I'm trying to find a nice used copy of this lens.
Noticed that almost all of them have that strange sign of use - bit damaged "inner ring" of front element barrel. Why is this almost always damaged?
It's probably a bad job by Nikon 😀 they have a flimsy plastic gasket like thing which gets caught when you try and put on the lens cap (unless you are really careful). It's cosmetic but I don't like it either
If the previous owner has had a UV filter on the lens it should be okay. Personally, I don't use UV filters all the time so I got a cheap Sensei lens cap to try. It seems to do the job without catching the fascia ring so I guess it doesn't sit as deep as the OEM cap?
phinix wrote:
I'm trying to find a nice used copy of this lens.
Noticed that almost all of them have that strange sign of use - bit damaged "inner ring" of front element barrel. Why is this almost always damaged?
That inner ring is just a decal that covers the access screws for service. The decal is really easy to mess up, just by frequently putting a filter or lens cap on and off. But if you can find a copy of the lens where this is pristine, the lens has probably been lightly used.
Yeees! This is an old time story with this lens. You should cover it with the filter or you will damage this plastic with the lens cap. I don’t have any ideas why have Nikon made such stupid things. But we have what we have. If the owner doesn’t use protective filter the plastic will be damaged.
phinix wrote:
I'm trying to find a nice used copy of this lens.
Noticed that almost all of them have that strange sign of use - bit damaged "inner ring" of front element barrel. Why is this almost always damaged?
I never knew. I've been fortunate that mine is still pristine after 3 years, and I bought it used. Now that I am aware, I'm likely to damage it. I'll start putting on a filter.
phinix wrote:
I wonder if Nikon would be able to send/sell replacement part of that ring, in case it is possible to take off and mount new.
All used available to buy here in UK have damaged ring.
I keep searching for a clean one then...
I don't know if they sell replacements, it seems like it would be difficult for an end user to attach perfectly. But whenever the lens is sent in for service here in the US, it comes back with a new one.
I had mine for a few years, never put a filter on it and that gasket was nearly pristine when I sold it here last week. The lenscap latching is wonky on a couple of my Nikon lenses, and the 58 was one of them — maybe I’m just more careful than I think.
Honestly I would recommend using the filter. Because the front lens section is moving and dust/dirt can get inside. It’s my third 58/1.4 (long story) since 2015. And the first one suffered from dust without a filter.
