Buying used lenses?

[BTLowry]

Got the day off and it is pouring rain, no complaints about that

So while I was waiting I started looking at the photography forum and making notes of the different lenses that were recommended.

Then I got to thinking about if buying used was a good option.

I know to look for the obvious scratches, damage, etc and I would imagine it would be smart to carry your camera and check the functions to make sure everything worked.

What else would you look for or do if you were buying used?
Or is it better to buy new?

[Randy]

I have never shy'd away from a good used lens or even buying refurbished factory equipment. Ive had good luck with it. Matter of fact I just bought a refurb D7000 for about half of the retail price.

[BTLowry]

Refurb I am not scared of

Buying used from someone I do not know? Just a little leary

[macoop]

I have bought used. One from KEH, which didn't scare me. The other from an individual and it was a Canon 300 2.8. The guy sent pics, had bought the lens new, was willing to answer all of my questions over a 3 or 4 day period and always returned my calls. I had made up my mind that if he ripped me off that I was willing to buy myself a plane ticket to Atlanta and extract my money from his face. No need for that though. It was a great lens and is still my favorite lens.
KEH sells a lot of good used stuff and it is exactly as they represent it. I think it is actually a grade better than what they represent.

[BTLowry]

KEH?

Guess I will put the google hound on it, don't know what KEH is

[Bowhunter004]

I would check and see how accurate the autofocus is. My wife bought a lens off of a facebook group and the autofocus was not working properly. It would act like it was focused but if you swictched to manual focus you could sharpen the focus better than auto. I hope that makes sense, its passed my bedtime

[BTLowry]

I would check and see how accurate the autofocus is. My wife bought a lens off of a facebook group and the autofocus was not working properly. It would act like it was focused but if you swictched to manual focus you could sharpen the focus better than auto. I hope that makes sense, its passed my bedtime

Makes perfect sense

[Gummi Bear]

I used to buy used lenses from camera shows and local camera shops. I bought, sold and traded quite a few Nikkor lenses that way. Watch the local convention center calendar, for when the next camera show might be. I used to hit a big one at Dallas Market Hall every year. It was a bunch of fun. Kinda like a gun show, for camera folk.

I would also rent lenses for special applications when needed.


I never bought used lenses if I could not hold it in my hands and inspect it. A factory refurb or something from a reputable shop I might consider though.

[BrandonH]

I've bought and sold numerous lenses on both craigslist and eBay. When buying from craigslist I make sure to take my camera and test the auto focus and look for any scratches or marks from dropping it. I've been happy with all my transactions so far.

[BTLowry]

Gummi Bear I have never heard of a "camera show", guess there are not enough camera traders out here

From the replies it looks like I had the right ideas on what to look for and check

[scotty]

Camera shows happen about once a year in Austin. I've sold camera gear to KEH, but I have not bought anything from them. I wouldn't shy away from used equipment either. You can generally tell how the gear was taken care of by it's outward appearance. Does it look new or are there scratches and dings? My sister is a professional photographer, but there is no way I would buy a camera or lens from her. They are tools to her and she beats them up. I don't think she knows what lens covers are, front or back! Try it out on your camera. LISTEN to it. Does the autofocus sound right? Twist the rings. Are they smooth? If you are buying a camera, run it through it's paces too. Don't just look at the screen to see how the images look. That screen in back is pretty small.
There are some good deals to be had out there though.
http://discussions.texasbowhunter.co...light=changing
Don't be scared. If it end up being not perfect, you can sell it or get it repaired.

[LWD]

A friend of mine buys used camera stuff frequently. I know he uses KEH but maybe somewhere else too. He's never had a problem and really likes the savings.

LWD

[El Viejo]

I used to buy & sell at the camera shows, but haven't in several years. I think eBay has brought about the demise of many. I have also bought from KEH as well as other reliable photo shops. A few years ago, I picked up a used Canon lens at The Camera Exchange on San Pedro in San Antonio. I then took it to Havel Camera Repair on Basse Rd. to get it checked out. It checked out fine and I used it for many years. Today, I would not hesitate buying used from any reputable dealer, be it on eBay or elsewhere. Buying from an individual is a different matter. You better check out the lens very closely before making such a purchase.

[LWD]

I followed up with my friend. He buys from KEH because of the quality. He sells used on ebay and gets more $$$ there.

LWD

[Kevin]

I've bought a ton of used gear from Fredmiranda.com forums. Lots of good reputable sellers on there.