I do not believe that you need to be concerned with such a recent date code. 1 1/2 years is nothing compared to some of the older date codes that I've gotten in the past for newly purchased lenses. Actually, I find that date codes are nothing more than a factory status at most. As long as the lens works perfectly without any problems, I see no reason for concern...and yes it is pretty common for this to happen.
Since you have a UY date code, it could have meant one of two things. 1.) Your lens was probably sitting on the shelf after being shipped over for a while, or 2.) It took a while for them to ship it over and has recently been shipped out as a "batch" of new for sale lenses.
My 85mm f/1.2L II was purchased last year in May with a UU12 date code for reference
Lenses are like beer: any older than a month or so and it ain't fresh and should be sent back. But freakin' 18 months? You were ripped off and how. That optic must reek like funky fish sticks...
I think (hope) this was tongue-in-cheek. I prefer to think of lenses like scotch: they mature with age, revealing previously unforeseen characteristics.
Either way: STOP AGONIZING. You just acquired a much sought after piece of glass, and your copy is working as desired. The 135 is one of the best lenses out there.
No worries, granted...it's 'older' stock but still carries the 1 yr warranty. AFAIK (3 yrs removed from Canon) the 135 f2L
has never had any QC issues. Enjoy your new lens, it's one of Canon's best.
Don't think aproblem as far as you use it.
However, keep your receipt as a proof, in case you want to sell this lens in the future. Older date coded lens tend to fetch less price. But the difference might be insignificant.
It seems like a new form of "Equipmentangst" is making the round. As if everything
had the half life of a Personal Computer or Smartphone these days. I buy used most
of the time and some lenses I had were 15years old and worked without a flaw. You
should not be concerned ^^
btw. Canon has stopped putting date codes on some of their newer lenses (70-200 II for example).
trenchmonkey wrote:
No worries, granted...it's 'older' stock but still carries the 1 yr warranty. AFAIK (3 yrs removed from Canon) the 135 f2L
has never had any QC issues. Enjoy your new lens, it's one of Canon's best.
No QC issues with the one I bought from the Monkey!
