LENS SERIAL NUMBER CANON 70-200 F2.8 IS 11

[Countryside59]

Hi,

Have just purchased a 70-200 2.8L is 11usm lens from Ebay, seller stated only 6 months old and looks in mint condition, but would like to check date of manufacture, Is it the 10 digit serial no on the box, if this is so which site do I  need to check this out?

Thanks

[Waddizzle]

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@Countryside59 wrote:

Hi,

Have just purchased a 70-200 2.8L is 11usm lens from Ebay, seller stated only 6 months old and looks in mint condition, but would like to check date of manufacture, Is it the 10 digit serial no on the box, if this is so which site do I  need to check this out?

Thanks

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Forget about the box.  It might match the lens, and then again it might not.  Look at the lens itself. 

Can you see where is says "Image Stabilizer" near the lens mount?  Good, now spin the lens 180 degrees, and you should see the serial number.

[Countryside59]

Many thanks and it is the same number on the box too

[ebiggs1]

"... but would like to check date of manufacture ..."

You don't want the serial number. You need to find the date code.  Not all ef 70-200mm f2.8 lenses have one.   It is a black on black stamped number on the lens mount.  If it was ever there it could have rubbed off or just faded away.

[diverhank]

This link will provide you with all the information you need to determine date of manufacturing:

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

[ebiggs1]

diverhank,

The problem is the lacking or missing number on 70-200's.  I have seen some with it but most do not have it for whatever reason.

[diverhank]

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@ebiggs1 wrote:

diverhank,

The problem is the lacking or missing number on 70-200's.  I have seen some with it but most do not have it for whatever reason.

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Not sure if it applies to your case but the website I posted did mention that some of the newer lenses no longer have the stamped number anymore and you need to discern the date from the serial numbers.

[Countryside59]

Just got a reply from Canon, they state the date cannot be determined from the serial number, not a lot of help as no other info was offered

[Countryside59]

Thanks for info

Have checked lens serial number against the listings, but still unsure when it was manufactured. [Mod Note: Serial number removed per forum guidelines]

[diverhank]

What were the first two numbers of the s/n? That's all you need to find the date