Buying used lenses
Hi everyone! That's my debut-talk here and I want to ask you what do you think about buying used lenses?
I'm about to purchase my first non-kit lens and I'm considering two options — 50mm f/1.8G and 50mm f/1.4G lens. The problem is that at this moment I can't afford new f/1.4G which is about two times more expensive.
So my question is: do you buy used lenses, is it worth risk and do you have any good or bad experience with it?
Bartłomiej Jacak Thanks for your advises!
jokele I've bought several used lenses. I've bought them over a photography/dslr forum. These forums often have a group, where users can offer lenses, cameras and so on. When I found an interesting lense I used the forums search function and searched for the user, who offered the lens. Oftentimes he posted images he made with the lens or he even talked about the lens (how sharp it is, if he's satisfied with the lens,...).
When I had a "good feeling" after that search, I made my offer for the lens. I bought some really good lenses this way.
Kazzi My advice as a salesman from a camera store - don't buy 1.4G version. Buy 1.8G and collect money for 35/1.8G - that combo gives much more opportunities for good photos and is more versalite than just 50mm, and between 1.4 and 1.8 there is not that much difference as it would seem. Also - the 1.8 version is a bit sharper on the widest apertures than 1.4... and much faster in AF.
Bartłomiej Jacak I've never heard about those disadvantages of 1.4G and I think that you really convinced me to buy rather 1.8G!
Ian Prince Smart advice Kazziz :) There's always a certain "prestige" having the biggest aperture possible, but taking into cost (and size and weight!) doesn't always make it the best option :)
Tomasz Wiśniewski I own 1.4 and fully agree with Kazziz. If I were to buy it one more time I'd go for 1.8.
Kazzi
Tomasz, You're Canon user, 50/1.4 USM is optical design from 1993... ;) IMO 1.8 STM version outperforms it, is much lighter and much cheaper (not to mention Sigma's 1.4 EX and ART versions, which are the best 50mm AF lenses on the market - but it's another pricing story).
Nikon's 50mm primes are kinda different story -
@Bartłomiej take a look at optyczne.pl/lenstip.com charts - if You're not a full frame shooter, 1.8G is more than enough, because it's biggest flaw - vignetting - is not that visible.
also, I recommend going to a photography store (GalMok, Złota Teresa etc) with Your body and connecting 1.4 and 1.8 versions - You can always try them out and compare AF speed.
Kazzi dreaming of 25/1.2, are You? :D
Ian Prince Of course I am :) So much so it makes the 75/1.8 seem cheap ;)
Bartłomiej Jacak Much thanks for your advices @Kazzi! :)
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Satoshi T I often buy a second-hand lens. However, in the case of second hand, I will purchase the lens as aiming "to experience it" as a mind. Even though the moment I bought it is working properly, there are times when a problem occurs after a short period of time - especially in the case of AutoFocus -. I like to search if they are cheaply sold like ones that have dirty appearance but glasses are beautiful. When buying, be sure to bring a strong LED light, check the lens to confirm. Also try connecting with your camera body and check the operation.