I have checked out used lens with description of cosmetic wear. How does this happen? Your fingers should be the only thing that touches the lens-right? I've only been into photography for a few years but I treat my lenses with the utmost of care. How does a lens get cosmetic wear? Paul
cosmetic wear on used lenses
- Thread starter tea2085
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Horoscope Fish
Senior Member
And if you do all your shooting in a studio or live in a perfect world I guess that's how it would work. I shoot in a variety of environments where things other than my finger's may come into contact with my lens. While I do guard my equipment I can't treat it like Ming porcelain and still get all the shots I want.
I am often in very rough fields shooting stuff for the hort department. My Tam 90 has a lovely S scratch on the barrel from a cactus thorn. I was shooting nearly on the ground and nearly got hit by a scorpion who took exception to where I had rested my hand supporting the lens. Better the lens body than mine and it still shoots as sharp as the thorn that got it.
Well, no. Your fingers aren't the only thing that touches lenses. If you store your gear in camera bags, then they will touch the bag as they slide in and out. If you have a lot of gear, it might be a very tight fit in that bag. Some people will set their gear on the car seat next to them or on the floor of the car. Light scratches may result from being set down in various locations. I've walked inside my house and lightly smacked a few lens hoods on the doorways here and there. It happens. Some people use their gear extensively so it's inevitable there will be some visible wear.
But cosmetic wear really should be one of the lesser criteria when buying used gear unless an item is heavily marred. How a lens feels when you zoom is more important. Does it feel overly stiff or overly loose? Check the aperture blades to make sure they stop down properly and aren't sticking. Are the weather seals still intact? How much internal dust is inside (also not necessarily a bad thing)? Is the front element scratched? Small scratches shouldn't affect image quality. Check out the rear element (rear glass), too.
Some people don't always use a camera bag. They might carry a camera/lens by the strap and set it down somewhere inside the house. Then when they leave, they grab it and set it down in the car. At least the online stores try to be accurate with their descriptions because they know customers are buying sight unseen.
But cosmetic wear really should be one of the lesser criteria when buying used gear unless an item is heavily marred. How a lens feels when you zoom is more important. Does it feel overly stiff or overly loose? Check the aperture blades to make sure they stop down properly and aren't sticking. Are the weather seals still intact? How much internal dust is inside (also not necessarily a bad thing)? Is the front element scratched? Small scratches shouldn't affect image quality. Check out the rear element (rear glass), too.
Some people don't always use a camera bag. They might carry a camera/lens by the strap and set it down somewhere inside the house. Then when they leave, they grab it and set it down in the car. At least the online stores try to be accurate with their descriptions because they know customers are buying sight unseen.
Don Kuykendall_RIP
RIP :(
So far I have no wear or scratches on any of my gear. I try very hard to keep it is pristine condition. But a few minor scratches or wear marks are not the end of the world
Bikerbrent_RIP
Senior Member
With or without your D750 attached. :cheerful:
You may not know it, but your lenses play 'dress-up' when you're asleep. 'Cosmetic wear' is caused by your lenses putting make-up on every night and then removing it by morning.
Horoscope Fish
Senior Member
My D750 is my near constant companion and it shows... But where anyone else would see a scratch I see memory from that hike to an abandoned railroad last year. I had to hop some barbed wire fences to keep them out of my shot and that's how *that* happened. And that scuff mark on the battery cover? I got that boulder hopping in Joshua Tree so I could get those shots of Desert Big Horns drinking at the oasis and I was losing the light fast and, well... That's how *that* happened. And it's probably best you don't get me started on my much battered D7100; no one in their right mind would buy that body based on it's looks but it's consistently nails the shot if I do my part.
I may not be a great photographer but even so my camera is my tool and if I'm forced to focus ON my gear I can't be focused on doing what matters WITH my gear.
I may not be a great photographer but even so my camera is my tool and if I'm forced to focus ON my gear I can't be focused on doing what matters WITH my gear.
Don Kuykendall_RIP
RIP :(
I have an old canon camera I use to throw at the kids on my lawn. The olny problem is when I go to pick up up I get it confused with the piles of droppings from the neighbors big dog.
Bikerbrent_RIP
Senior Member
Funny, that's how I use my old 200-400mm Tamron. Maybe that is why I couldn't find it the last time I threw it at the kids
:unconscious: