4
\$\begingroup\$

I recently bought 50mm f1.8 lens online, and quality is very poor as described in most of the reviews. But when i shake it gently I can feel some of the parts moving inside. And when ever I slide the AF/MF switch I get same feeling. Is it normal for a new lens ?

Improve this question
\$\endgroup\$
3
  • \$\begingroup\$ Can you give some details on "quality is very poor as described"? I find the it can spend a long time hunting for focus at times, but the pictures can be very sharp. I used it almost exclusively for a year for taking pictures of my new baby indoors at night. \$\endgroup\$
    – Michael H.
    Commented Oct 5, 2012 at 15:38
  • \$\begingroup\$ @khedron I meant wrt to build quality, and yeah after using for 2 days I got used to MF. \$\endgroup\$
    – GoodSp33d
    Commented Oct 5, 2012 at 18:01
  • \$\begingroup\$ Most of the time I was able to use AF anyway, except when taking pictures of black cats in dim light, etc. Very good to have the option, though. \$\endgroup\$
    – Michael H.
    Commented Oct 6, 2012 at 18:41

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
4
\$\begingroup\$

I've got a copy of this lens: I can confirm that by (gently) shaking it you can feel something moving (which is the moving part of the focusing mechanism). Apart from a click, no noises are heard when switching the AF/MF lever.

My lens has been perfectly functioning until now (I hope that this gentle shaking didn't affect it ;-) ).

Improve this answer
\$\endgroup\$
2
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ Even I thought its the focusing mechanism as when I kep it in fully focused position it didnt rattle too much. Hope it stays longer with me. Thanks for confirming, I was kinda worried that it was broken in transit. \$\endgroup\$
    – GoodSp33d
    Commented Oct 4, 2012 at 13:46
  • \$\begingroup\$ Good news, then. Enjoy your lens: I carry it with me (maybe as a second lens, together with a wider one) all the time, given its low weight and the nice features that it offers. \$\endgroup\$
    – Francesco
    Commented Oct 4, 2012 at 14:21
3
\$\begingroup\$

It's impossible to answer this question fully without examining the lens in person. All lenses have some degree of play in the system, and the 50 f/1.8 is well known to be a very cheaply built lens. I can't say whether the degree of movement you're detecting is out of line without knowing what your basis for comparison is.

Do the images meet your expectations, and do they seem in line with the reviews? If so then I wouldn't worry about it.

Improve this answer
\$\endgroup\$
3
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ Agreed. If it's really worrisome I'd find a seasoned photographer and ask them about it as they'll have a basis for comparison. \$\endgroup\$
    – tenmiles
    Commented Oct 4, 2012 at 12:40
  • 2
    \$\begingroup\$ I owned one back in my Canon days - It was loud when you shake it, most lenses are. Build quality felt cheap, almost embarrassingly so - but it's only a $100 lens, what do you expect? The image quality was really solid though, and that's what counts. \$\endgroup\$
    – camflan
    Commented Oct 4, 2012 at 13:04
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ Yes, agreed that its not possible to tell the condition without looking at it, but just wanted to know if a little bit of rattling was ok or not. \$\endgroup\$
    – GoodSp33d
    Commented Oct 4, 2012 at 13:48

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.