Would you buy a lens in this condition?

Nope. There is a difference between well used and used and abused, and the price reflects that. I would rather wait and save up the difference for a cleaner copy.

I wouldn't take it as a gift. The way clients like to come with me on shoots, if they saw me using this thing on my camera, that probably be the last time I see that client ...

I've always been one to spend a little extra money for peace of mind, especially when the item is hundreds or thousands of dollars. If I'm going to spend that much, why not make sure it's in a condition conducive to lasting many years? Just my personal perspective and preference.

In this instance, many have noted that the lens looks dented, as though it has been dropped. Settling for wear is one thing, but I think dented is another.

You should see mine, it was camo, then some crazy person cheaply spray painted it black. Why it was camo or spray painted I don't know. I just know I only gave $275 for it.

jeffreynmandy wrote in post #13902556
You should see mine, it was camo, then some crazy person cheaply spray painted it black. Why it was camo or spray painted I don't know. I just know I only gave $275 for it.

pics please

jeffreynmandy wrote in post #13902556
You should see mine, it was camo, then some crazy person cheaply spray painted it black. Why it was camo or spray painted I don't know. I just know I only gave $275 for it.

Pix or it didn't happen!

i would go for it

Well someone paid £450 for it ??

I wouldn't buy anything that looks like that, ever.

Numenorean wrote in post #13903721
I wouldn't buy anything that looks like that, ever.

Me neither!

It may very well be a sharp lens, and if you don't care about cosmetics it's a good deal. However, keep in mind that while it's easy to buy a lens like this, it's very difficult to sell it once you have it. Most people want a lens that's in better cosmetic condition.

Well someone has bought it..

£25 off his BIN price.

I've bought 2 used L lenses on ebay. I looked for as close to mint condition as possible at a better than average great price.

But this one...it's obviously well used, and banged around loose, without the benefit of a case in someones' bag. The dents in the filter mount wipe out any possibility of using filters on that one. But when I saw the shot of the glass itself...I wouldn't buy it for 100 dollars, pounds, rubles, yen, or any other currency.

Guaranteed it was dropped at least once - hard.

But! If I could see the lens in person - not via return policy. If it worked fine at that time. If image quality was still top notch (checked on a laptop that I would bring when trying). Depending on how truly scuffed the glass is in person. Then - If the price was $200 or less (glass depending) then yes. For more than $200, I'd be too worried about the inner mechanisms failing in the future.

Off of eBay - not a chance!

Sirrith wrote in post #13900991
No way. That lens has clearly been dropped at least once, no telling what internal damage it may have sustained or how it was repaired if at all and by whom.

Totally agree.

All of my lenses look like they have just been taken out of the box.
I do use them, but also look after my VERY expensive purchases.
This has CLEARLY been VERY well used or abused.