Sales volume of used lenses
The ability to purchase a quality lens at a discount is a boon for any photographer. However, when buying used lenses it is important to make sure you are getting what you paid for. There are many factors that go into a lens’s resale value.
One of the most obvious is the condition of the lens. This is often a matter of personal preference, but it can have a direct effect on the resale price. It is imperative that buyers carefully inspect the lens for fungus and mold. These are usually found in older lenses that have been stored in humid conditions. Fungus can wreak havoc on a camera, especially when mounted to a lens. This can cause the image to appear as if there are spider webs or dried water spots, and it can be very difficult to remove from the camera.
Another factor is whether or not the lens came with a box, filter, hood and case. These extras can increase the resale price of the lens. However, there is a limit to how much value these additional accessories can add to the lens. Ultimately, the value of a used lens comes down to what the buyer is willing to pay for it.
Other things to consider when purchasing a used lens are the seller and the reputation of the seller. Buying from someone you know or from a company with a solid reputation will give you a higher degree of confidence in the item’s integrity and quality. It is also better to buy local if possible, as this will exponentially improve the odds of an honest and above board transaction.
Another way to determine the resale value of a lens is by comparing it to other lenses that have sold used in your area. This can be done in many ways, but it is important to compare like for like. It is also good to compare the sale price of a used lens with the price of a new lens of the same model.