1000$ for 70-200 2.8 is a good deal?

Someone posted this up on craigslist. I'm wondering if that is a good deal.

This is the IS version 1

That's a VERY good deal. In fact, I'd say it's too good. A 70-200 f/4 IS or a 70-200 f/2.8 non-IS usually go for closer to $1000 than the 70-200 f/2.8 IS Mk I (more like $1350-$1500 for that one).

Could be hot, or a setup. Be careful.

Might be "Too good" - but you didn't mention where you are located or any other background (date code, why it's for sale, big city or small city, etc).

Here are a few things to check:

• Does the seller have an understanding of what he/she has and how to use it?
  
• Does the seller have box, caps, soft case, manual?
  
• Does the seller have a copy of the receipt?
  
• Does the seller readily provide information such as why they are selling, how long they have had it, where they bought it, etc?
  
• Check the lens carefully for focus issues at all ranges and f stops
  
• Only meet in a safe secure public location (bank lobby or police station are my favorites)
  
• Don't show up with cash in your pocket. Check the gear, then make the withdrawal once you are comfortable with what you want to buy.
  

^^Agreed. Meet in a bank or police department lobby. If he/she says, "No"...well you know. Sounds too good to be true if it's in good condition.

reply, you might get a scam message back saying send the money over via money order etc.

texascaoboy wrote in post #12064241
^^Agreed. Meet in a bank or police department lobby. If he/she says, "No"...well you know. Sounds too good to be true if it's in good condition.

Meet in a public place. I am sure the Police and probably a bank do not want you conducting a sale in their lobbies. If it seems weird then just forget it.

Greg Edge wrote in post #12064859
Meet in a public place. I am sure the Police and probably a bank do not want you conducting a sale in their lobbies. If it seems weird then just forget it.

I've actually asked the officer at the front desk about craigslist transactions in the lobby and she said it's perfectly fine and many people do it already. Not sure about the bank though, since it is a private business. But I've done it a dozen times now and never had any troubles about it. Maybe because they know me there since I'm a regular customer.

The staff at my bank know me by sight (YMMV).

The lobby works great for me, and best of all I am not holding a bunch of cash until I see what I am buying. An added benefit is that there are cameras everywhere, and most scammers are reluctant to bring a knife or gun into a bank for obvious reasons.

As a result, just mentioning the bank or cop shop may help qualify your seller - if he is legit, he will have no problems with either option; if the deal is shady, you'll hear excuses on why those locations won't work.

Pick wherever you want - just be sure you are safe!

I agree, cash deal means someplace busy. Inside a McDonalds would work too.

Too good to be true, You should meet up with the seller, If you can't. Then do some research before purchasing from him/her.

A "too good to be true" ad should make you a bit more cautious. But there are many great, "too good to be true" deals on craigslist that are actually indeed real deals.

Not everyone keeps track of the internet for the latest used prices. Many people don't have the time. Some people have good reasons for selling in a hurry at a low price. Some people don't want to be bothered with the hassle.

There is a guy I met on craigslist that has purchased from me on two separate occasions. Very nice, professional fellow. He knew I was looking to buy a 24-105 for a good price and told me about his friend that purchased a 5D2 kit and sold the 24-105 for $650 on craigslist. The guy had no interest in the lens and just wanted to sell it.

I have inquired many times about "too good to be true" deals on craigslist and I have never had a feeling they were scams. The problem is, I never act fast enough on those deals or I only notice them when it's too late.

Just be very cautious. The trend in my area seems to be meeting at local Starbucks for transactions.

thedge wrote in post #12066420
I agree, cash deal means someplace busy. Inside a McDonalds would work too.

Maybe not -- we had a guy come into a McDonalds and murder his wife -last year

markmizzou wrote in post #12069380
Maybe not -- we had a guy come into a McDonalds and murder his wife -last year

Wow... that is crazy. I love CL but it is scary come to think about all the stories of what happened to others.

Such deal existed from CL, I know it from personal experience last week - yes, I am still smiling . Just be very careful and show up with a couple bodyguards also an used lens inspection check list.

GLWB