Nikon lens serial number question
Jun 12, 2020 11:34:23 #
I am looking to buy a secondhand Nikon 16-35 f4. I have found a couple of possibilities. However, one lens has an engraved six digit serial number starting with a 2xxxxx and the other has a sticker with a six digit number that starts with a 4xxxxx. Is it too simplistic to conclude that the lens with a serial number that starts with a 4 is a newer? Also interesting that on the lens with a serial number staring with a 2 the number is engraved, while on the other it is a sticker. I assume that if the lens with the higher serial number is newer then the sticker is a cost saving exercise by Nikon.
Jun 12, 2020 12:02:24 #
Jun 12, 2020 12:08:30 #
TonyBrown wrote:
I am looking to buy a secondhand Nikon 16-35 f4. I... (show quote)
I would contact Nikon through their website.
Jun 12, 2020 12:20:21 #
Someone wrote in another thread that even without a “US” prefix that a s/n beginning with 2 or 3 is a Nikon USA model, meaning it can be serviced if need ever arises.
Do check the Nikon website ... better than relying on my memory of what was admittedly not official advice.
One thing I can tell you, never assume that numbers are sequential over time, for ANY type of product. Usually the first part of the number is code for location, type, date, etc etc. The sequential portion begins somewhere mid-number but you won’t know exactly where.
Do check the Nikon website ... better than relying on my memory of what was admittedly not official advice.
One thing I can tell you, never assume that numbers are sequential over time, for ANY type of product. Usually the first part of the number is code for location, type, date, etc etc. The sequential portion begins somewhere mid-number but you won’t know exactly where.
Jun 12, 2020 12:42:23 #
RWR
Loc: La Mesa, CA
TonyBrown wrote:
I am looking to buy a secondhand Nikon 16-35 f4. I... (show quote)
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html#14_24-xx
Jun 12, 2020 13:23:21 #
TonyBrown wrote:
I am looking to buy a secondhand Nikon 16-35 f4. I... (show quote)
Lenses made in to different factories. 2x made in Japan and 4x in Thailand is the latest
Jun 12, 2020 13:27:53 #
That’s interesting. I wonder if the quality of the lens made in Japan is better than the one from Thailand.
Jun 12, 2020 13:29:24 #
Jun 12, 2020 13:42:45 #
TonyBrown wrote:
That’s interesting. I wonder if the quality of the lens made in Japan is better than the one from Thailand.
Good question. My gut I would go with the 2x lens
Jun 12, 2020 16:13:25 #
PixelStan77 wrote:
Good question. My gut I would go with the 2x lens
I did buy 2 samples of the same Nikkor lens once, one made in Japan the other made in Thailand. Have used both extensively. Have found no discernible differences.
Jun 12, 2020 19:03:41 #
TonyBrown wrote:
That’s interesting. I wonder if the quality of the lens made in Japan is better than the one from Thailand.
Wonder away ...
but you’ll never really know.
Jun 13, 2020 07:56:35 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
TonyBrown wrote:
I am looking to buy a secondhand Nikon 16-35 f4. I... (show quote)
Serial numbers on Nikon lenses used to be easy to figure out. At one time any lens coming to the us had a US in front of it.
And, serial numbers on lenses and camera's had meaning as to which country they were imported to. This sadly is no longer the case.
I would suggest you call Nikon at 1-800-645-6687
Jun 13, 2020 09:21:07 #
olemikey
Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida
TonyBrown wrote:
I am looking to buy a secondhand Nikon 16-35 f4. I... (show quote)
With all the modern electronic coupling of the newer lenses (from some I have seen) many report the lens serial number, like they do with the camera s/n in the Exif Data, and it will show in many processing and shutter count programs. So even if the sticker is lost, the s/n is still available.
Jun 13, 2020 09:45:31 #
My 16-35 f4 has an engraved six digit number beginning with 318xxx.
It was made in Japan.
It was made in Japan.
Jun 13, 2020 09:54:07 #
jbk224
Loc: Long Island, NY
No only is the #4 made in Thailand, but it is a newer model. Open this link and search for the 16-35. Then check your serial numbers to see where they fall into the sequence..this part not exact, but the closer to 200000xxx the earlier from 2010 it was made.
You can check with Nikon if this was a US model or 'grey'market' model.
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html
You can check with Nikon if this was a US model or 'grey'market' model.
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html
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