Memory cards and camera batteries are often a target of counterfeiters. However, it seems that lenses are not spared of this either. Canon has announced that some of the lenses brought into their service center for repair are fake. The counterfeited model is EF 50mm f/1.8 II. Regarding this issue, they advise the users how to recognize the counterfeit lenses.
Unfortunately, the exterior of fake lenses is difficult to differentiate from the original. They faithfully imitate all the external details, although the parts and electric circuits are different from the genuine model. However, one detail on the outside can tell you whether your lens is genuine or fake.
Canon advises the users to review the location of the company name on the mount when the lens cap is removed. The letters can be either printed or molded, but the difference is in the space between the words “Canon” and “Inc.” If there is no space between the words, the lens is fake. If there is, then it’s real. You can see the examples in the photos below. Canon Inc. makes an appeal for all the buyers to register their Canon products if they haven’t done it already. There is also a useful (and even fun) section on their website where you can learn more about counterfeit and how to recognize fake products. If you are planning to buy a “nifty fifty”, make sure to pay attention to this detail and only buy from reputable retailers. And for those who already have this lens – have you checked it? [via Canon Rumors, lead photo by Z Anjum]
