!

💥No mention about checking for chromatic aberration?

Check if there any front or back focusing problems too

Light haze may not be a deal breaker. Snap a few stills test optical clarity.

i have a nikon d750 and a tamron 24-70 f2.8 G1 and sometimes i have problems with focusing with live view i get e red box when i try to focus but it works perfectly with the viewfinder i did already the update to the camera but the problem persist any solution please

my memories are trapped inside the lens and i cannot extract them !

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

Can lens with fungus spread across the camera sensor? I have a vintage lens and i noticed it has like a small lines/fungus inside the lens. Thanksnfor the answers

As long as it’s cheap…. I am buying…

Good info, thanks! I am normally a new lens and camera buyer, but have found local in good shape a couple of times and purchase after testing.

Also straight to the point and clear video, hats off!

Im a noob and would probably just buy it without even checking it, youre a life saver man!

This is INCREDIBLY HELPFUL

Dust is okay, it’s hard to get a lens without dust.

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

What is it you refer to as Boca shot ? Not sure if I've got the word right ...

Is there any problem in the mechanism if we shake the lense and it sounds something moving inside?

I really like your work. Thank you. Are you in KL?

This is an awesome video. We're in Malaysia as well. Do you know where would be a good place to sell used Camera equipment? Thanks!

very very helpful, thanks

Thank you, very informative!

this was so helpfull thank you

I dropped my sigma 85mm and it damaged the rear mount and barrel.
I sent it in for an estimate, I was quoted 475.00
Brand new it’s $1100 and I think I have a $250 deductible. Do you think it’s worth having it fixed as I am a wedding photographer and I really can’t take a chance of it messing up??

Thanks, you did not point out actual fungus on the front and rear elements. Maybe your lenses don't have that problem

I’m getting a Nikon setup 3 lenses and d780, the total is 8000 (new) so I’m planning on buying the camera new still but all 3 lenses used.

I bought two Canon EF lenses: 24-105mm. One was the STM, one was the L lens. The STM lens had scratches on it so I'm sending it back, however I've run all kinds of rigorous comparison tests, and although the L lens looks devoid of defects, it isn't as tac sharp as the STM lens from f5.6 to f8. I have cleaned both lenses and can only conclude that either my L lens copy isn't great, or they are just over hyped and I wasted my money being a snob.

IRON YOUR SHIRT!

hello, how to check the lens coating is still in good condition?

Do you ever test for decentering of lens elements using a star chart? I'm told that's a good idea.

so if you buying from ebay how can you heck all this?

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

Great vid man, thank you.

You've got a great voice btw.

I'm an idiot for not checking number one. I thought it was just dust and trusted him when he said that there where no marks but it was permanent marks and the guy later told me that "he didn't know" but I'm certain he was well aware of it. He used a photo of the lens that had a bright glare right at the spot that it was broken.

Great video man. Thank you so much. 🖤 Appreciate it 👏

You are fantastic! So clear. BUying new is best

Great video. You can check dust by cranking up the aperture