hj Loc: Florida

First time I've run across this and wonder if it is true. Interested in a Canon 70-200 f2.8 zoom lens on eBay and emailed the owner asking for it's Canon Mfg Code. He responded with a message supposedly he received from Canon after giving them the serial number and pertinent info.

"Dear (name):
Thank you for contacting Canon product support. We value you as a Canon customer and appreciate the opportunity to assist you with your EF 70-200 f/2.8 L USM lens and date of manufacture request.

Unfortunately, not all Canon lenses have date codes and furthermore, we are not given any means by which to interpret the ones that do(contrary to popular belief). I am sorry for the inconvenience.

Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance with your EF 70-200 f/2.8 L USM lens. Thank you for choosing Canon.

Sincerely, (name) Technical Support Representative"

I might understand an old, old lens not having a code, but the one he referred to Canon is only 4 years old according to owner. AND why would Canon claim they can't interpret mfg codes.... I see lists on google that suggest the second digit represents the year of mfg..... for example the letter Y represents the year 2010. Is this eBay seller possibly misrepresenting his lens?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

If the lens is in good shape, the date might not mean too much. I know there are people on this forum who are still using glass from decades ago.

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

This makes no sense. If nothing else they should have been able to say when it was made using the serial number. Does it really matter though? One of the components could have been made three years before the lens was assembled.

As Jerry pointed out, the condition is what really counts.

Jim D

bee7474 Loc: Selah, Wa

Hi, I agree with Jim, it doesn't matter what date, it is the condition. I have a 24x80L Canon that was made in the ninities that looks and works great. Bee

larrycumba

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Canon-Lenses/Canon-Lens-Aging.aspx

For some the age of the lens does not matter. For me it is the first thing I ask for. This helps me in setting a price I am willing to pay. As an example, ten year old lens and a one year old lens, same price. Which one would you rather have?

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

The one that is in the best condition. I agree, if all is the same, the newer one but it is near the bottom of my concerns.

Jim D

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Only the "L" series lenses have a date code on them. Look up "Canon date code" in google and you will see how to find the date the L series lens was made.

I agree the condition is everything but if I have a choice to buy a one year old lens for the same price as an 8 year old lens, I'd take the one year old any day. But I might try to offer less to the guy with the 8 year old lens stating that I have an opportunity to purchase a one year old for the same price and see what they say. It's worked before.

photojoede Loc: NW Arkansas

The one in the best condition