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06/17/2007 10:27:33 PM · #1 |
I was wondering if there is a website or something out there that has information on lenses with problems, specifically listed by the date code on the lens? More simply put, are there certain date code lots for lenses that are known to have problems?
I plan on getting a new Canon lens and really have no clue as to how you can tell how sharp it should be and whether it needs calibrated or not. I have read so many reviews on various lenses, and a lot of people out there are talking about how he/she had to send his/her lens in to be calibrated. Lenses aren't cheap, so I want the best quality possible for the money! Anybody have any input or experience with this? Thanks! :o)
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06/17/2007 10:34:21 PM · #2 |
| Date Code i thought that was just a serial number? Holding a 28-90 III in my hand right now... |
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06/17/2007 10:36:58 PM · #3 |
Letter Year
A 1986, 1960
B 1987, 1961
C 1988, 1962
D 1989, 1963
E 1990, 1964
F 1991, 1965
G 1992, 1966
H 1993, 1967
I 1994, 1968
J 1995, 1969
K 1996, 1970
L 1997, 1971
M 1998, 1972
N 1999, 1973
O 2000, 1974
P 2001, 1975
Q 2002, 1976
R 2003, 1977
S 2004, 1978
T 2005, 1979
U 2006, 1980
V 2007, 1981
W 2008, 1982
X 2009, 1983
Y 2010, 1984
Z 2011, 1985
The same type of code is printed on the back of many (but not all) EF lenses as well, typically in small white characters on a black baffle in the rear lens mount. Since Canon's SLR lens factory is in Utsonomiya, you might see a date code starting with "UG" for a lens manufactured in 1992, for example.
This is a copy and paste that I have kept in my document but I cant remember the source.
MattO
Edit to add, there are some internet sites that list problematic cameras for certain conditions by date codes, however I cant remember ever seeing anything for lens.
Message edited by author 2007-06-17 22:42:04.
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06/17/2007 10:39:32 PM · #4 |
Although its possible to tell the manufacturing facility and year/month of manufacture from the code, there is no database of lenses pointing to specific codes as "problematic." There might be scattered information on some lenses, but even that information goes out of date quickly.
An example would be the 24-105L, on which initial lots had an issue with flare. Most of the affected lenses will be repaired, so it becomes much less certain as to whether a particular lens will be problematic.
Overall, if you are buying new, buy from reputable sellers and buy with confidence. On the very small chance that there is a problem, you can exchange it. If you believe the internet forums, problems with new lenses are far more widespread than they are in reality. |
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06/17/2007 10:42:26 PM · #5 |
| Thanks, guys. Buying new, expensive lenses makes me nervous, especially after reading reviews. |
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06/17/2007 10:47:47 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by AJHopp:
Thanks, guys. Buying new, expensive lenses makes me nervous, especially after reading reviews. |
Buying used expensive lens should make you more nervous. :-)
Buy from a reputable retailer that has a good return policy and dont sweat it.
MattO
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10/17/2008 07:12:32 PM · #7 |
I just found this site explaining the lens date codes. MattO was right on.
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