How to Avoid Used Lens Sales
When you’re shopping for a new lens, it’s important to do your homework. After all, a lens that’s not what you want or doesn’t work as expected can cost you big money. Whether you’re buying at your local camera store, through an online marketplace or from a private seller, there are plenty of steps to take to make sure you’re not getting ripped off.중고렌즈판매
The first step is to do your research – both online and off. Check out reviews of the lens you’re considering, as well as the seller’s reputation. Look for a positive feedback history and avoid sellers with negative comments. If possible, try out the lens in person – especially if it’s only available for purchase in-person. A face-to-face interaction can help you gauge the seller’s demeanor, and if they’re nervous or only interested in selling their lens, it could be a red flag that something is wrong.
Also, it’s a good idea to ask the seller why they’re selling the lens. While a simple answer (i.e. moving to a different system) can be completely legitimate, it’s worth a follow-up question or two to make sure the seller isn’t trying to hide something.
Next, unpack the lens and examine it for dirt, smudges and scratches. A bit of wear and tear is to be expected, but if the lens has dents or dings, that’s a huge red flag that the lens was dropped or otherwise handled roughly during its shipping. The lens should also match the seller’s grading description. Different sellers have different grading systems, so familiarize yourself with their scale before making a purchase.
It should go without saying, but it’s worth a mention anyway: Never buy a used lens that has a fungus or mold on it. Even if the fungus or mold is just in early stages and hasn’t spread, it can damage your camera and ruin other lenses that you mount to it.
If you’re looking for a specific type of lens and have some time to search, you can often find great deals on lens used from websites that specialize in cameras and related gear. For example, Lensfinder focuses on just lenses and is a membership-based site that weeds out questionable buyers and sellers. It’s not the most extensive site, but it’s easy to navigate and has a good selection of used lenses.
Another great resource is Roberts Camera, which offers a variety of used lenses, with a number of filters to sort through and a detailed description of each. You can even check out the grading system, which goes from “Like New” to “Ugly,” although I have found that their “bargain” grade is actually quite comparable to many eBay or classifieds sellers’ “Excellent++” or “Near Mint” grades.럭키카메라