I have an opportunity to purchase a Canon 10-22mm for 600. I'm needing some help deciding if I should go for it. Anything I should look out for to keep from losing my money and then being lenseless. How dependable are used lenses? What signs other than scratches, dents, bumps and bruises, should I look for? Thanks in advance for your help

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From stmv/Sebastian (59,819) on September 13, 2011 7:28:43 AM CDT if you are nervous, go to a pro shop that carries used lens, pay a bit more, but you can see them in person, personally, I have purchased all my used lens on ebay, typically people describe well the condition, and I have been very pleased with the lens I have gotten (never have gotten a dud and some amazing Gems). So, Happy hunting. Reply

From jcheers/Joel (65) on September 13, 2011 9:56:50 AM CDT Thanks Sebastian! The seller is local and is very reputable! It's just the question of buying without having a warranty after 60 days. Thanks again, Reply

From dogothunder/Tim (6,886) on September 13, 2011 10:12:33 AM CDT Have you shot it? If not, you should; from all apertures and zooms. Go back and look at the shots. IMO, you will never reduce the risk 100%, but if it works very well during your test shots, there's probably no reason to expect it will fail (unless you're just *that* unlucky). However, unless the price is extremely lower than used pricing at a camera store, it still might be a safer bet. That's up to you. [EDIT] I just saw the 60 day warranty. Will you have a 60 day warranty? If so, I think you're safe. Shoot it during that time like crazy. Try to make it fail. If it doesn't within 60 days, I can't imagine their being any type of hidden or covered up defect. Good Luck. Reply

From jcheers/Joel (65) on September 13, 2011 10:49:44 AM CDT I was thinking the same. With that much I will definitely being taking bunches of pictures. Are there any other tests that anyone knows of that will help me check the lens out. Example taking pics of a blue sky or white wall etc? Thank your for your reply Tim! Reply

From log/Louise (27,206) on September 13, 2011 10:21:51 AM CDT Check for fungus between the elements.... Reply

From jcheers/Joel (65) on September 13, 2011 10:45:53 AM CDT How would I go abut doing this? Is it just a visual check or is there another/better way to check? Thank you for your response. Reply

From stmv/Sebastian (59,819) on September 13, 2011 11:27:52 AM CDT hold the lens up to bright light,, look thru and sometimes you can see what seems to be cloudy bits, a reputable dealer will not be selling lens with fungus, I have only had to have one lens cleaned that I bought used, I am a Nikon user, and the older lens were built like tanks, and if you go with the Canon, I am sure they are the same. frankly, people invested huge money buying these new, so, most take care of them. Ironically, Pros, are often the worse for taking care of their gear, they are so comfortable with their gear, that they just use them, while an amateur often cherishes there hard earned purchased gear, always storing them in a dry place, not banging them around, etc, you do have to be careful with Zooms, some are bad for trapping dust, but than for a fee, you can have them cleaned. Oh, by the way, the one lens that had fungus was a 45 year old Nikon giant Zoom, and it came out great once cleand up. Reply

From jcheers/Joel (65) on September 13, 2011 7:23:12 PM CDT Thanks for all the help. I decided to get it! :) I will pick it up tomorrow and will keep you posted on the outcome! :) Thanks all for your replies! JC Reply

From dogothunder/Tim (6,886) on September 13, 2011 9:17:42 PM CDT If you need me to test it out, just let me know. :) Reply

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