testing a new lens

R

ramosa

B&W
Local time
12:13 PM
Joined
Jan 8, 2008
Messages
1,035
View My Gallery
All,

I'm about to receive my first used lens for an M-body. I'm hoping to get some advice on how to test it--as I will have some time in which I can test it and then return it if I'm unsatisfied.

I plan to check the following:
1) of course, how well the lens fits the sale's description;
2) how it performs and focuses at all apertures;
3) how the focal ring works;
4) how the lens looks inside (e.g., excessive dust, haze, etc.) when viewed with magnifer and directed light.

Am I missing anything? Pardon such a basis question--but this will be my first experience in receiving a used lens.

Thanks for any advice that you can offer!
 
I usually just look at it quickly, go and take pictures of things I usually photograph and if the result is what I expected then I am happy. I've never done close inspections and detailed focus tests and as a result I am satisfied with all my used lens purchases 🙂.
 
I gotta agree. My systematic approach gave way to simply using and enjoying the lens. All good so far. Thank you both.
 
i have to say i suck at "testing" a lens... if i try to be too anal, everyone of my lenses is out -- back focus, front focus, both, you name it 🙄

i agree that the best thing to do is go out and use it, taking pictures you bought the lens for in the first place. i get a much better feel for if the lens is calibrated properly this way -- not to mention it's a lot more fun!
 
I am much better at taking pictures that are good. I am a photographer. Are you?

I am really bad at testing stuff i am not trained for. i can stop a leak under the sink alright, but testing a lens is way beyond me; I have no test bench (optical collimetering device), I have no test charts, I have no time to shoot brick walls etc.

Do you have time for all that? Do you know what "testing a lens" means? Professionally? If so, go right ahead and enjoy the testing.

Do you know statistics etc to evaluate the tests? Or would you rather submit your test results to a stat analysis firm to learn what they mean and indicate? (I am telling you the "professional path" to valid testing of anything, when done scientifically ...)

i am just the one who takes pictures, i am afraid, not dabbling in testing etc on the side.

My 2 cents worth here. So why not become a photographer now and enjoy your toy?
 
Yes, my plans for any type of systematic testing were forgotten the second the lens arrived! I received the lens--and have used it in a variety of settings (e.g., different subjects, different F stops, different lighting) and am confident that it is in excellent shape and focuses well (without back focusing). Thus, I guess my initial post likely resulted from the anxiety of purchasing my first used lens.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom