100-400mm IS questions

[stevekwiz]

I have recently purchased a Digital Rebel and want some advice on the 100-400mm IS lens. Is it worth it to try to find a used one to save some money? For example, would a used one that is 3-4 years old probably be as good as a new one? Are the new ones technically better?

As far as a new one is concerned, is paying the extra $100 or so worth it for a US warranty?

[KennyG]

I have recently purchased a Digital Rebel and want some advice on the 100-400mm IS lens. Is it worth it to try to find a used one to save some money? For example, would a used one that is 3-4 years old probably be as good as a new one? Are the new ones technically better?

As far as a new one is concerned, is paying the extra $100 or so worth it for a US warranty?

The quality of a used 100-400L depends very much on the previous owner(s). They do get a lot of abuse by sports photogs and PJ's, but are usually well cared for by private owners. There is no technical difference between a new one and a one that was made when they were launched in 1998.

I don't know of anyone who has had a faulty 100-400L from new, but it is up to you to decide if $100 is worth it for the peace of mind.

[cecilc]

The first 100-400 that I bought I bought used. When I got it, I felt that it wasn't in as good a shape as the seller said (a few dings here and there, and it didn't have any front and rear lens caps, either), and the focus tension/lock ring on the lens didn't work at all. So I sent it back to him and did get my money back with absolutely no problem. I must admit, the guy was really nice about returning my money and he did it very promptly.

The second 100-400 lens I bought I bought NEW .....

If you want to be sure that the lens is going to be "good to go" when you get it, my vote goes with just getting a new lens right from the start.

[chris.bailey]

Though the L series lenses are pretty tough, I personally would want the comfort of knowing that it had been well treated so I sold a couple of the kids into slavery and had a new un.

[scottbergerphoto]

The word "used" throws a very wide net. It could be someone bought one and croaked the following day, or someone with three kids that use it for "kick the can". I suggest if you are going to buy used, to do so through a reputable dealer, with a good warranty and return policy. Unfortuantely, that will cost more, but you'll be better protected.
Scott

[timmyquest]

I think he's refering to any advances in the optics/focus/IS of the lens. Rather then the former owners ability to keep the thing in working order.

[scottbergerphoto]

I think he's refering to any advances in the optics/focus/IS of the lens. Rather then the former owners ability to keep the thing in working order.
I believe he is asking both questions but I didn't think it was necessary to say so. That was until you decided to be the hall monitor. :?

[timmyquest]

Hall monitor? I'm not real sure what thats supose to mean, other then a verbal spat at me.

I do not know the answear to the question and no one had yet to. Everyone was talking about used equipment which for the most part, in its self is an obvious risk.

:roll: :roll:

[Longwatcher]

Other then the usual risks of buying a used 100-400L, there is no better version yet to the best of my research. It is possible the first batch was buggy like happens to other Canon stuff, but they ahould have all been turned back in by now I would hope, so a used 100-400 should be technically as good as a new one.

Just for trivia it cost about $350 US to repair my 100-400L to like new condition. Short of dropping it, I suspect most repairs/servicing will be around that range. So if used it costs less then about $450 off new price, should be a good bargain even if you have to send it in for repairs yourself after awhile.

I got mine used and loved it do death (or at least until it had to go to the hospital for repairs). It is even better now then when I first got it.

Just my experience,