Used Lenses

[Mac]

Ok, so I am starting to look really serious at the big lenses now that I have a stash going good. I have one shop that said they will be in touch with me if they get in an Canon 100-400 lenses used. So if they do, what should I look at before deciding on going with it? I know of the glass being most important, but are there any tell tale signs of the IS unit going bad? I don't want to buy a used one and then have the IS die soon after. Also, is there anything else that I should know of before hand as well...thanks for any help. :D

[Dante King]

besides looking at the glass and thru the lens for obvious defects, mold or scratches, put it on your camera and take some shots- putting it thru its entire zoom range. Try AF and MF shots. Take your CF card home and check them out. most stores will hold them for a day if you are a serious buyer. Mine even lets me take new ones out for a while to try them out. most problems will become obvious that way.

[xuxu1]

Used lenses! :shock:
For heavens sake..... NO !!!!
Brand new ones for me only!!!!

ED

[Dante King]

used lenses are one heck of a value.

[CyberDyneSystems]

About 50% of my lenses are used.. but about 80% of the $$ invested are in used lenses... (ie: the pricier lenses were used)

If you can find them in decent condition you can really do well.

My 500mm is perfect.. but it came with a dented hood (oh.. there goes $500.00!) and a broken EOS mount...

I replaced the mount for $35.00 and ten minutes of work,.. thus saved nearly $1,000.00 of the new price ;)

[blue_max]

All my lenses, my body, my grip, my cable release, my bag and even one of my cf cards are second hand. All are in excellent condition. I think people generally look after this kit and it shows.

I may have been lucky, but I DID save a lot of money. I really would have much less equipment if I had to buy new and may have lost interest in the hobby altogether. I do feel that I could sell most of it for pretty near what I paid, so it's not being too extravagant either.

And the leses were 'pre-checked', by photographers!

Graham

[HKFEVER]

The only used lens that I have is 200mm F/1.8L, because simply can find brand new one in the market anymore. It is from Lee (charmcamera) in Korea, but he only sells 200mm F/1.8L.:confused:

[CyberPet]

I'd never be able to afford fast lenses if I couldn't buy some used. Honestly, there's nothing wrong with used lenses. I bought my Canon 80-200/2.8 L used because the seller could finally afford a 70-200/2.8 IS that he's been longing for for a good while. I made a bargain and he got what he wanted plus some cash to pay part of his new toy.

Usually those who sells used stuff either are upgrading or changing system (or just got bored of photography), why not take advantage of that?

Same goes with bodies. I'll probably buy an used 20D once the new models are released (30D I asume?)... it'll be a great bargain for me, plus I get my second body I've always wanted (and a bit better than the one I have now).