I just purchased a Nikon 80-200mm f2.8 lens for $550. When I receieved the lens, look like the lens may have more than a couple of dustw inside the front of the lens. Does it worth $550? For doing what I'm doing (using it with a 35mm adatper), would this lens work? Or should I just return this lens because of dust inside the lens? Any suggestion is much appreciated.
How much does a Nikon 80-200mm f2.8 with dust inside worth?
- Thread starter Lor
- Start date
I just got it today from the seller. After I was cleaning the lens with glass solution and wipes, the lens still doesn't look clean. Then I look more closely at the lens and it seems like the dusts are inside. I will verify this dust issue more closely tomorrow when it's daylight. But I was just wondering if lens with dust inside is still worth $550.
Apefos Adapter
Well-known member
do not worry
do not worry
do not worry about it. dust inside the 35mm lens are not shown in the picture. dust is a problem when it is in the gg of the adapter
do not worry
do not worry about it. dust inside the 35mm lens are not shown in the picture. dust is a problem when it is in the gg of the adapter
Charles Lowthian
Well-known member
If the front and rear glass elements are scratch/mark free, and the aperture & focus rings dial smoothly, and no damage to front filter threads then...
It really is a matter of opinions.
Some think it has "no effect on the image", but depends. How much dust?
In my opinion, my micro nikon 55mm f2.8 is my favourite lens. It's almost 30 years old, takes great shots... but if I look down into the barrell it's filthy. Had a filter protecting it since it was bought (dust will still get in over time). But does not give me a reason not to use it, as I cannot see any effects on the image. With an adapter, or with slr.
Back to your actual question, is it worth what you payed for... well, if the dust was not mentioned when you bought it (ie: online auction) it is reason to send it back, but the 80-200mm f2.8 is a fantastic lens.
If you cannot see any negative effects on the image, sounds like a good buy.
... unless there is a reason dust is getting inside a lens not very old - unsealed?
edit: which 80-200mm is it?
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Depending on how much dust, it could soften up the image a tiny bit. Also you'll need to be more careful in situations where strong light is raking across the front element.
I don't know if what you paid for the lens is a great bargain or not. If you paid top dollar, you might want to send it back because dust inside will definitely affect the resale value (since you wouldn't be so dishonest as to ignore the dust when selling it). If you got a good deal on it, it's probably worth keeping and someday sending it to Nikon for a CLA (clean, lube, adjust) and it will come back sparkling new. For most lenses that should run less than $200.
Duncan
I don't know if what you paid for the lens is a great bargain or not. If you paid top dollar, you might want to send it back because dust inside will definitely affect the resale value (since you wouldn't be so dishonest as to ignore the dust when selling it). If you got a good deal on it, it's probably worth keeping and someday sending it to Nikon for a CLA (clean, lube, adjust) and it will come back sparkling new. For most lenses that should run less than $200.
Duncan
Thanks for the responses. One of the reasons I asked is, I could easily get a brand new lens for $900 from BH or Adorama. I'm just not sure if the extra $350 is worth buying a brand new lens if the dust not effects the image. However, frobozz's pont about the resale value of the lens is a good point as well.
Today, I have a little more time testing the lens and the focus ring is not smooth as I thought it should be. I'm not sure if this is normal. For example, doing very minimal focus or turning the focus ring very minimal seems to a bit stiff. I could see the picture in the LCD sudenely getting sharper or more blurry instead of slowly or smoothly getting sharper. I'm not sure if this my problem or the lens. The reason I think it was more of the lens is because I also have a Nikon 50mm 1.4 macro lens and that lens's focus ring works perfectly.
I guess it's more reason to return the lens. The descriptino of the auction did not say anything about the dust. I counted today and it seems to have four dust particles in the lens.
Today, I have a little more time testing the lens and the focus ring is not smooth as I thought it should be. I'm not sure if this is normal. For example, doing very minimal focus or turning the focus ring very minimal seems to a bit stiff. I could see the picture in the LCD sudenely getting sharper or more blurry instead of slowly or smoothly getting sharper. I'm not sure if this my problem or the lens. The reason I think it was more of the lens is because I also have a Nikon 50mm 1.4 macro lens and that lens's focus ring works perfectly.
I guess it's more reason to return the lens. The descriptino of the auction did not say anything about the dust. I counted today and it seems to have four dust particles in the lens.
A few small pieces of dust shouldn't be an issue. If you can see the dust in your footage, then it's obviously a problem. Chances are, it's fine. But if you aren't happy with how the focus ring is functioning, send it back. Are you using a follow focus? that could really help how the focus ring functions with that steady pressure on it.
Dennis Wood
DVXuser Sponsor
In all likelihood, as the dust is outside the plane of focus, you'd never notice it.
cordvision
Well-known member
every used lens has some dust particles inside. if it has only four, call yourself very lucky!!! (Some time ago, I asked a huge lens reseller if he could get me a couple lenses without any dust inside. Even tough a lot of his lenses are described with words "like new" and "mint" he told me that pretty much every lens has some dust in it even if it was only very moderately used or was sitting only on a shelf for some time.) Most people don't even notice that they have dust inside the lens unless they examine it against a very bright light source. Definitely no reason to return if you have four dust particles... if the focus ring is stuck, thats another thing...
Lenilenapi
Carbonite Member
Dust is only an issue if it is on the rear element and that possibly could affect the picture. Most older lenses have dust . It would have to be very bad to affect your picture and then would probably only affect contrast. That's what my camera repairman told me anyway.
Lenny Levy
Lenny Levy
Why is that? Would a new lens gurrantee to have dust free and the focus ring move a little smoother than the one I've got?
Ming
Well-known member
...well obviously if budget isn't an issue go for it. I'd sell you mine which I got new 2 years ago for $700. It's in perfect condition, w Hoya UV and the leather case which has never left the closet. I'm not sure if I still have the box, but probably do.
The point is though, the dust will likely never be an issue and getting a "new" lens isn't necessarily going to provide any gains.
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