can you tell what's wrong with this sigma 50-500mm lens?

[Darren Levine]

Looking at possibly buying this lens, but raising an eyebrow about the claim that only a "slight binding" caused this gash, anyone have any thoughts? minor concern? stay away? seller claims it works as normal

 

[Egg Born Son]

The lens is probably fine but I'd be concerned about buying gear from someone who would brute force a 'binding' lens for it's entire length before thinking to stop and see what the problem is.

 

[Samuel H]

If this was caused by a fall or hit, it will very likely have some decentered elements, and will be soft on one side, or both, or a corner, or something like that. I'd only consider it if it was less than half price, and I had the will and time to open it and fix any decentered elements.

 

[mcbob]

If you're shopping for one, I have a Nikon AF-D mount for sale

 

[Darren Levine]

now that i look at it more, im wondering if it was from someone forcing the zoom while the zoom lock was on

 

[Samuel H]

If it has a zoom lock (I don't know this model), it's either that, or a bump deformed the barrel and the lock was stuck and made this. Former seems more plausible to me.