Lenses hold their value far better than camera bodies, which makes a second hand lens one of the smartest buys in photography. But glass problems are easy to miss. Here is what to check.
Fungus
Fungus is the biggest risk in humid places like coastal India. Shine a phone torch through the lens from the back and look through the front. Fungus shows up as thread-like or web-like growth inside the glass. A lens with active fungus can spread spores to other gear — avoid it unless it is priced as a repair project.
Haze
Haze looks like a milky fog between elements and lowers contrast. Use the same torch test; a clear lens looks crisp and clean.
Scratches and coating marks
Small marks on the front element rarely show in photos. Scratches on the rear element matter much more because they are close to the sensor.
Autofocus and stabilisation
Mount the lens and focus back and forth between near and far subjects. It should be quick and quiet. Switch stabilisation (IS, VR or OSS) on and look through the viewfinder at a long focal length — the image should settle.
Zoom and focus rings
Rings should turn smoothly with even resistance. Grinding, sticking or play suggests a drop or sand inside.
Aperture blades
Look through the lens while stopping down. Blades should move freely and be free of oil.
Mount and contacts
Check the metal mount for wear and the electronic contacts for corrosion.
Buy one that is already checked
Every second hand lens at WorthyTen is checked for fungus, haze and scratches and tested on a camera body before sale, then covered by a 1-year warranty.
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