need advice: Buying a used lens

[siejoka]

Hi fellows,

I'm looking to buy either a Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 or a Sigma 24-70mm f2.8, both of them used. After reading buying experiences of other people in forums, I learnt that some people managed to get a "good" copy of the lens and some got "bad" copies. Those who got "bad" copies thus had to return the lenses back to the manufacturer.

My question is, when you're buying a lens, how do you determine if your copy is a good one or a bad one? Some people in the forums said that their copy isnt sharp enough or the bokeh is poor, etc. But I'm thinking, isnt sharpness and the bokeh a subjective evaluation? Additionally, is there any standard examination procedure that you guys do when you're buying a lens?

Also, when you buy a used lens, what happens to the manufacturer's warranty? In general, is the warranty transferable to the new owner?

Thanks for the help guys, I'm sure you all have more experience in this than I do. =)

ps: on the side note, Sigma or Tamron? =D

[angryhampster]

Buy the lens, take some pictures, evaluate. If it looks good, keep it. If it looks like crap, get it serviced.

It's inconceivable to think that actually taking photos is a good way to test a lens :lol:

[MeNiS]

you probably won't be saving much by buying a used lens. so i would suggest putting in a few more $$ and buy it new. you will save yourself the headaches and trouble if the lens your received is not good.

[angryhampster]

you probably won't be saving much by buying a used lens. so i would suggest putting in a few more $$ and buy it new. you will save yourself the headaches and trouble if the lens your received is not good.



Every lens in my sig, except for the 150, I bought used. All of them are perfect.

[Benandbobbi]

I agree. Buy quality used glass if possible

[drjiveturkey]

you probably won't be saving much by buying a used lens. so i would suggest putting in a few more $$ and buy it new. you will save yourself the headaches and trouble if the lens your received is not good.

You can save 15 to 20% by buying used. It may seem small when buying something like a 50mm 1.8 for $60 instead of $70 new, but you save a lot more for the high end stuff. I've spent $5500 on used lenses that would have cost me almost $7K if I purchased new. Plus if I ever decide to sell or trade them later, the most that I will probably lose is the shipping cost.

Back to the OPs question. When you buy new or used, you run into the problem of is it a good or bad copy. One persons perspective can be different from another. So shoot, shoot, and shoot some more to see if you're satisfied. If you buy used, ask if there is a return guarantee. When I sell lenses (I've done a lot on FM), I always provide 1 week trial and allow a full refund if the buyer is not satisfied.

[siejoka]

thanks for the advice everyone, I'm glad I ask y'all first before I took the plunge.

drjiveturkey, yea, I'm gonna make sure to ask the seller if he'll let me return the lens if it's not up to my expectations.

Any other advice before buying a used lens?

[kitacanon]

Any good seller will post links to a full frame shot and a 100% (or more) crop of same of the lens. I'm currently doing just that so the buyer will know what I was able to get out of the lens.

[bob-e]

I've been debating this alot lately and I have come to the conclusion that I will only buy new. People have been asking alot (and getting it) for used glass. I find most are only 10% off new, but even if they are 20% off, is it worth the risk. For one, you could totally be ripped off and be out everything (I've seen some deals on here that are way, way too good to be true). Or your lens could need calibration and you have no warranty. Not worth it for 10-20%. It has to be at least 25% off for me to think about taking risk. That said, I have bought used locally and been very happy. I was able to test the lens before purchasing. I would also trust B&H and Adorama, but not internet classifieds and not Ebay.

[René Damkot]

I've bough all my EF lenses used:
28/1.8: FM forum
35/2.0: Local camera store
50/1.4: ebay
100/2.0: ebay
20-35L and 80-200L: another Dutch internet site.

No problems whatsoever, and at least 25% off the new price...

[JeffreyVB]

All of mine have been bought used as well. Bought from here, or FredMiranda, not eBay. I figure there has to be a lot more truth in advertising here and on FM than somewhere like eBay.

[Severine]

To throw another angle into this, what about refurbished lenses?

[liza]

Buy the lens, take some pictures, evaluate. If it looks good, keep it. If it looks like crap, get it serviced.

It's inconceivable to think that actually taking photos is a good way to test a lens :lol:

You make me smile. :D

As for used lenses, I've purchased several of them on the used market and got great prices on lenses that were like new. For example, I just picked up the 17-55IS for $875 and the 28-70L for $775. Not bad if you consider what the original cost was.

[siejoka]

Brewster, yea, I'm also more inclined towards getting Tamron, I've heard many good reviews from people here. Now, I'll just have to wait for a good deal to come around.

Lisa, seems like a pretty good deal. Did u get them off ebay or some local store?

[cjm]

Every lens in my sig, except for the 150, I bought used. All of them are perfect.Ditto and then some that I sold because I moved up to bigger better things.

There is nothing wrong with buying a lens used. Some people buy cars new exclusively and others buy cars used exclusively. Same goes with lenses I guess.

[liza]

Lisa, seems like a pretty good deal. Did u get them off ebay or some local store?

I stay away from ebay, preferring instead to purchase used equipment from www.keh.com (http://www.keh.com) or from individuals on Fred Miranda's site or the Digital Wedding Forum.

[siejoka]

Maybe anyone who's got experience buying lens from ebay would like to share his/her experience?

[dave kadolph]

One was great and one not so great on evilbay. The one took forever to get shipped.

Never a problem on FM or sportsshooter.

Relatively new here but can see no problems within a community of like minded people.

[Andrew Pratt]

You might pay slightly higher here or FM for a sued lens vs eBay but chances are the sellers will be long time members that are trust worthy. Obviously if its too good to be true...it likely is but over all so long as you're careful and know what you're getting into its pretty safe buying used from a reputable site. I like to see sample pics and know what the going rates are for lenses so as long as I'm paying market rate or slightly lower there's little risk involved...worst case I'm not happy and I can relist it and recoup the cost minus shipping. I've bought a lot of lenses here and FM and have let you get something I wasn't expecting...and I've sold a lot as well as I tried out various models to better understand what they can and can't do.

As for your question on the Tamron vs Sigma...get the Tamron. They're VERY well thought of and have incredible resale value. I had one that I just sold and it took amazing photo's

[4x4rock]

Maybe anyone who's got experience buying lens from ebay would like to share his/her experience?

I bought a 24-70 off eBay and will get it next week. The transaction was smooth and we exchanged alot of email. I asked for pics, date code and was happy with them before I sent the Paypal. I'll report it when I get it.

If you're careful and watch for scammers then you're ok. Again lens conditions are perceived different from person to person; tiny nicks and scratches may not be important to you but to some other they are a big NO in a used lens.

[cjm]

Maybe anyone who's got experience buying lens from ebay would like to share his/her experience?
I've bough 3 lenses off eBay.

1 from Hong Kong (75-300 IS for $400 US :shock: )
2 from Canada (28-135 IS for $400 US :shock: and a Tokina 12-24 for $450 CAD)

All three were pretty good transactions, only down side is, when I started buying lenses off people at POTN and FM I found out that I paid too much for those lenses I bought off ebay because of bidding wars.

All in All I don't buy lenses off eBay at all anymore. Better deals can be found elsewhere.