In article <52gjpu$mhq@noc1.biddeford.com>, austin@mail.biddeford.com says...

>I've seen a lot recommendations for specific models of lenses on this
>newsgroup; Im looking to buy a couple of high-quality used lenses
>(wide-angle and macro). A question naturally occurs: certain lenses have
>great reputations--does that mean that I can assume that the one I find
>will be a great lens (assuming, of course, that it's in good condition).
>Put another way, how likely is it that one Nikon so-and-so will be great,
>another lousy, when they're new?

Having checked out one big bunch of Nikkors (and others) over the years,
I may be in a relatively good position to answer that question - but I don't have a definitive simple answer (watch for my "SUBJECTIVE Lens Evaluations
[Mostly Nikkors]", version 6, which I am working on now, which does cover
the lens variability that I have seen). My quick answer is that you have an
excellent chance of getting a good sample when buying Nikkor primes - there
is little significant variation in these, especially in the AIS versions,
except with a couple of older lenses. I have seen little sample variation
in MF zooms, also, with the exception of the 35 -> X zooms. I would expect some noticeable (but probably acceptable to most people) variation in most
AF zooms (but I would avoid the 35 -> X AF zooms without thorough checking,
from what I have seen). I have not checked a lot of AF primes, since I don't like AF - I generally see only the MF versions of lenses that are optically
the same designs in both versions. AF sample consistency does not seem to
be as good as it is with MF Nikkors.

>Second, is it possible to evaluate a lens in the store? How can I tell if
>I'm getting a good one? What things should I look for (I'm thinking now
>of both original quality and possible wear and tear).

You cannot evaluate lens sharpness and alignment without a film check,
unless alignment is so bad that you can detect it on an F, F2, or F3
VF screen (others aren't good enough to see the edges and corners
sharply enough to check consistency of focus on a distant object moved
around the viewing screen). If you are buying used, you will be balancing
detectable defects on surfaces and wear in moving parts against price.
When buying, always have a return agreement, and don't drive yourself nuts
trying to test - just use the lens a lot for a while and pay attention to corner performance (most sample variation shows up in corner performance).
Hope This Helps