Best Practices for Buying SLR Photography Lenses: Evaluating and Purchasing Options

SLR (Single Lens Reflex) photography is a beloved hobby for enthusiasts and professionals alike. To get the best out of your SLR, you'll need the right lenses. This guide aims to help you buy the best lenses by exploring various purchasing options, conditions, and methods.

Evaluating Lenses for SLR Cameras

When shopping for SLR lenses, it's crucial to consider several factors, including compatibility, condition, and the seller's reputation. Here are the key points to remember:

Compatibility Issues

One of the first things to check is the compatibility of the lens with your camera body. Many modern cameras use advanced technologies that cause older lenses to behave differently. For instance, old film SLR lenses can change focal length on digital SLRs, making them zoom in slightly further as they only capture the center portion of the image. It's vital to ensure your lens will work as expected without any potential issues.

Specific Lens Compatibility

For Nikon lenses used on F-mount SLR cameras between 1959 and 1977, compatibility remains an issue due to their unique design. These lenses have a little fork or feature that can cause them to behave differently when paired with modern digital SLRs. While the vast majority of lenses work well, it's a good idea to test them if you're unsure.

Where to Buy SLR Lenses

There are multiple options for purchasing SLR lenses, each with its own set of advantages and challenges. Here are the popular methods:

Online Marketplaces - eBay

The introduction of no-hassle warranties has made eBay a reliable platform for buying lenses. With painless return processes, you can buy with confidence. Sellers like Roberts Camera often rank highly for value for money, with excellent packaging and quality assurance. For vintage lenses, Japanese sellers are particularly reliable, as they take pride in the condition they advertise. However, while this is true, it's wise to still test lenses if possible.

Craigslist

Craigslist offers a hands-on buying experience but can be hit or miss price-wise. While you can find excellent deals, prices are often based on what other sellers are offering, leading to somewhat erratic pricing.

Tips for Assessing Lens Condition

Modern Lenses (5 years or less)

Modern lenses are less likely to have significant issues, with kit lenses and VR lenses facing only rare focus motor problems. However, some modern zoom lenses may have internal mechanisms that can be prone to issues. In such cases, the focus motor issue can be easily diagnosed in a quick test. These lenses typically have internal components with small rollers that can come off the track with a hard knock, requiring some disassembly to fix.

Vintage Lenses (Pre-AF lenses)

Vintage lenses pose a bigger risk due to age and lack of proper assessment by sellers. Over time, lubricants can break down, affecting aperture blades and leading to exposure issues. While optical problems are a risk, they are less common than we might think. Always test vintage lenses to ensure they are functional.

Medium Age Lenses (5-20 years old)

For lenses in this age range, the condition of the lens is crucial. Professional-grade lenses from this period are likely to be in good condition, while consumer-grade lenses may show more signs of wear and tear. Fungus can be an issue, but more often, it's simply dust within the lens. On zoom lenses, it's common to find dust specks due to the necessary air exchange for zooming.

Conclusion

The world of SLR photography lenses is vast and complex, but with the right strategy and caution, you can find the perfect lens for your camera. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, taking the time to evaluate and purchase lenses correctly can significantly enhance your photography experience. Happy shooting!