used lenses

[Mache62]

I am interested in a lens someone has for sale on Craig's list. I think he is asking a fair price but my question is this.....

What do I look for when inspecting the lens before purchase? Are there any tips you have other then looking at the obvious, like cracks banging, smooth movements, etc.

BTW, the lens is the Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM Autofocus Lens.

It lists on B&H for $375, he is asking $240.

TIA!

 

[jthao]

check it out, try it on your camera, and if it looks good and works good, you should be fine. also offer him $200, and if he doesn't take it, walk away. if he doesn't change his mind, and you really want it, then call him back and buy it at $240. :lol:

 

[Mache62]

Thanks jthao. T

That's pretty much what I was thinking but I'm always nervous about buying something used.

 

[drparker]

Make sure the focus motor works smoothly. Take some pictures of something with detail that will clearly show if focus is off, do this in wide and zoom focal lengths. If you find-out out later that focus is off, the cost of having the lens calibrated will make the total cost more expense than a new lens with a warranty.

Focus Testing

 

[Mache62]

Great site Doc! I printed out the focus sheet too.

We have the Tamran 28-300 zoom and I'm just not liking it at all. I am hoping this will be a nicer lens.

 

[BlueCorn]

That's not generally accepted as a very good lens. In general, the wider the range of the zoom the lower the quality. Here are some customer reviews on that lens:

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=11&sort=7&cat=27&page=2

 

[Mache62]

hmm, that's really surprising. It's almost the opposite of the reviews I read on B&H.

 

[BlueCorn]

It's a low end consumer grade lens. It's not going to perform much different, from an image quality standpoint, than what you have. I'm not trying to talk you out of it, just trying to set the appropriate expectations.

 

[Mache62]

oh no, I understand....if fact, that is exactly what I needed to know. If it's still going to be sluggish and not sharp then you're right....it's what I already have.

I am just looking for another lens that will suit me when we are out and I don't want to drag 2 or 3 lenses with me.

With that in mind what is your opinion of the EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM?

I also still plan on the 100mm macro as well but I think of that more in terms of tank use.

 

[BlueCorn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13017179#post13017179 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Mache62

With that in mind what is your opinion of the EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM?

Better ask someone else. :lol:

(many folks like it, I couldn't stand mine)

Take a look at the Tamron AF 24-135mm f/3.5-5.6 AD. It's reasonably priced and has fairly good reviews. I'm actually looking at picking one up for a backpacking lens.

 

[drparker]

I had one with my original Digital Rebel. It's a decent lens nothing great. What lenses do you already have? What are you looking for in this lens or what are you planning to shoot?

If you already have a short zoom like the kit lens, then I recommend saving up a little longer and getting the 70-200mm f/4, it's only 200 more and a much better lens.

 

[Mache62]

I have the Rebel XTi and the lens it came with, the 17-55mm, which isn't too bad for taking tank pics and the occasional portrait shot.

The tamron 28-300mm and the canon 75-300mm, granted another not so great consumer lens but I am still able to get a decent shot or 2 of the birds in the back yard.

I'm looking for something I can take with me that has a decent enough range and quick enough speed that I don't need to set up a tripod to get a sharp clear picture with......does that make sense?
Am I asking for too much without getting into the price of L lenses?

 

[drparker]

Like beerguy I might not be the best to answer that.

I've become spoiled, I upgraded from the 28-135 to a 24-70mm f/2.8L and a 70-200mm f/4L . The 24-70 is on my camera 90% of the time and is a very sweet lens. After getting used to a f/2.8 lens the f/4 seems slow and limiting, so the thought of getting a lens that has f/5.6 on the long side is not very appealing.

It's a disease: "L lens addiction" :eek1:

 

[drparker]

You can always rent the lens before buying to get feel for it. I've rented several lenses from Kevin at very reasonable prices. You could try the 28-135 or the 70-200 for less than $30 a week.

Rent camera gear

 

[dendronepthya]

Ever consider getting a great prime lens in that range? If you really must have a zoom, I can see that side too. I picked up a 50mm f/1.4 and I'm really happy with it.

To drparker's point, I can totally see being addicted to huge apertures. I found that most of the time, I take pictures indoors at night with poor lighting, and in those situations, a flash is out of the question. Tripods are out as well. Huge apertures let you walk down the street at midnight and snap off hand held photos with no flash. Gotta like that.

 

[Mache62]

yea...I am totally afraid of the L lens addiction!

It's frustrating when you know you have the junkie personality and try to fight it!

But yes, I guess that is what I'm looking for, a big aperture and really good glass.

I'm going to check out that rental site.....