Buying used lens

[curtisnull]

Lately I have bought most everything new. Years ago, I bought a 300/2.8 Nikon lens and a Nikon 1D ($5000 new at the time) on eBay. Both of the sellers had a high number of feedback ratings and were 98-99% positive ratings. I felt like if this many other people had good things to say then I could trust the seller. Both times the equipment was in perfect condition and the sale went off without a hitch.

[HoneyBadger]

If I were you I would just buy new if I could not see it in person. It is only 150 dollars under new price. I literally just bought the same lens for the same price new sold and shipped by amazon so look around and use coupons and get it new for almost that price. Also, I am not sure if the warranty will transfer to you. That alone might be worth the price difference.


I looked into the post a little and just to let you know something seems a bit off.

http://asti.bakeca.it/foto-videocamere/canon-ef-70-200mm-5pih45967738
Look familiar? That was posted 9 months ago in Asti, Italy. It doesn't even list the mark II.

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-65337-2.html

He might be legit but I highly doubt it. I would avoid unless I could get it in my hand and thoroughly test it. Seems like a scam to me.

[LostArk]

I only buy new from reputable dealers. That way I get a warranty and customer service, and if I ever decide I don't want a lens I'm usually only out a little more than the cost of a rental. Plus, who knows what used lenses have been through. There are youtube videos about how to take lenses apart to clean the internal elements:

Canon 17-55	Small | Large

What if someone did this to a lens I was buying used? I really don't see the point of buying used except if you want a vintage or discontinued item. Just my opinion.

[willis]

Thanks for replies, have to keep looking for..