testing a lens in a shop

roc1

roc1

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Hi

I'm going to Jacobs next week to test a sigma 85 1.4 on my 5dmk2 with a view to buying. But wanted advice on how to check if its a good copy or not in a shop environment with the sales guy breathing down my neck? :)

Is there a quick test that works for people? I think basically what i'm asking is what things to look out for in a bad copy?

Thanks
 
I would want to review the images first really.

Should be able to take a laptop, pop your memory card in, and see if you are happy there and then.
 
Go to the doorway and shoot as many photos as you can and either check them on a lappy or pixel peep on your screen and see what the photos are like. If it looks good then you should be ok.
The second part of the problem comes if they give you a store lens for testing and a new one out the back of the shop if you buy it. I checked out a 100-400 L and a 100 L macro at London Camera Exchange in Lincoln, zoomed in to check the pics I'd took and was very happy with them. Then I got 2 boxed lenses when I said yes to both. Worked for me though cause both lenses as sharp on my 7D and 5D2 so I'm happy with that.
 
They've only got the one in stock so that should rule out that problem!
 
A decent shop should let you take a few pics then download them to their PC so you can see them.
If you take along your own card, you will be able to view them in the shop and also at home. Just remember, your screen may not be set up the same as theirs though.

Allan
 
You may need to do some micro adjustment which is fairly easy on the 5dii
A lot of this stuff about soft copies and front/back focusing only needs a slight adjustment.
With an F4 lens you can hardly see it, but get down to 1.4 and focus is critical.
The 5D remembers each lens so won't affect your existing set up.
 
allanm said:
A decent shop should let you take a few pics then download them to their PC so you can see them.
If you take along your own card, you will be able to view them in the shop and also at home. Just remember, your screen may not be set up the same as theirs though.

Allan
Click to expand...

i agree. laptop, usb cable, eos utility (or lightroom if you have it) straight to camera. 100% zoom in no time. and obviously bring some shots in on the laptop that you've already taken that you know are sharp and compare
 
thanks for the replies! am going in tomorrow to test it so fingers crossed its a good copy.

out of interest what would be the best way of micro adjusting there in the shop?
 
Have a look through your manual, you can try it on your other lens it's easily reversible.
You can even put the microadjustment on your quick access menu thing.
 
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