Help me price used equipment please!

[kennephoto]

Hey guys there's a few lenses I'm interested in that are for sale on Craigslist first is a canon 500mm 4.5L next is a canon 300mm f4L non is and last a new 16-35 2.8 version I. I'm most interested in the 500 but they all interest me for the right price. What's the value on these lenses? And I'm aware about them being older, but I am currently using a 20 year old 20-35 2.8 (which I love) and a 20+ year old 80-200 2.8(also love) thanks guys

 

[Loswr]

I'd pass on the 500/4.5L, personally. It's an electronic manual focus lens (like the current 85L). Canon no longer services the lens, nor makes parts for it, which limits 3rd party options. If the AF motor goes (prone to happen on these old lenses), you don't have a manual focus lens, you have an expensive doorstop/paperweight/club.

 

[kennephoto]

I'd pass on the 500/4.5L, personally. It's an electronic manual focus lens (like the current 85L). Canon no longer services the lens, nor makes parts for it, which limits 3rd party options. If the AF motor goes (prone to happen on these old lenses), you don't have a manual focus lens, you have an expensive doorstop/paperweight/club.

Thanks neuro, I didn't know that about certain lenses. That really sucks that you can't manual focus if it breaks.

 

[Loswr]

For used prices, check keh.com - you should pay less on CL. You can also check here.

 

[jdramirez]

What I do is go to Amazon and look at the prices for the used items in comparable condition. Amazon charges an 8% commission, so I take the price it is selling at, take away the commission, and there's your number.

You can also do the same thing with ebay.

As a for instance, today I bought from ebay a ef-s 60mm f/2.8 macro lens in really good condition. The elements are pristine, but there are some small scuffs along the body... but negligible. I got that and a Canon Xti for $325. I'm selling the lens for $340 on Amazon which will net me roughly $313 and my final take away price for the XTi is $12. Why would I want a $12 XTi... because I don't want my daughter learning on my 5D mkiii. I'm not quite sure what I'm going to do about lenses... maybe I'll find a deal on an 18-55... but I'll cross the bridge when I get to it.

 

[kennephoto]

For used prices, check keh.com - you should pay less on CL. You can also check here.

Wow that spreadsheet is pretty cool! And I always watch keh.com

 

[tron]

Now, I do have 300 4L non-IS and 16-35 2.8 version 1. 300 4L stays no matter what. It is super sharp.
16-35 is not perfect at the corners but I have heard that neither 16-35 2.8 II is.

Right now I do not use it so much (I have a TS-E 17, a TS-E 24 II and a Zeiss 21 2.8) but I am not selling it yet.

If you love your lenses you should keep them. Anyway your 80-200 does not overlap with the 3 lenses you mentioned.