7 Things to Check For When Buying Used Lenses 

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

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.

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!

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

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

Thank you so much for this video!! Tomorrow, I'm going to inspect a used Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 lens I consider to replace my little Canon Kit lens with and a list with things to look out for when buying a used lens comes in very useful. Best regards.

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.

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

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

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.

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

super super helpful! Thank you so much

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.

Very helpful video ,thank you.

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 🤷‍♂️

Thank you, very informative!

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

Great vid man, thank you. You've got a great voice btw.

This is INCREDIBLY HELPFUL

You are fantastic! So clear. BUying new is best

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

Excellent video!

very very helpful, thanks

thanks. great info

Great! Thank you!

Good video man!! Hello from Sri Lanka!

Top 5 tips for me coz never have and never will use non-manual lenses lol. Extremely helpful video

Very good video.

this was so helpfull thank you

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

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

very useful tips

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.

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

This was fun ✌️📸 its what I do for a living...

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!

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

Bro you the man lah!

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 :)

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

Thank you sir

Great video :-)

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.

Thanks I particularly like the bokeh balls test to see if there's fungus, good stuff👍

thx!

Yes very nice video

Is it ok if a used lens makes some wiggly wiggly clank clank noises from the inside when we shake the lens?? Everything works well nut there is just tht small lil noise when you shake and move the 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

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

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.

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

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

Very useful..thanks a lot. Tomorrow I am going to buy a expensive used lens..

great video sir!

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.

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

Just save and buy new when you can. Relieve yourself of all headaches...

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 😁

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

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

I wish I knew this before I bought a used lens 2 years ago

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??

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.

This guy, ZY Productions, has been making videos for about 10 years now. His net worth is listed as $100,000 to $1 million USD. Not bad!

💥No mention about checking for chromatic aberration?

Check if there any front or back focusing problems too

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

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

Is it a bad idea to buy a used lens that’s 5 years old? User claims not to have used it often.

You did not mention IS system check.

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.

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

you forgot to test for decentering

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

Kai's little brother?

As long as it’s cheap…. I am buying…

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

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

IRON YOUR SHIRT!

why you buy plastic secondhand lens? while you can buy a $25 vintage lens, made from metal i know it's modern lens has auto focus, i.s etc but sometimes vintage lens perform more better than some plastic modern lens

I love your hairs but its sad you are loosing it 😯

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!

Super helpful thank you very much!