What price to pay for a used 500mm F4?

[K-amps]

Is the version 1 sharp? What should I pay, one has showed up in a local CL for $2500 with the casing.

 

[can0nfan2379]

Any of the canon superteles are very sharp, the Mark II versions moreso at least based on the MTF figures.  $2500 for a lens that was originally $7000-8000.....I guess I would be suspicious that you are dealing with stolen property, a lens that has some major flaw or defect or possibly an owner that is simply not aware of what things cost but since the ad says "original owner" I cannot imagine that they don't know what the used prices are. A used 600 f4l IS MK I on the B&H site is $6000.00  The 500's aren't going to be a whole lot less...maybe $5000.

[preppyak]

Presuming its the 500mm f/4L IS USM, then that would be about half the going rate or it. Its sold on FM for $6000 pretty regularly. So, I'd proceed with extreme caution that its stolen or a scammer

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=43
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-500mm-f-4.0-L-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

Now, if it were the pre-IS f/4.5 version, that price might be more in line.

[can0nfan2379]

Here is the B&H link...note the condition score is a 7 meaning considerable wear.....

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/800895944-USE/Canon_2534a002_Telephoto_EF_600mm_f_4_0L.html

[K-amps]

I am concerned that's why I ask....   Looking at the ad again, this is listed in an Indiana CL while the ad says "bought locally in the DFW area... 

So assuming this is the real deal and I am able to go and test it in person, what should I be looking for in the test apart from the obvious, no rattles/ broken elements / shoots ok with AF engaging etc...

thanks...

[Harv]

This lens currently sells used in the area of $6,000, plus or minus a couple of hundred.

I would be very suspicious at $2,500.  This deal look much too good to be true.  Be very, very careful.

[sama]

$2500 seems not bad compared to the one with IS in Toronto.

[scrappydog]

I would probe further, but use an email address that you would not mind a scammer having.  I recently picked up a TS-E 24 f/3.5L II in perfect condition and still under warranty for $1,300 (via craigslist).  The seller was legit and trying to get some quick cash for a trip so the TS-E had to go.  I nabbed it quick because that was a smoking deal.  Your deal, if legit, is even better.

[preppyak]

$2500 seems not bad compared to the one with IS in Toronto.

It's actually the same lens, the seller just didn't list it with IS. Or, he's selling the f/4.5L version, which is non-IS. Canon, that I'm aware of, doesn't have a non-IS f/4 version

[PackLight]

Is the version 1 sharp? What should I pay, one has showed up in a local CL for $2500 with the casing.

Thats a 90's model. Non IS and I see them going for $2500 to $3500.

The IS version the last 10 years, go for mid $5500 to $6700

You should note, that if they are claiming it is the IS version, it is a scam.

[K-amps]

Is the version 1 sharp? What should I pay, one has showed up in a local CL for $2500 with the casing.

Thats a 90's model. Non IS and I see them going for $2500 to $3500.

The IS version the last 10 years, go for mid $5500 to $6700

You should note, that if they are claiming it is the IS version, it is a scam.

Thanks.

He says purchased in 2007 original owner (so someone had this odl new stock sitting for 10 years before this guy got it?)

Also someone said the older non-IS version is F4.5 not F4, is this right if so that's 2 discrepancies in the ad.

[tron]

I am not a 500mm owner so not an expert on that but doesn't the picture look more like the 400 f/2.8L ?

[K-amps]

I am not a 500mm owner so not an expert on that but doesn't the picture look more like the 400 f/2.8L ?

enlarged/ sharpened what I could... what does it look like?

[tron]

I am not a 500mm owner so not an expert on that but doesn't the picture look more like the 400 f/2.8L ?

enlarged/ sharpened what I could... what does it look like?

I think a little thinner and a little longer.

I found the following link:

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-500mm-f-4.0-L-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

On second thought may be the angle tricked me and it's 500mm. As I already said I think, I am not sure...

[PackLight]

I am not a 500mm owner so not an expert on that but doesn't the picture look more like the 400 f/2.8L ?

enlarged/ sharpened what I could... what does it look like?

I can say with some certainty that if this really is a 500mm f/4 IS, you have discussed it to much and it is already sold.

I have seen the scam run occasionally locally with a 300 mm F/2.8.  Respond to it and I am sure you will get the hard luck story, how the lens is not local, they are out of the country etc.....