| Image: MirageC / Moment via Getty Images |
Last week, as part of our ‘Question of the Week’ series, we asked how you handle defective lenses, otherwise known as bad copies. Unfortunately, such lenses are just a fact of life for photographers. Bad copies happen even with well-reputed lenses and can cause issues like uneven sharpness, obvious blurring and more. They can significantly impact overall image quality, or they could cause only a subtle change.
Of course, everyone takes a slightly different approach to dealing with such lenses. Here’s what you all had to say.
Deal with minor faults
Many of you said that if the lens has minor faults, especially if it’s a budget lens, you simply deal with any imperfections. Jon555 also pointed out, “There are two issues, sample variation and actually getting a dud.” ProfHankD added to this thought, sharing insight from his experience: “Commercial products are designed to meet specifications, not to be perfect – which is good, because no lens is ever perfect. With over 300 lenses, I have had easily measurable imperfections in every one I’ve tested.”
Return
Major faults or issues with pro-grade glass are significantly less tolerated. With those, DPReview members overwhelmingly prefer to return defective lenses. “When I’ve come across a bad copy, I usually test it thoroughly – checking sharpness, corners, and consistency at different apertures. If it shows clear defects, I return or exchange it. Life’s too short to struggle with a lens that isn’t performing properly,” says Julia90.
How you go about returning depends on where you purchased the lens, with many of you specifying that you only purchased from trusted sellers that have robust return policies. “Buy new from a reputable source who’s return policy is solid. Especially if its a 3rd party lens with a reputation for QC issues and you know there is a solid chance you might not be happy with the first copy,” says TBLF.
Some of you shared that dealing with returns to the manufacturer is much more challenging, while retailers are more understanding, resulting in a straightforward return and/or replacement process. “It is usually better to exchange unsatisfactory copies with camera stores (which are usually generous) rather than Nikon (they sometimes have interesting ideas about what ‘meets specifications’ means),” said BasilG.
For many of you, replacing the faulty lens is the preferred process.
For many of you, replacing the faulty lens is the preferred process. You are willing to try a second (or third) copy to get a quality lens. However, others said they will look for something else entirely. “Generally, if I encounter a defective lens, I return the lens and look for an alternative. If the QC on that lens was that bad it’s unlikely that others in the lot will be much better,” said Thomas Kachadurian. “I’m not one of those people who will try and return several copies of the same lens looking for a jewel in the rocks.”
Last resort: repair
For just about everyone, sending the lens off for repairs is a last resort. AshleyMC shared their four options, with repair not part of the list. “Over the years, I have never exercised the repair option,” they said. Most of you said that repairing a lens is only considered when return and replacement are not possible. “If I bought new and can’t return then I’ll try for a warranty repair,” said Gato Amarillo.
Even then, most of you stressed getting a lens repaired under warranty to avoid pricey bills. Gato Amarillo went on to say that “A paid repair would be far down my list of options. Modern lenses are extremely complex and built to very tight tolerances. I wouldn’t trust anything other than a factory repair, and I’d be worried about that.”
Be sure to test your lenses
Another common theme was the importance of testing your new lenses. Many of you shared various methods for testing your lenses. They range from simple and real-world practical, like photographing a flat surface of some variety. For example, RussW said, “First thing I do when I get a new lens or camera is to test it by photographing my garage door.” Some shared about the four corners or upside-down methods. A smaller number of you have more in-depth processes, such as photographing detailed scenes or specific charts.
If you wait too long, the return period may lapse, or the warranty for the lens may run out.
No matter how you test, timing is essential. “This is why I think it’s important to test your lenses when you get them and deal with any quality issues sooner rather than later,” said Sirhawkeye64. If you wait too long, the return period may lapse, or the warranty for the lens may run out. That means you’ll have to pay for a replacement or repairs out of pocket.
MikeyL shared his experience of not discovering the issue until it was too late. “In one other case I also bought from this same retailer but did not discover the issue until it was out of the time period for a replacement,” he wrote. “At that point I had to deal with the manufacturer. It was a 3rd party manufacturer, and they wanted 2/3rds of the price of the lens just to fix it (even though it was defective from purchase). So in that case I had no recourse. That lens still sits on a shelf in my hobby room today, pretty much useless.”
No matter what, your best bet is to test your lenses early to catch any possible issues. How you handle it from there depends on your needs and preferences, and what options your retailer has.