Purchasing a used 135mm f/2

[EOBeav]

I've decided to get the EF 135mm f/2 L, and I'd like to get a good one on the used market. I've checked out a couple of the rental places (Lens Rentals, Borrow Lenses), and they don't have any in stock at the moment. I'm not in a great place geographically to be able to look at one locally on Craig's List.

Other than those venues, where are some other places to procure this lens? I've always had good luck with third party vendors on Amazon, although I've never purchased a used lens that way. I know that Amazon has a warranty program, even for third party vendors, but luckily I've never had to use it, so I don't know how good it is. Whatever thoughts you have on purchasing a used quality lens online would be greatly appreciated. My timeline is such that I can wait for a little while, but I'd like to make a purchase within the next 30-45 days. Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[Loswr]

You can't have mine.

You might try the buy/sell board on fredmiranda.com.

 

[SwampYankee]

This lens turns up on the Canon refurbishment site from time to time. Set up an alert on SlickDelas for when the Canon refurb site advertises. When they advertise they have almost everything in site or just keep checking back. By buying from Canon you know you have a lens that has been checked out by Canon and is perfectly clean. One usually turns up every month of so: http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/subCategorySort_10051_10051_-1_22751_highPrice_list#

 

[Dylan777]

About ebay(used). Make sure you pay with CC through Paypal:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/Lenses-/3323/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=canon+135mm+f2

 

[ksagomonyants]

Amazon is really good. You can have 30-day return policy, even if a seller says something different. And if you have the Amazon store card and don't have the right amount of money at the moment, you can pay for your stuff for 6-24 months.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I prefer B&H, Adorama, Norman Camera, Kenmore Camera, or my local Camera stores depending on the situation.

The 135mmL is relatively simple, no IS to go wrong, so a used one is less likely to have issues.

You may save a few dollars by negotiating directly with a dealer. They have a minimum advertised price, but often will go lower.
I'd buy a new one for $989 and have the 30 Day return rights. Used ones are not that much less, and one trip to Canon will result in a higher than new cost.

 

[Old Sarge]

I have been considering this same lens and did a little search on Fredmiranda.com in their buy/sell section. Result was that asking price was, generally, as high or higher than the refurb price from Canon if they have them in stock (none right now). Must be a heck of a lens to hold that kind of value.

 

[EOBeav]

This lens turns up on the Canon refurbishment site from time to time. Set up an alert on SlickDelas for when the Canon refurb site advertises. When they advertise they have almost everything in site or just keep checking back. By buying from Canon you know you have a lens that has been checked out by Canon and is perfectly clean. One usually turns up every month of so: http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/subCategorySort_10051_10051_-1_22751_highPrice_list#

Good to know. I created an account and put it on my wish list. When it becomes available, will I get emailed directly from that list?