Lens Suggestions

[new girl on the bloc]

O.K., since you are all so wise, I have another question.

I am in the market for a telephoto lens too. I don't have a ton of $$ but of course want something decent, and not too burdensome.

I know of someone with a Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L for sale but feel a bit leary to buy it used without knowing where it's been. Apparently there is a receipt and a warranty card (it's a few months old).

Suggest away! :wink:

[DocFrankenstein]

can't go wrong with 70-200 f/4

Can you get a test drive? How much is he asking?

[new girl on the bloc]

can't go wrong with 70-200 f/4

Can you get a test drive? How much is he asking?

Actually, it's here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=3836823785&ssPage Name=STRK:MEWA:IT

[DocFrankenstein]

Doesn't mean you're gonna win it though...

Seems like an ok deal... if it's working and has a decent CPOL ...

But you may never know if you buy it like this. My friend got a lens off ebay, on a closer look, it has been disassembled (Some of the paint was chipped on the little screws) It was listed "as new" with no info about repairs...

Works just as good as new, but it could've been different. You never know.

Seeing that you have no experience with this, someone may trick you easily. I'd go with BH if I were you. It's 150 bucks, but at least you're sure you're gonna get it new.

Then, as you get more experience, you'll be able to tell more easily if it's a good buy or not. (if you can get your hands on the lens of course)

[new girl on the bloc]

good advice doc. i guess there are some things you are not so confused about :wink:

[aam1234]

I have no idea about used lenses at all. However 30% drop in price for "a few months old" L lens sounds a bit fishy. I thought these lenses hold their value better.

Again, I have no idea about used lenses. Just a thought.

[Ballen Photo]

With two hours to go, it is at $410, which is a very good price for this lens, but all the snipers usually bid within the last minute if they want this lens, so if you're serious bid the "Max" you are willing to pay for it. It's a terrible thing to be out bid by only a few dollars, and then realize that would still have been a good deal.
I looked at this persons other auctions, and He/She appears to be selling all of their Canon EOS digital stuff, including a 10D and 420EX flash, so to me, this auction looks legit.
Good luck!
-Bruce

[new girl on the bloc]

it went for 521. i actually decided to sit it out.

[Ballen Photo]

it went for 521. i actually decided to sit it out.

There will always be more. :wink:
-Bruce

[aam1234]

Sorry if I hijack this thread. But it's relevant to the topic (I think).

When people talk about the "L" lenses holding their value, what exactly they are talking about.

Allow me to give a numerical example of something that hold its value.
A $100 item bought today is worth $90 next year (used). That item holds its value, just a 10% drop in price.

Am I correct, or missing something.

[Ballen Photo]

Sorry if I hijack this thread. But it's relevant to the topic (I think).

When people talk about the "L" lenses holding their value, what exactly they are talking about.

Allow me to give a numerical example of something that hold its value.
A $100 item bought today is worth $90 next year (used). That item holds its value, just a 10% drop in price.

Am I correct, or missing something.

That would be holding it's value better than anything I'm familiar with besides real estate.
If a high ticket item was worth within 10% of new price, I would think that alone would be incentive to buy "new", leaving the seller of the used merchandise out in the cold 98% of the time. :shock:
I think that 20 to 30% loss in value once the item is no longer new would be a reasonable statement.
I think the statement "Holding it's Value" would be true if the item stayed within that 20 to 30% of new price longer.
Please keep in mind that I do not claim to be an expert on this subject, and this is only my personal non professional opinion on the subject of an item holding its value. 8) :wink:
-Bruce

[Sketcher]

it went for 521. i actually decided to sit it out.
That winning bid shows that the lense held its value exceptionally well (sure, there's a polarizer included but unless it's a Zeiss or Hoya it's not a make/break item IMO).

What I consider though, is that if used it sells for 75% of new purchase price (in this case 89%) I prefer to buy the item new. The peace of mind of having zero previous owners is worth paying for especially when the buying price is relatively close to new. Of course, having confidence in the seller makes these kinds of purchases less worrisome.

[CyberDyneSystems]

I'm with Sketcher on this.

By an "L" lens new unless you can get at least 25%.. off the new price... preferably more.

The 70-200mm goes for what? $550.00... I'd take new over used at $520.00 anyday.

It's a geat lens NewGirl.. for telephoto zooms,.. there is definately nothing else under $600.00 that I could recomend so highly.

[timmyquest]

I'm with Sketcher on this.

By an "L" lens new unless you can get at least 25%.. off the new price... preferably more.

The 70-200mm goes for what? $550.00... I'd take new over used at $520.00 anyday.

It's a geat lens NewGirl.. for telephoto zooms,.. there is definately nothing else under $600.00 that I could recomend so highly.

I got my 2.8 for 880, thats only $20 more then 25% off new...i guess i did ok :)

[new girl on the bloc]

my thoughts too; i would easily pay the price for a new one over saving a few bucks on a used one. and it is getting more and more tempting to get one of these...

[danphoto1]

I agree i would buy new unless you know the person that you are buying from. :lol:

[ron chappel]

I can understand your reticence to buy such an expensive lens 2nd hand :shock:

It is rather difficult to get a dud one of those though-mostly because they are hard to damage!(any bump big enough to put it out optically will show on the outside)

You can allways resell it easily on ebay if it's not quite up to par


In case you don't know allready,here is the best place to buy 2nd hand on the web

http://www.keh.com/shop/brand.cfm?sid=newused

They have a VERY well regarded ratings system for used equipment.Just be aware that buying from outside the usa will rack up big shipping costs


But on the other hand-seeing as this lens gets NOTHING but rave reviews-i can't see any risk in spending what it takes to get a new one if you can stretch that far :) :)


All the very best with it! :)

[danphoto1]

rON YOU ARE CORRECT BUT i STILL CAN'T JUSTIFY BUYING A USED LENS OR CAMERA WITHOUT SEEING AND TRYING IT