Secondhand Lenses - Constructive Criticism required

jeffa

Hi Folks,


I have been working on a project recently to pull together lens information from different manufacturers. The intent is to develop a community of slr photographers, sharing information and advice on glass. Also as a sideline helping put together buyes and sellers of lenses.

Its early days, and it is in its infancy but I really would appreciate your feedback on SecondHandLenses.com

Be as honest as you like, I want this to be really useful for folks, or there is just no point.

Thanks in advance

wxwax

I like the idea, a lot.

But to work, the reviews have to have credibility. I looked at the 16-35 II review, since I know the I.

I found no mention of the generational changes between I and II. And the review claims "corner to corner" sharpness, which we know isn't exactly true.

Frankly, the review reads like the Canon press release.

jeffa

Agreed

wxwax wrote:

I like the idea, a lot.

But to work, the reviews have to have credibility. I looked at the 16-35 II review, since I know the I.

I found no mention of the generational changes between I and II. And the review claims "corner to corner" sharpness, which we know isn't exactly true.

Frankly, the review reads like the Canon press release.

Agreed, and thanks for your feedback.

The listings that are on there currently are not reviews, just listings, and as yet not even a comprehensive set of listings, I have loads of Canons still to add. The Canon ones are indeed taken from the Canon museum. I also think that the 16-35 II thing you looked was just a news item, not even a lens listing ( I have not added any canon zooms yet! )

The concept is that if you own the lens, and you know better, then you contribute your knowledge, as the only real "knowledge" is first hand experience of the lens. In my head, the concept was "content generated by photographers, for photographers".

I don't own 16-35 more is the pity, so I can't comment but you can.

Thanks again for looking, it's really appreciated.

jeffa

New feature at SHL
Hi,

We now pay contributers at http://secondhandlenses.com the amazon ad revenue on content that they submit.

I am really keen that we make this the one stop shop for lens information, and your help deserves reward.

Now you can get it.

Thanks

Shizam

You're going to have a problem with getting people to buy used items off the site as there is no accountability. With many other classifieds sites they're attached to forums where you can see that PhotoNut has posted 3000 topics so he could be trusted but NigerianPhotard only has 3 topics and is trying to sell $20k in lenses... I also like the idea, but you have a lot of hurdles. Also what makes you stand out from someplace such as FredMiranda?

jeffa

Trust online with secondhandlenses.com

Sizam wrote:

You're going to have a problem with getting people to buy used items off the site as there is no accountability. With many other classifieds sites they're attached to forums where you can see that PhotoNut has posted 3000 topics so he could be trusted but NigerianPhotard only has 3 topics and is trying to sell $20k in lenses... I also like the idea, but you have a lot of hurdles. Also what makes you stand out from someplace such as FredMiranda?

First up thanks for taking the time to comment. Its appreciated. I take on board your comments about trust online.

The initial idea for the site was to be more of an information archive for lenses. The aim was to capture specifications and information when it is new and current and keep that info accessible in the long term. We have ourselves in the past run into issues with vendors only listing details of their current product range on their web sites, and struggled to work out what works with what, what needs chipping etc etc etc. I am working on a second hand lens buyers guide too.

I always find peer reviews interesting online, but you also have to take them with a pinch of salt, as its very difficult to be truly objective when you have just spent money on a bit of kit.

So the current "vision" for the site is to try to build up a comprehensive archive of lens spec listings, with the facility for users to review the lenses listed. The quality of reviews is rated by the user community, with a league table of reviewers, as well as lenses. Reading this info would be the main reason to visit the site. Its not FredMiranda, and probably never will be, but by trying to stay focussed (no pun intended) on lenses maybe we have enough of a niche to make a go of it. Will start doing proper "editor reviews" also, when we have the framework built.

We display amazon ads on the listing pages, and pay direct to the contributer for any clicks on those ads. We are working on the same system for reviews, so reviewers would get paid for ad clicks from their reviews. To take advantage of this contributers need an amazon associates id.

We aim to add the facility to buy or sell a particular lens in that lenses listing, with links back to the reviewers user profile. This is a secondary goal for the site really, but the user review ratings may go some way to address the issues with online trust. We also have a forum, but no real user base yet. I don't think anyone has really solved this one yet, though do have a few ideas that i want to keep up my sleeve for now. Am up for ideas!

Once again thanks for looking, it means a lot to us.

This post is too long.

jeffa

Free Spudz Lens Cloths
Hi,

Just an update we are now giving away free spudz lens cloths to contributers at secondhandlenses.com

ta