Canon Refurb Store

[Canon1]

I'm sure this has been discussed in great detail over the years but hoping for some feedback here.

Any reason NOT to buy refurb from canon? I frequently buy second hand from private sellers, but I am assuming that Refurbs are damaged equipment that was fixed. Is it just better to spend a little more for brand spanking new? How about a benefit of refurb (other than price)?

Thanks.

 

[lion rock]

I see no major issue with such purchase.
Purchasing something refurbished always carry the issue that it might have been damaged and then repaired. But, it could also mean that it was returned because the buyer changed the mind about the buying it.
Buying from private sources does not have any recourse at all, in most cases, thus you may be stuck with a defective unit. It is, sometimes, less spendy than through the Canon Refurb channel. One more point here, the unit goes through one more layer of human inspection (fixing/servicing) before certifying for sale. May not be so with brand new stuff.
The only caveat through Canon Refurb is that you don't get to inspect the product after it is shipped to you, you can't open the box, play with the item, decide you don't like it and send it back to Canon.
And, you get some warranty, albeit for a short period.

I bought a 600ex from Canon Refurb and it looked pristine and worked flawlessly. So, I have no reservation going that route again.

Another possibility: buy through LensRental program introduced recently, you can rent and decide on buying, a test drive, if you will. However, with this route, you really don't know how many hands were on the unit before it gets to you. LensRental do a very diligent quality control with every item returned after rental, but just as with any rental, vehicles, houses, etc., there are some less careful people using them.
Best of luck on your choice.
Keep us posted.
-r
PS. Brand new equipment also fails, rarely but happens ... thus, most vendors have some return/replace/service program.

 

[Random Orbits]

Not really. The refurbed equipment used to carry a 90 day warranty. Now that it is 1 year -- same as new, the risk is pretty much the same.

I've purchased a EF-S 10-22, 5DII, 35 f/2 IS and 24 f/2.8 IS and a couple 600EXs from the refurb store, and I've been happy with all the purchases. The lens selection has expanded over the years, which is nice.

 

[AcutancePhotography]

When you buy a new Canon product, you are betting that it got looked at during the QC process. Maybe it was, maybe it wasn't. With a refurb, unless Canon just flips it, you know that your product was at least looked at. Whether that means anything is questionable.

There is always a risk when buying a product. I don't think the risk of buying an official refurb is that much lower than buying new, and may be a better risk.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I and many others have bought refurbished bodies and lenses with no issues. Its rare that someone gets a bad one, but you can return it for a refund.