Interesting mistake my wife just made ...

We're traveling to Europe to visit family in May and one of the relatives asked us to buy her a CANON 70-300 IS, the one that costs $569 on BH. So I found on e on Craigslist for $450 and sent my wife to pick it up after work since it was 2 miles away from her.

As soon as she return and I see the lens, I know that she got a different lens, not the one it was supposed to be. It is this one here: http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …0_300mm_f_4_5_5​_6_DO.html

We got the DO version with the green ring, sells for $1349 on BH right now, we paid $450. Okay, obviously that lady who sold us the lens under priced it. The lens is absolutely mint.

I searched the forum to see how much it goes for and was surprised to see that there aren't that many listed. What is the story with this one? Do any of you have it? I took some shots with it, it is pretty sweet actually.

looks like you got yourself a great deal, are you planning to keep this one, and get another one for your family in europe?

Stroke of luck! The lens is not rated that good based on it's price level. Sell it and get yourself a 70-200L F4 IS.

Lucky you!
Yes, sell it, its not known for its good IQ, and then use the money to buy a better lens for your relative

The samples from it look good. It is definitely as good as the one we were shopping for and it is much smaller plus weather sealed.

I'll sell it. I don't need any more lenses. It even came with an original CANON pouch (not sure if it sells like that, doubt it). If anyone is interested PM me ...

Sirrith wrote in post #12319901
Lucky you!
Yes, sell it, its not known for its good IQ, and then use the money to buy a better lens for your relative

I always felt this lens was just one with overly high expectations lumped on it because of the price

I actually really liked the little DO and wanted one quite badly, I know, weird...its an interesting lens and for $450? id keep it

The main problem with the DO is it tends to flare a lot, use the included hood, watch your light source and you'll be good, Also keep in mind it usually needs a little contrast help in PP

Probably true, but I really don't like the bokeh on that lens, ugly
Shame though, because it is VERY compact.

Good find. But you should really hope it wasn't stolen. Craigslist + too cheap to be true usually = stolen.

I don't know how you could possibly check that, but you are liable for possession of stolen goods if caught with one.

I really hope it isn't stolen and you got yourself a sweet deal!

Good point, but I'm not concerned about it.I spoke to the lady and my wife talked to her in person. She looks more like an older lady who just got into photography and has too much money but no idea what she is doing with it more than a thief so ...

Can you please introduce her to me thanks:p

Does she have more lenses to sell?

This lens does not have such a good rating, but if you are happy with the IQ you got yourself a sweet deal

Not to be a party pooper, but I would investigate a little to see if this is not a stolen piece of merchandice.
If it isn't, congrats on the find.

Assuming the sale is genuine, I'd be a bit uncomfortable at the thought of stiffing an old lady who might have been selling in ignorance of what she had. You might make a case for "well, it's the market place - her problem". Legally, you're probably free and clear. Morally . . . hmm.

^ Are you serious? Is it my responsibility to make sure the item that is sold to me is priced right? And besides, when my wife went to get it, we both were thinking we're getting the much cheaper version. I found out about the mistake when it was all done and my wife had already returned home with it. She didn't even know, I pointed it out as soon as I saw it. What am I supposed to call that lady back and offer more money for it?

And how do I investigate such a thing? I know ... you don't. Just going to enjoy this (my wife's sister is actually) and that's that.