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Buying a lens on craigslist - what do I look for?

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Old Oct 20, 2009 | 01:32 PM
  #1  
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Buying a lens on craigslist - what do I look for?

So there's this Fisheye lens I've been wanting for a while. I can't find myself paying $729 dollars for a brand new one, but I found one on craigslist used and I can get it for $560. He used it twice, but who knows if that's true.

To be exact the lens is:
Nikon 10.5mm f/2.8G ED AF DX Fisheye Nikkor Lens

Anyways, do you think that's a good deal?
As far as damage goes, what should I look for?
I can bring my camera to test it.
Old Oct 20, 2009 | 01:42 PM
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Make sure the lens isnt cracked, obviously. Make sure it rotates completely to focus and nothing jams or blocks its way. Make sure the mounting points that slip into the camera are clean, intact and you dont have to force the lens. Make sure its clean (no dust/dirt inside etc). I dunno what else...make sure it takes a clean photograph with no warped part of the image (as much as you can tell on a fish eye) and with now cracks in teh lens housing itself...mayb google search for more?

http://www.alphamountworld.com/forum...ses/2008-6/914 Something like that?

Last edited by Electra; Oct 22, 2009 at 08:53 AM.
Old Oct 20, 2009 | 02:11 PM
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Electra, that is good info. I'll keep all that in mind.

I'm going today after work to have a look. It's barely 2pm so if other people have opinions please post. I'm trying to get as much info as possible before I go see it.
Old Oct 20, 2009 | 03:24 PM
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+1 to what electra said

Some other things to look for, but also try to make sure there's no dust or dirt inside the housing.

Make sure the AF focuses sharp and on target. Check for front focus or back focus issues.

Make sure the other person has all the things the lens came with (lens hood, bag, warranty card, manual, box).

Good luck!
Old Oct 20, 2009 | 09:42 PM
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Bring a laptop and your camera. Take some pictures and blow it up on your laptop and check IQ.
Old Oct 20, 2009 | 10:11 PM
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As Rach said, look for defects in the glass, although you'd be surprised what flaws don't show up in the final shot! Feel the mechanisms, is the focus ring firm? Or does is wiggle around? Same with the zoom ring if its a zoom lens.
Old Oct 21, 2009 | 10:16 AM
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+1 on what electra said too...

deal at a place w/ camera, and public enough...now the days, u know. place like starbucks is the best...although is not alot, but just incase he run off or something...haha

alan'09
Old Feb 15, 2010 | 05:57 PM
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did u buy yet?
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