Buy lenses USED!

I'm getting ready to buy a 100 f/2.8L Macro lens, right now there's a Canon $120 instant rebate promotion going on which brings the price down to $929. I have seen several of that particular lens in used and refurb condition on POTN, CL, CanonPricewatch, Adorama, & BH for $899. Seems like either that lens holds it's value well or People aren't really willing to deal on that particular lens. So For $29, to $120 more I'll buy the new lens witch comes with a warranty and peace of mind. -rick

When you read stories of what people do to lenes and cameras then ask for advice on this forum ...
you got to ask ....
what is wrong with the nuts using / abusing equipment on this forum
and what is wrong with the nuts buying said equipment on this forum

alazgr8 wrote in post #14994515
I'm getting ready to buy a 100 f/2.8L Macro lens, right now there's a Canon $120 instant rebate promotion going on which brings the price down to $929. I have seen several of that particular lens in used and refurb condition on POTN, CL, CanonPricewatch, Adorama, & BH for $899. Seems like either that lens holds it's value well or People aren't really willing to deal on that particular lens. So For $29, to $120 more I'll buy the new lens witch comes with a warranty and peace of mind. -rick

Keep looking! I saw it for $750 last week. There's one on FM for 835, but I'm not sure if the guy is still selling. Remember, when you're spending $929 on a lens, sales tax can add up! If I were to buy a $929 lens here in KS, I'd walk out the door paying $997 vs $800-850 used.

Hmm.. Everything I have except for some Lee filter stuff & tripods was bought used and remotely.

I am now probably gonna have trouble but I have had excellent experiences without issue. Buying used you can save a ton and usually try out lenses for a period at no net lost of "camera dollars"

AbPho wrote in post #14994276
I only buy used lenses when the price is around 1/3 cheaper than buying new. Anything less than that and I don't bother.

And like you mentioned, their resale value is excellent. I've sold many lenses for the same price as what I paid for them. It's crazy. But that is just how it is. A free 3 year rental for me.

^ This. I bought both my 35mm F/2 and 50mm F/1.4 used for roughly 1/3rd off of the new price. No issues with either so it was definitely worth it.

The problem is that there are also plenty of posts for used gear that are pretty close to the brand new price (especially on CL in my area). At those prices, I may as well pay a little more and get a new copy to begin with and have less risk plus full warranty.

I've bought plenty of used stuff - Mainly because it helps to finance things.

450D IS kit in 2009 when I started - £350

My 5D2/24-105L kit I bought new.

50/1.4 & 85/1.8 both new as the used prices were only saving £10-20 & I actually seen some sell on eBay for MORE than new retail...!!

17-40L I bought used in person for £420 - then sold the 24-105L [£575]

100/2.8 macro used in person for £230

Sigma 70-200/2.8 used eBay - £350

I also bought a used 17-85IS USM in my crop days for £188 & sold it 18 months later for £210

I also picked up a used boxed 1100D kit for a friend starting out for £250 in person too.

So all in, not done too bad I don't think considering.....

Buying new or used depends on the person. It's the same argument as buying a used car because a new one depreciates so quickly at first. Some people don't want used stuff. Not everyone will be persuaded to buy camera equipment used. Besides, if everyone bought used, then there would be nothing to buy because everyone is waiting for someone else to buy it new.

goldboughtrue wrote in post #14995485
Buying new or used depends on the person. It's the same argument as buying a used car because a new one depreciates so quickly at first. Some people don't want used stuff. Not everyone will be persuaded to buy camera equipment used. Besides, if everyone bought used, then there would be nothing to buy because everyone is waiting for someone else to buy it new.

True.
I won't buy a car unless its at least 3 yrs old and I get STEEP price savings (I know it won't be my only vehicle so it will get less miles than normal). My best friend will only buy new. Different strokes for different folks.

I think the OP did a wonderful job putting together a damn impressive kit for a really impressive price savings. My hat is off to you!

Thanks! Buying used basically allowed me to buy a 135L with my savings. I'd rather have a 135L And like new gear than new gear and no 135L!

SMP_Homer wrote in post #14994163
FF is where it's at....

dont even start with that. just don't.

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My camera and 50 came from Canon refurbished, flash was new, and everything else has been off of eBay. I've only been once, on the 28-70, and I got it for so cheap that I'm still ahead on used prices even after spending $100 to get it fixed. For the lenses that didn't come as advertised, eBay disputes took care of that for me. With the set of lenses I ended up with, they're in such great condition I can't imagine paying the new prices for them. Including selling off my XTi, old lenses, and flipping some, my entire current kit cost me a net of about $1500. I figure I'd be in almost $6k if I bought everything new.

As an added bonus, I've been buying eBay gift cards at the grocery store for gas points. We've been saving $2/gallon all summer long on gas!

rick_reno wrote in post #14994486
i buy new, but i sell a lot of used gear.

Rick, you're just the sort of person I'm looking for as a source for my next used-item purchase

From everything I own now (at least lenses, bodies and most flashes), the 40D, 17-40, 50 1.8 and the 100 2.8 were bought new, all the rest used

In retrospect, I should have also bought the 17-40 used because there's plenty on the market, but I figured it's one of those lenses that I'll probably keep forever (even if I'd get something better, still worth it as a travel lens together with a fast 50, 85 or 100).

I agree....used it the way to go......especially on camera bodies. Buying a generation or two behind used camera body is a great way to save a load of cash.....and they are still are capable of producing stellar images. I'm just waiting to get my hands on a $1200 (or less) 1Dx.....it may take a while but it will happen

Within the last 2 months, I bought a used 5dc on this forum, and a refurb 17-40 direct from Canon.
Love them both, and no problems.