Lens age, does it matter?

tijoseph

I know there is alot of talk about when a particular lens was made. Does it really matter that much?

Maybe some periods when they were made were worse than others, and if this is the case, how do you find out information like that?

Shima

Certain models from various years are known to have specific defects, which is usually the only reason people will ask for the age code on the lens. Otherwise, an old lens works just as good as the same version of that lens made 10 years later usually. I always buy my lenses used.

ziggy53

Shima wrote:

Certain models from various years are known to have specific defects, which is usually the only reason people will ask for the age code on the lens. Otherwise, an old lens works just as good as the same version of that lens made 10 years later usually. I always buy my lenses used.

I don't worry about date codes.

Candid Arts

Only thing I would say is newer lenses sometimes have better faster focusing motors, better weather sealing, image stabilization... That's about it I could think of. Aside from the fact that newer lenses have had lens time out in the field so might be in better condition.