The low Zn2+ complex formation constants, the capacity to degrade penicillin G in combination with Zn2+, and UV absorbance make 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid, 3-[N-tris(hydroxymethyl)methylamino]-2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid, 1,3-bis[tris(hydroxymethyl)methylamino]propane, and 1,4-piperazinediethanesulfonic acid convenient buffers to study Zn2+-dependent beta-lactamases.