I've always bought nothing but new equipment, whether it be camera bodies, lenses, lighting or studio equipment... steering clear of unknown eBay "specials" or used equipment. However, I'm thinking more and more about the saving on lenses which seem to be less prone to failure than other things such as all the parts in a camera body.
With some camera shops offering a full one year store warranty on top of the 90 day factory warranty, and sometimes giving substantial savings, refurbished lenses look very tempting. I've talked myself out of a $50 savings before to buy new ($50 didn't seem worth the risk), but sometimes you can save a lot more than that.
My question is: how many of you have experience with a refurbished lens? Would you recommend them or would you say to keep away and only buy new?
It is my understanding that many of the refurbs are showroom or store models that are sent back to the factory and inspected before sale, but there is no way to know if you're getting a floor model or a faulty lens that has been repaired.
Has anyone had any issues with a refurb? (i.e. dust, mechanics, AF, IS, etc.) Anyone seen a refurb sold with scratches or other cosmetic impairments?
Your thoughts and advice are appreciated.
With some camera shops offering a full one year store warranty on top of the 90 day factory warranty, and sometimes giving substantial savings, refurbished lenses look very tempting. I've talked myself out of a $50 savings before to buy new ($50 didn't seem worth the risk), but sometimes you can save a lot more than that.
My question is: how many of you have experience with a refurbished lens? Would you recommend them or would you say to keep away and only buy new?
It is my understanding that many of the refurbs are showroom or store models that are sent back to the factory and inspected before sale, but there is no way to know if you're getting a floor model or a faulty lens that has been repaired.
Has anyone had any issues with a refurb? (i.e. dust, mechanics, AF, IS, etc.) Anyone seen a refurb sold with scratches or other cosmetic impairments?
Your thoughts and advice are appreciated.