Canon 300 2.8 and 500 4.5 used help

[kennephoto]

Hello all there these two older lenses that popped back up on Craigslist again that I saw back in late January and February. Are the prices right for these lenses? I'm sure both are just great to have but is there a reason not to buy them? Thanks for your input.


300mm
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/pho/3687536373.html     

500mm
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/pho/3687533176.html

[neuroanatomist]

The prices are reasonable. But you'd be spending a lot of money on a gamble. Both of those lenses are electronic manual focus lenses (focus-by-wire like the 85L).  That means if the AF motor goes out, the lens cannot be focused. Canon no longer services those lenses nor produces parts for them.  Personally, it's a risk I wouldn't take.

[kennephoto]

So basically if that happens I just have an expensive decoration?

[neuroanatomist]

Club, paperweight, hat stand, take your pick.

It's possible local shops can repair them, but not very likely IMO, due to lack of parts.

[kennephoto]

Ha, well thanks for your opinion guess I can start saving or wait till the guy wants to let them go for less so if they do die it won't be such a loss.