Would you buy a lens without a front or rear lens cap??

[KarenAylwood]

I'm looking on Craigslist and someone in my area is selling the Canon 50mm f/1.8 for $30 (she then told me she'd take $25). I only want this lens if I can get it for super cheap- I'm planning on saving up for the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 instead but if I can pick this up cheap, I'd go for it.

I asked if it had the caps since they weren't shown in the picture and she said that it came to her without them.

This was her description:
"The glass is clean. I checked it very closely front and back with a flashlight and found a few swirl marks on the front element from improper cleaning. There is a small amount of dust inside the lens that sould not affect image quality. The aperture is snappy and free of oil. There is a dent in the filter ring. The barrel shows moderate wear. Otherwise this is a completely functional lens."

I don't know how dangerous it is to keep the lens around without a cap on the back. Could this really damage the lens? I mean I know it's only $25 but it's also a trip to pick it up, and I'd have to spend a little over $20 to buy a front and rear lens cap for it. So I'm looking at $45 for a $115 lens...

I know little about the care of a lens other than what I should be doing... I don't know what would happen if I didn't do what I should be doing!! Any help or experience to share??

 

[ElizK]

I know nothing about the lens, but have you looked on ebay for the lens caps? You can probably find something REALLY cheap on there.

 

[oogieboogieman]

Just make sure it's a Canon AF lens and not a Canon FD lens. From the description it could have been dropped. Has the individual tested the lens? While it's cheap it may not be worth it. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[MICKEY88]

for that price I'd make the trip to check it out... caps can be found for less than 20, , I've bought a few off ebay

actually what I did was bought bulk rear caps in case I lose one..it was actually cheaper to buy 3 at a time than to buy 1

 

[bob100]

I'm looking on Craigslist and someone in my area is selling the Canon 50mm f/1.8 for $30 (she then told me she'd take $25). I only want this lens if I can get it for super cheap- I'm planning on saving up for the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 instead but if I can pick this up cheap, I'd go for it.

I asked if it had the caps since they weren't shown in the picture and she said that it came to her without them.

This was her description:
"The glass is clean. I checked it very closely front and back with a flashlight and found a few swirl marks on the front element from improper cleaning. There is a small amount of dust inside the lens that sould not affect image quality. The aperture is snappy and free of oil. There is a dent in the filter ring. The barrel shows moderate wear. Otherwise this is a completely functional lens."

I don't know how dangerous it is to keep the lens around without a cap on the back. Could this really damage the lens? I mean I know it's only $25 but it's also a trip to pick it up, and I'd have to spend a little over $20 to buy a front and rear lens cap for it. So I'm looking at $45 for a $115 lens...

I know little about the care of a lens other than what I should be doing... I don't know what would happen if I didn't do what I should be doing!! Any help or experience to share??

lens caps are only $3 at Ritz, a little more at Best Buy. my concern would be if it is really an "EF" lens and not one of the older FD lens that don't fit current Canon models

 

[wenrob]

Personally the description of the lens and having to buy caps, going to look at it...eh, wouldn't be worth it to me even if it is only $25. I'd be willing to bet $25 that it's in much worse shape then she describes. (and honestly that description alone would have changed my mind)

 

[GrillMouster]

No.

 

[KarenAylwood]

See, this is why I go to the DIS for questions... it's an FD lens. I didn't even look at that! She said that it didn't fit on her new camera- must be because she made the same mistake I did and didn't notice that it wouldn't work with the new Canons!

Thanks guys!!!

 

[jann1033]

so the lack of lens caps were the least of the problem
seriously though i wonder about the care of a dented lens with messed up front element, scratched barrel, no lens caps and for the wrong "species"

 

[Groucho]

I've bought plenty of lenses missing caps and occasionally sell them that way too. Just putting on on eBay today with no caps - but it has the original velvet-lined leather case so that helps.

I know you passed on this one, but if you are in this situation in the future, you may want to check the local photo stores - I know one or two around here that have a basket of old caps for dirt cheap. You can also use a cheap-o filter as a front cap - some of the lenses I've bought have only had UV filters on the front. While I don't use them, the glass underneath has often been remarkably clean!