age of a used 70-200mm lens I just bought, how do I determine its age,

[overkillphil]

age of a used lens,   I just bought a 70-200 EF 2.8 L is USM from B&H = S/N 257[xxx] how do I determine its age, Thanks Phil

[Serial number partially hidden to protect user privacy.]

[johnrmoyer]

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

[overkillphil]

ok for some reason I just don't understand their chart, I've been on that web page before but don't get it,  I'd like to think Im not stupid but what....  why can't they make it simple  S/N 257[xxx] , thanks so far...

[overkillphil · Accepted solution]

I found it,  thanks for the link but I just googled it and it came back with what I wanted thanks

[overkillphil]

AI Overview

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The Canon lens serial number 257[xxx] indicates the lens was manufactured in July of 2023. The "25" represents the month/year (July 2023) and "7[xxx]" is a serial number starting with 0000001 each month. 

Elaboration:

• 25:

  This part of the serial number is a date code, specifically the month and year of manufacture. Sean Murphy Studios says, the code increments each month, starting from January 2008. 
• [xxx]:

  This part of the serial number is a batch number, indicating which batch the lens was produced in. 
• 7[xxx]:

  This part is the serial number itself, a sequential number starting with 0000001 each month, says Canon. 

Finding the Serial Number:

The serial number can be found on the lens barrel, usually on the side, or on the black plastic or metal area of the electronic mount. 

Note: The serial number format can vary slightly depending on the model and year of manufacture, according to Canon. 

[MikeSowsun]

Only 10 digit serial numbers can be decoded for date of manufacture. It is highly unlikely your lens was manufactured in July 2023. 

A 70-200mm lens with a 6 digit serial number should have an alpha numeric date code stamped on the lens mount area. 

[overkillphil]

Mike,  this lens date code on the mounting ring area is US0707, do I understand by looking at this number it was built for the US in july of 2007 = it's 18 years old ? is this right. 

[MikeSowsun]

No, a US0707 date code means your lens was manufactured in July of 2004, making it 21 years old.

The first letter was the manufacturing plant. "U" means Canon's Utsunomiya, Japan factory. 

The second letter is the year. “S” means 2004. 

07 means July, and the last two digits don’t represent anything. 

There is no way to tell which market the lens was sold in. They are manufactured in various factories, to the same specs. It is just the warranty that differs.