A used 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM worth to buy for ~750 USD

[pato]

Hi All
I might have an offer to buy a used Canon 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM for around 750 USD. I don't yet have any usefull lens in that range, only the Sigma 400mm F5.6 APO Marco HSM which is not rechipped (and thus only with open aperture).
The lens has a little dust inside and the hood mounting mechanism is broken, but the seller says it's optically in otherwise perfect condition.

What do you think? Shall I rather way for the successor of this lens or get it? I'm not really in a hurry to buy it, but I think it's a really nice offer.

 

[Loswr]

That's a very good price.

 

[jdramirez]

I think that is a fair offer for the condition of the lens, but will you not be able to use a good at all, and can you live with that? especially since the lens is really good in day light... you might have light flares all over the place.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

That's a good price, if you need a hood, you can get one that screws into the front threads, or get it fixed by Canon.

It does seem likely thaty the lens has been dropped and might have decentered elements, which can also be fixed at Canon.
The one critical thing is the zoom. Loosen the zoom ring and verify that the lens zooms as smooth as glass. If it binds or is rough, the price to fix it will astound you, and it will soon lockup completely.

 

[mwh1964]

1/2 Price ex tax. If optimal sound it is a good offer. However, ask yourself as to why the seller want's to get rid of it.

 

[jdramirez]

1/2 Price ex tax. If optimal sound it is a good offer. However, ask yourself as to why the seller want's to get rid of it.

I've sold about a hundred lenses in the past few years. most of them are new, but some are used and are in excellent condition. sometimes I sell a lens on accident... like right now I kinda miss having a 50mm.

normally though, I am replacing a lens with an upgrade of some sort, but there are plenty of reasons to sell good quality/ condition gear.

 

[jdramirez]

That's an excellent price. You could probably turn around and resell it for more.

after commissions, I think he might break even, but I doubt that would generate a profit in that condition.

 

[emag]

I have that same Sigma and a 300/4L; I wouldn't hesitate to buy the lens at that price if it's sound.

 

[adhocphotographer]

assuming the zoom is smooth, it sounds like a good deal to me!

 

[pato]

I sadly did not get it. The price in the end was much more close to 900 USD, which was to much for my current budget. I guess I have to wait for the next offer or the next version of this lens.

 

[rambarra]

> wait for next version

then be prepared to shell out 2.5k.

 

[Dylan777]

If the lens looks and performs good, $750 is a GREAT deal. 50% off from current retail

 

[jdramirez]

> wait for next version

then be prepared to shell out 2.5k.

agreed. Canon loves to over charge for new and improved gear. I don't mind because I'm willing to wait till the price comes down a touch. but I think there is quite a line of people who would live a better performing 100-400.

 

[Dylan777]

agreed. Canon loves to over charge for new and improved gear. I don't mind because I'm willing to wait till the price comes down a touch. but I think there is quite a line of people who would live a better performing 100-400.

I might not be one of them. I'm aiming for 400mm f2.8 IS II + x1.4 & x2 TC III. The goal is mid or end of 2014.

This could be the last puzzle here ;D

 

[J.R.]

agreed. Canon loves to over charge for new and improved gear. I don't mind because I'm willing to wait till the price comes down a touch. but I think there is quite a line of people who would live a better performing 100-400.

I might not be one of them. I'm aiming for 400mm f2.8 IS II + x1.4 & x2 TC III. The goal is mid or end of 2014.

This could be the last puzzle here ;D

I presume you've started hitting the gym already or have a couple of Sherpas at hand? The lens is awesome but it kills you with its weight if you need to shoot handheld

Why not get the 500 / 600mm f.4?

 

[Dylan777]

I presume you've started hitting the gym already or have a couple of Sherpas at hand? The lens is awesome but it kills you with its weight if you need to shoot handheld

Why not get the 500 / 600mm f.4?

I can always spend some money on monopod ;D

I shoot indoor alot, therefore, f2.8 is more important to me than lenght. I can always add x1.4 or x2 TC if needed.

 

[J.R.]

I presume you've started hitting the gym already or have a couple of Sherpas at hand? The lens is awesome but it kills you with its weight if you need to shoot handheld

Why not get the 500 / 600mm f.4?

I can always spend some money on monopod ;D

I shoot indoor alot, therefore, f2.8 is more important to me than lenght. I can always add x1.4 or x2 TC if needed.

shooting 400mm indoors a lot? ??? Maybe I'm missing something.

 

[Dylan777]

I presume you've started hitting the gym already or have a couple of Sherpas at hand? The lens is awesome but it kills you with its weight if you need to shoot handheld

Why not get the 500 / 600mm f.4?

I can always spend some money on monopod ;D

I shoot indoor alot, therefore, f2.8 is more important to me than lenght. I can always add x1.4 or x2 TC if needed.

shooting 400mm indoors a lot? ??? Maybe I'm missing something.

My 4yrs daughter taking ballet and indoor swimming. 300mm or 400mm with f2.8 IS II will help getting those close up shots. I have to crop quite a bit with my 70-200.

 

[jdramirez]

I presume you've started hitting the gym already or have a couple of Sherpas at hand? The lens is awesome but it kills you with its weight if you need to shoot handheld

Why not get the 500 / 600mm f.4?

I can always spend some money on monopod ;D

I shoot indoor alot, therefore, f2.8 is more important to me than lenght. I can always add x1.4 or x2 TC if needed.

shooting 400mm indoors a lot? ??? Maybe I'm missing something.

My 4yrs daughter taking ballet and indoor swimming. 300mm or 400mm with f2.8 IS II will help getting those close up shots. I have to crop quite a bit with my 70-200.

you're in a safe place; you needn't lie. I say I buy gear for my kids sake to the wife... but here we are amongst like minded people.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I sadly did not get it. The price in the end was much more close to 900 USD, which was to much for my current budget. I guess I have to wait for the next offer or the next version of this lens.

You could buy one in perfect condition in the $900-1100 range. This seller on our local Craigslist has had this for sale for a long time and would likely take less. Obviously, you'd want to inspect it first. I've bought a nice one for $800, but used prices are higher now.
http://spokane.craigslist.org/pho/3857892073.html