There are plenty of ratings and tests for how long DSLR bodies last, but I have never really seen much that describes the expected lifespan of lenses.
Recently, one of my cheap-o lenses (Nikon 18-55mm, ~10,000 exposures) started making some funny noises and the focus ring jams up occasionally. It has been through a lot (got frozen in China, and bounced along trails on the back of a motorcycle in the Rockies), but I expected it to last a little longer than a couple years, especially next to my 20 year old 80-200mm which gets twice the usage.
Anyways, how long it is reasonable to expect a lens to last before needing to be serviced or replaced?
Are there any brands/lines of lenses that do better than others (and vice versa)?
Answer
This doesn't quite answer your question, but it's relevant: there is value in using your equipment in the way that best serves your photography, even if it's not ideal treatment for the equipment. So for example the freezing and bumping along on a dirt bike aren't super great for the lens, but it sounds like those things were essential to having the equipment in those situations at all. It's not an expensive lens, so maybe you got your money's worth.
In other words: treat your equipment as well as you can, but a little abuse may be the price you pay to get a given shot. And maybe that shot is worth the price.
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