How to check the lens when buying for defects?

Prices for technology are constantly growing and the cost of cameras and their components is high, so it's important not to make mistakes when choosing. There are several important tips and tests on how to check the lens when buying, in order to get beautiful shots as a result.

Lens check

People engaged in photography, sooner or later think about choosing a new lens . Buying equipment in the store, a person has a guarantee that gives him the opportunity, if necessary, to exchange or return the goods. Thanks to this you can not be afraid of buying broken equipment. If you chose a used device, then you need to know how to check the lens so as not to get a "cat in a poke".

How to check the lens when shopping in the store?

Buying a new lens in the store, you first need to read all the documents and certainly look at the warranty. There are a few tips on how to test a new lens when purchasing:

1. It is recommended that you first familiarize yourself with how the lens should look, down to small details, because if you do not know it, you may not notice the absence of an important element. Compare the list of details specified in the documents with the availability of components.
2. Check the seals, levers, lockers and focus rings, which should rotate smoothly and smoothly.
3. The device uses lenses, on which the quality of the images depends. It is important to check that they are free of scratches and other damage.
4. Another tip is how to check the lens when buying - if possible, install it on your camera and take a few shots to estimate the zoom, aperture, automatic and manual focus and so on.

How to check the lens when buying with hands?

Before you give money for this important part of the SLR , it is necessary to perform a check, since the risk of fraud is high.

1. Checking the lens before buying should start with a visual inspection. Pay special attention to the lens, using a flashlight. External attrition of the hull is an occasion to bargain.
2. Many dishonest people try to sell equipment that has suffered a serious breakdown, and repairs do not guarantee long-term work. To make sure whether the lens gave in to repair, it is necessary to inspect the screws, which should not be scratched. If the slots on the screws are bent or torn, then this may indicate repair to unqualified specialists.
3. Check the lens mechanics: rotate the adjusting rings, press the buttons and levers.
4. The next step in the instruction, how to properly check the lens when buying, involves testing in work. Attach the lens, and it must be firmly fixed to the camera, without strong backlashes. Take a few shots of the near and far object in the "Infinity" focus mode.
5. Check the flash operation, so the selected subject for shooting should be equally illuminated at any distance. This test is important for lenses that tell the distance to the camera.

There are many more texts aimed at testing the lens and the most important ones are presented below.

How to test the lens at back-front focus?

To carry out the check, the following instructions must be observed:

1. Turn the camera on and set the ISO value is not too high. Checking the lens on the back edge is carried out in the autofocus mode. Still need to choose the shooting mode, M or A is suitable.
2. Place the camera on a tripod and place the target shown below on a flat surface. As a focus label, use the dash at the top of the target.
3. Turn on the spot focus mode and aim the lens at the center point of the target. After that, place the maximum open diaphragm on the camera.
4. It is necessary to balance the exposure so that a too dark or light picture does not come out. Focus on the target, focusing on the section with the cross. Take a picture.
5. In the next step, set the average aperture value, for example, 5.6. Conduct a balancing of the values ​​of the exposure meter and focus in the zones indicated earlier. Take another photo.
6. Check the pictures and focus should be where it was directed.

How to test the lens for sharpness?

There is a very simple test that can be implemented at home. It is necessary to hang a newspaper on the wall and light it on both sides with lamps.

1. Checking the lens for sharpness begins with the full opening of the aperture. Focus the camera on the newspaper in manual or automatic mode.
2. Note that the plane of the matrix (back of the device) should be parallel to the newspaper.
3. Perform a test for all aperture values ​​using a short shutter speed.
4. To check, you need to download the captured images to your computer and view them at 100% magnification. Notice how the sharpness decreases toward the edge, especially when the aperture is fully opened. If the reduction is almost imperceptible, then the lens is sharp.

How to check the operation of the lens stabilizer when buying?

When buying a camera that has already been used, it is recommended to check the stabilizer. If you do this in static, you need to put the object on the table and focus on it. It is necessary to make sure that there are no auto-oscillations at different aperture exposures. If you are interested in how to check the lens stabilizer in the dynamics, then you need to take the device in your hands and shoot while moving the lens and the image should appear with a delay.

How to check the lens by serial number?

Unfortunately, but falsification of technology in our time is a common phenomenon. Many users are interested in how to check the lens by the serial number "Nikon" or other cameras. Unfortunately, but using this value one can not be convinced of the "legality" of the technique, since it is assigned after assembly and before sale. The only solution, how to check the lens when buying - to find a branded warranty card with a hologram.