Reg. lens IQ check when buying in used market???

gut1kor · 08-16-2012, 12:24 AM

Hello Together,

I want some suggestions. A bought a couple of lenses used over Amazon a year back which are over 300$.
Though they are not terribly bad performers, upon using similar first hand lenses of other Pentaxians it was clear that my used lenses are definitely inferior in image quality. This made me doubt that the used lenses may not be good performers and thats why they are sold off.

As many of you are frequently buying used lenses, did you ever come across such issue? How do you make sure that the used lens you are buying is a good copy instead?

Cheers
Guna

Docrwm · 08-16-2012, 04:26 AM

I posted a caution about Amazon Warehouse and returned lenses. I returned a decentered lens, shipping box was truly mangled by UPS, and a "used" copy showed up as " like new" several days later. Sometimes things are returned for a good reason. I doubt that the returns department is equipped to test K-mount lenses, they probably just do a visual inspection.

loco · 08-16-2012, 06:22 AM

I got a bad DA 15 from Amazon Warehouse. At least with Amazon, you have that great return policy. LOL!

Anyway, it's certainly no harm to try them out since you can always send them back, but I'd agree there's a good chance there might be a problem with those used/returned items.

I am a bit cautious buying used lenses. I like to buy from someone I trust or at least some place that will allow me to try it and accept a return if there is a problem. Having said that, I've been very lucky so far with used lens purchases.

**jatrax** · 08-16-2012, 07:20 AM

Here is a link to an article on used lenses https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-lens-articles/59245-pawnshop-lense...ers-guide.html that's geared more toward very used lenses though.

On used modern lenses, it is important to test thoroughly as soon as you get it. If off ebay you usually have a short window to return, Amazon and other marketplaces may be a little longer.

Set up a controlled environment test, tripod, known lighting and known target and take shots at various apertures. I also take a sequence on outdoor targets that I use all the time, fence post, flower bed, storage shed that show particular features that I can compare to the same shot with other lenses.

gut1kor · 08-16-2012, 08:31 AM

Thanks guys... so I am not alone on this front.

Cheers
Guna

calculator01 · 08-16-2012, 10:36 PM

I have only bought used lenses from reputable camera stores that test and offer warranties.

I dread buying anything used. I am just about confident enough to start buying from the PF marketplace... Almost.

I treat my stuff with tender love and care. Anytime I see a used lens, I think off all the lens and bodies I have seen drop, bumped into things, fingers on glass, etc.... Then I think of the peace of mind that comes with paying a few hundred dollars more for brand new

08-16-2012, 12:24 AM	#1
gut1kor Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bangalore Photos: Albums Posts: 176	Reg. lens IQ check when buying in used market??? Hello Together, I want some suggestions. A bought a couple of lenses used over Amazon a year back which are over 300$. Though they are not terribly bad performers, upon using similar first hand lenses of other Pentaxians it was clear that my used lenses are definitely inferior in image quality. This made me doubt that the used lenses may not be good performers and thats why they are sold off. As many of you are frequently buying used lenses, did you ever come across such issue? How do you make sure that the used lens you are buying is a good copy instead? Cheers Guna

08-16-2012, 04:26 AM	#2
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	I posted a caution about Amazon Warehouse and returned lenses. I returned a decentered lens, shipping box was truly mangled by UPS, and a "used" copy showed up as " like new" several days later. Sometimes things are returned for a good reason. I doubt that the returns department is equipped to test K-mount lenses, they probably just do a visual inspection. Last edited by Docrwm; 08-16-2012 at 06:34 AM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
In market for walkaround lens	didadi	Pentax K-5 & K-5 II	16	08-03-2012 09:20 PM
Dropped lens - What should I check for?	hagiri_11	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	6	09-19-2011 10:33 AM
Lens Baby - A Reality Check	germar	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	23	02-08-2011 07:48 PM
When did the market fall out of the manual lens market	GregK8	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	34	01-20-2011 08:48 PM
What to check when buying used Flash	inuafrj	Flashes, Lighting, and Studio	6	12-20-2008 08:19 PM

08-16-2012, 06:22 AM	#3
loco Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Virginia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,846	I got a bad DA 15 from Amazon Warehouse. At least with Amazon, you have that great return policy. LOL! Anyway, it's certainly no harm to try them out since you can always send them back, but I'd agree there's a good chance there might be a problem with those used/returned items. I am a bit cautious buying used lenses. I like to buy from someone I trust or at least some place that will allow me to try it and accept a return if there is a problem. Having said that, I've been very lucky so far with used lens purchases.

08-16-2012, 07:20 AM	#4
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Here is a link to an article on used lenses https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-lens-articles/59245-pawnshop-lense...ers-guide.html that's geared more toward very used lenses though. On used modern lenses, it is important to test thoroughly as soon as you get it. If off ebay you usually have a short window to return, Amazon and other marketplaces may be a little longer. Set up a controlled environment test, tripod, known lighting and known target and take shots at various apertures. I also take a sequence on outdoor targets that I use all the time, fence post, flower bed, storage shed that show particular features that I can compare to the same shot with other lenses.

08-16-2012, 08:31 AM	#5
gut1kor Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bangalore Photos: Albums Posts: 176 Original Poster	Thanks guys... so I am not alone on this front. Cheers Guna

08-16-2012, 10:36 PM	#6
calculator01 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Photos: Albums Posts: 817	I have only bought used lenses from reputable camera stores that test and offer warranties. I dread buying anything used. I am just about confident enough to start buying from the PF marketplace... Almost. I treat my stuff with tender love and care. Anytime I see a used lens, I think off all the lens and bodies I have seen drop, bumped into things, fingers on glass, etc.... Then I think of the peace of mind that comes with paying a few hundred dollars more for brand new