$1550 for a used 85L f1.2 II

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Nov 17, 2011
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I saw a post on CL - 85L f1.2 II selling for $1775.

Condition according to seller:
1. Like new in term of funtionality and cosmetic. ( I did saw the pictures from seller, the lens looks new)
2. No dust, B&W filter is included
3. Date code UA(2012)
4. Comes with everything box, foams, etc....original receipt from best buy. Warranty is just expired
5. Reason for selling: seller wants 50L. 85L is little to tight.

I spoke to seller over the phone and we agreed @ $1550 cash.

Question: Would you go for it if all conditions above are true?
 
Dylan777 said:
I saw a post on CL - 85L f1.2 II selling for $1775.

Condition according to seller:
1. Like new in term of funtionality and cosmetic. ( I did saw the pictures from seller, the lens looks new)
2. No dust, B&W filter is included
3. Date code UA(2012)
4. Comes with everything box, foams, etc....original receipt from best buy. Warranty is just expired
5. Reason for selling: seller wants 50L. 85L is little to tight.

I spoke to seller over the phone and we agreed @ $1550 cash.

Question: Would you go for it if all conditions above are true?

If the above conditions were true, as well as #6 below, then yes, I would go for it. For a meet-in-person transaction, where you have a chance to inspect the lens using your camera body, seems like someone who simply didn't realize how well the lens holds its value.

6. I had $1550 extra cash available for a lens.
 
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TC1006 said:
How do you determine the year the Lens was manufactured? Is it VIA the serial #?

Thanks
It depends. Canon stopped putting date codes on some lenses, and lenses that have been repaired often lose their date code in the process.
If a lens has no date code, you can determine approximate date of manufacture from the serial number.
For lenses made after 2008 which do not have a date code, this chart of serial numbers might help.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Canon-Lenses/Canon-Lens-Aging.aspx

For Example, This Spring, I bought a new 24-70mmL that my dealer ordered from Canon and delivered directly to me with a serial number beginning with 95. That puts its manufacturing date in October 2012, 6 months before Canon shipped it from their warehouse. If it had been in dealer inventory, it could have very well been a few months older. When buying a used lens, the manufacturing date is often quite a bit before it was sold, but I have bought them that were only 3 months old.
 
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I'd go for it. ask for a copy of the original receipt just incase it was stolen. most people who buy high end camera gear will save the receipt for warranty purposes or more likely, we bought it online and still have the receipt.

I'd meet at a bank and withdraw the money there so he knows the bills aren't faked and the rest it out outside if the bank. vi doubt the bank would be ok with you taking photos in the bank.

I haven't heard of problems with the 85 the way you might about the 50mm f1.4.
 
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I would presume that someone with the original box probably didn't steal it. I assume most camera gear isn't stored in the box at home... so the their would have to go find where the box was stored and then get the lens...
 
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$1,550 is a decent price for a used 85L. Another option is to buy from the Canon direct refurb store: http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_10051_275771_-1

They have refurbed 85L's for $1,759 - $125 for the sale they are running...making your grand total $1,634. The advantage of going with the Canon refurb is you get a 90-day warranty and the peace of mind you are getting a like new piece of glass.

You can also get free shipping with this coupon code: DAD613
 
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I'd say go for it. Sounds like the seller is looking to for a quick sale hence the discount. I've sold three lenses, all for much cheaper than I prob could get if I was patient.

However, as everyone here says - please take due care and test the lens. Take a friend with you too. That's a lot of money, you'll want some kinda security. I get nervous with anything more than $20 in my pocket but hey am paranoid!

Oh man it's sounding more and more like a drug deal going down than a lens purchase! :P
 
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I have purchased 10-15 used Canon lenses of CL and search on a regular basis, and I've purchased an 85L II of CL, I paid $1750 and thought that was a good deal. If it's in good condition $1550 is a great deal, go for it, you'll be able to get at least that out of it even in a couple years if you take care of it.
 
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If the conditions are all true then I would go for it. I actually bought an 85mm 1.2 II from CL with a B+W filter for $1600 about a month and a half ago. Just bring you camera, test the lens out, and make sure it functions as it should. By the way I thought you had tried the lens out a returned it? It is an amazing lens and I love it.
 
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migmar1024 said:
$1,550 is a decent price for a used 85L. Another option is to buy from the Canon direct refurb store: http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_10051_275771_-1

They have refurbed 85L's for $1,759 - $125 for the sale they are running...making your grand total $1,634. The advantage of going with the Canon refurb is you get a 90-day warranty and the peace of mind you are getting a like new piece of glass.

You can also get free shipping with this coupon code: DAD613

tax I'd a killer, but I do agree they have the best prices on used. and the condition is quite often flawless.
 
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