Your opinion wanted

[Meister]

Friday i received a used rokinon/walimex/samyang/bowers 14mm 2.8 umc that i bought on ebay.
It was advertised as being scratch free. At a first glance it looked fine to me.

On the weekend i took it to a session with video and photo.
When i looked through the video footage i noticed some lens flare that looked like it was caused by a dirty lens (I was filming almost directly into the sun) so i took a fibercloth to clean it. Thats when i noticed some damage/specks on the front element that i couldnt remove but even feel with my finger.
The specks are very very small and superficial. There is one though thats deeper and 1/5 inch long and about 0.5 mm broad. I can see it through the viewfinder but i took some test shots and it is completely invisible even on f22.

The lens only cost me 160€ and new its about 340€.
I know i will not get this lens cheaper and overall i am very satisfied with it. Lensflare only shows up under special lighting conditions.
I know that this damage was not caused by me and now i am contemplating on contacting the seller.

What would you do?
Do you think the lens still has resell value?

 

[phrehdd]

If ever there was a lens that would suffer from lens flare, it is the wide angle. I can't comment on the marred outer element surface but certainly would expect the flare if I was shooting in the direction of the sun or a strong light source.

1) Shoot away from the sun on a solid medium to light surface. See if you can find any issues with irregularities in the photo file. (In simple terms shot a solid colour and see if those mars or whatever on your lens is showing up in the images).

2) Consider at all times using a proper lens hood. Wide angles dictate using a particular lens hood for wide angle. You may also consider an additional blind to shield from stray light. (Some photographer simply use their own hand or a dark piece of paper as a poor man's blind).

3) Careful how you clean the front lens element. Wide angle lenses are not the best choice for filter protection so they are often left exposed. If you opt for a clear lens filter for protection, get thin and get quality. Lens filters ADD to lens flare challenges but as stated, help protect the lens. You need to decide how you want to handle such matters as everyone has different needs.

If your lens doesn't have any noticeable impact from the marred front element just keep using it and keep the lens clean. If it is marred and you can see the impact, you can use software to help "erase" those areas impacted or opt to get another lens.

My comments are meant to be constructive and hope for the best for you.

 

[Doylem]

If the lens is scratched, but was advertised on eBay as "scratch-free", you might feel aggrieved. On the other hand, you say you're "very satisfied with it".

If you sell it on, at some later date, you'd need to describe it accurately. Maybe photograph the front element to show the scratches, while also mentioning that they don't seem to effect lens performance. This would presumably mean a lower price.

If you're happy with the performance of the lens, I'd say keep it...

 

[Meister]

If ever there was a lens that would suffer from lens flare, it is the wide angle. I can't comment on the marred outer element surface but certainly would expect the flare if I was shooting in the direction of the sun or a strong light source.

1) Shoot away from the sun on a solid medium to light surface. See if you can find any issues with irregularities in the photo file. (In simple terms shot a solid colour and see if those mars or whatever on your lens is showing up in the images).

2) Consider at all times using a proper lens hood. Wide angles dictate using a particular lens hood for wide angle. You may also consider an additional blind to shield from stray light. (Some photographer simply use their own hand or a dark piece of paper as a poor man's blind).

3) Careful how you clean the front lens element. Wide angle lenses are not the best choice for filter protection so they are often left exposed. If you opt for a clear lens filter for protection, get thin and get quality. Lens filters ADD to lens flare challenges but as stated, help protect the lens. You need to decide how you want to handle such matters as everyone has different needs.

If your lens doesn't have any noticeable impact from the marred front element just keep using it and keep the lens clean. If it is marred and you can see the impact, you can use software to help "erase" those areas impacted or opt to get another lens.

My comments are meant to be constructive and hope for the best for you.

The flare was expected but it makes the scratch visible. (in video and under certain light conditions)
The lens hood is fixed on the lens and the 14mm doesnt take filters.

----------

If the lens is scratched, but was advertised on eBay as "scratch-free", you might feel aggrieved. On the other hand, you say you're "very satisfied with it".
If you're happy with the performance of the lens, I'd say keep it...

I will keep it.
160€ for a sharp, fast and light 14mm prime with an excellent dxmark score is unbeatable, even with a dent.
The only other option is the nikkor 14-24mm for 1300,- and thats a heavy lens.
I am just pissed about the seller for being dishonest and i am thinking about calling and asking for more discount.

 

[fcortese]

I believe eBay does have a policy about such things(return/refund wise) but it seems like you're satisfied overall with the lens. There is the option to give the guy a bad rating; eBay does provide you with that option as well.

 

[Meister]

I believe eBay does have a policy about such things(return/refund wise) but it seems like you're satisfied overall with the lens. There is the option to give the guy a bad rating; eBay does provide you with that option as well.

There is nothing really wrong with the lens performance
It was bought on "ebay kleinanzeigen" (a german sorta craigslist). There is no seller rating or buyers protection.
I am wondering about the resale value.
How much would you pay for said lens provided you are looking for ultra wide ff?

 

[Apple fanboy]

There is nothing really wrong with the lens performance
It was bought on "ebay kleinanzeigen" (a german sorta craigslist). There is no seller rating or buyers protection.
I am wondering about the resale value.
How much would you pay for said lens provided you are looking for ultra wide ff?

Personally I would never buy this sort of equipment of eBay. I just bought a second hand 70-300 mm Nikon of a camera shop. I could have saved my self £50-£80 of eBay, but I got to try the lens, check if it looked or felt abused and it gets a 6 month warranty. I also traded in my D3200 which was an added bonus.

 

[Meister]

Personally I would never buy this sort of equipment of eBay. I just bought a second hand 70-300 mm Nikon of a camera shop. I could have saved my self £50-£80 of eBay, but I got to try the lens, check if it looked or felt abused and it gets a 6 month warranty. I also traded in my D3200 which was an added bonus.

Well it seemed to have payed off for me here.
Yesterday I went to my local camera store and had them examine the lens.
They didnt even notice the scratches in the beginning until i pointed them out.
Then they explained that only the nano coating seems to be effected and that the lens works fine.
They estimated the resale value at 200€ minimum. They wouldve bought it off my hands for 150 on the spot.
What surprised me:
They told me that they wouldnt mention those scratches on an internet sale either and told me not to mention them if i ever resale it. There argument was that the scratches are barely visible and dont influence the performance.

The end of the story is that i will keep the lens because i am satisfied and obviously wasnt ripped off.
Thx for your replies and advice!

 

[KimJonNumberUn]

should have bought new

 

[Cheese&Apple]

should have bought new

Your insight, words of wisdom and extraordinary knowledge of photography never let us down. However, not everyone has the financial resources to focus on hardware instead of taking pictures.

 

[Meister]

should have bought new

No. I did the right thing as i explained above.
I also like new things. Everybody does.
With camerabodies and computers i like to buy new and get insurance for the next 5 years.
It gives peace of mind and when i want to resell its in mint condition.
Mainly because the microelectronic stuff is hard to check on used items and i like the new smell .
Nowadays lenses also contain their share of microtech but when it breaks it doesnt render the lens useless.
(except for the aperture on the nikon g lenses)
The lens in this thread is manual focus with an aperture ring. It can last forever.
Buying used for 40% of the price is pretty much the only sane thing.

 

[compuwar]

Front elements normally aren't part of the optical formula and are relatively cheap to replace.

Paul

 

[Meister]

Front elements normally aren't part of the optical formula and are relatively cheap to replace.
Paul

1. True
2. The front element on the rokinon 14mm costs more than the lens ... (400€ according to my camera dealer €)

----------

your insight, words of wisdom and extraordinary knowledge of photography never let us down. However, not everyone has the financial resources to focus on hardware instead of taking pictures.

+1

 

[compuwar]

1. True
2. The front element on the rokinon 14mm costs more than the lens ... (400€ according to my camera dealer €)

----------


+1

Your dealer is on crack. The entire lens is $450 US directly from Rokinon. Is your dealer the official service site for your country?

http://samyang-europe.com/index.php/country-sites

Paul

 

[Meister]

Your dealer is on crack. The entire lens is $450 US directly from Rokinon. Is your dealer the official service site for your country?
http://samyang-europe.com/index.php/country-sites
Paul

I am not sure if he also sells crack. He is a camera dealer but maybe business is bad.
He quoted 400€ for sending it in to get the front element replaced (work time+ materials)
Getting stuff fixed here in germany is always outrageous.
Thx for the feedback and the link though.
The issue is resolved for me. Maybe i was overly neurotic about the small scratch.
I just felt sorta pissed off because the seller didnt mention it.

 

[compuwar]

I am not sure if he also sells crack. He is a camera dealer but maybe business is bad.
He quoted 400€ for sending it in to get the front element replaced (work time+ materials)
Getting stuff fixed here in germany is always outrageous.
Thx for the feedback and the link though.
The issue is resolved for me. Maybe i was overly neurotic about the small scratch.
I just felt sorta pissed off because the seller didnt mention it.

I'd try the German distributor or, alternately book a round-trip flight to NYC after checking with Elite Brands for a price to fix one in the US- you'd get good images and worst-case a new lens is $345 at B&H (just under 250 Euros.) Well, I'd probably take the thing apart, see how it functions without the front element and cut up a nice Schneider filter to fit.

We've already seen overly neurotic- this isn't it!

Paul