Jon Sienkiewicz

If the used camera lens you see online is packaged with a leash and a bone, odds are very good that it’s a dog. But in the absence of obvious evidence, how can you tell a bargain from a bagel? It’s impossible to physically examine the merchandise before purchase. And you can’t always trust what you see in the listing photos. However, you can conduct a thorough inspection upon receipt. Here are 10 things to check the minute the used lens is delivered. 

Vacation season is approaching fast! Like millions of other Americans, you may be planning to travel to a destination where you can do a few of the things you really enjoy—including some inspired photography. Whether you’re headed to Tokyo, Toronto or Terre Haute, Indiana, here are a few tips that will help you enjoy your adventure.

Pssst! Hey – yeah, you. Share this story with your significant other and maybe they’ll take the hint that this year you both need a photo-perfect vacation.

Does a 5mm scratch in the center of the front element ruin a lens? We gouged a brand new, straight-from-the-box, $499 Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 zoom to find out. Then we shot some test subjects. Was the defect visible in the images? See for yourself…

Last fall we published a series of fun quizzes and thankfully no one took them, or themselves, too seriously. Well, we’re doing it again. They’re a bit easier this time except for the first four and the last nine. Tell us how you scored in the comments. And no peeking at Google. Ready?