Keep or return a 9 year old 70-200 f/4L ($600)

So I just got this lens from Keh.com and it came with the caps and the hood (with the usual moderate scuffs) and the pouch which looks good.

The lens itself is physically scratch/dent-free and the glass is clean (as far as what I've seen so far). The thing is that the rubber grips look and feel dried out although the rings themselves move smoothly, if a tad too easily.

This is the slightly cleaner side of the rings, but should give you an idea of what I'm talking about anyway.

Get a new one. $75 is not much difference and worth the peace of mind. Just my 2 pixels.

for the minimal difference in price for a new one, i'd rather go that route and return the lens.

there may be nothing wrong with the lens optically, however it's not much cheaper than a new one...

just my opinion as i'm sure others will chime in about how date codes do not matter as long as the lens is sharper than a new one *tongue in cheek*

Return and get new .
A warranty alone is worth more than $75 !

Guess that's that then. Going back to Keh.com. Thanks for chiming in everyone

powerslave wrote in post #14197058
Guess that's that then. Going back to Keh.com. Thanks for chiming in everyone

tell them you'll keep it if they knock off another $100.

I thought about that but, I don't know if I can argue on price.

powerslave wrote in post #14197697
I thought about that but, I don't know if I can argue on price.

doesnt hurt to ask.

You can get a much newer one off here for ~$500 quite easily. I'd send that back even if they did knock $100 off.

I would return it. Curious, what was the KEH rating on that lens?

Well, I tried. No go. Gonna have to bear the shipping as well. Somewhat sucks but perils of buying used online.

One of the reasons why I went the keh way over buying used in the forums was peace of mind w.r.t returns.

In retrospect though, I guess I should have bought through Adorama or Amazon.

The lens was listed at EX+, that's why I've got a bitter taste in my mouth.

Tell KEH that the condition is no where close to that listed. Call and speak to a Mgr. Then send it in and ask him if it meets the rating.

Worth a try anyway.

You'll have a new lens , a solid warranty and piece of mind !
All the above and yet another cardboard box to store , "just in case" .
I have a bloody collection of the things , boxes that is not Lseries !

You can still save $$$ by buying a used one here, FM, or eBay. Look for a prices $450 - $520 or so. $600 for a used 70-200 non-IS is rather high - but at least you got the caps (KEH toften sends lenses without caps for some unknown reason).

You can also get a Canon refurb w/ 90 day warranty for $567 + tax, and even less if you catch one of their 10% - 20% off sales.

Interesting that the rating was EX+ as you often hear that KEH rates them conservatively. I would definitely complain and return it. Once they see the condition, if they make you pay for return shipping, no way I would do business with them again. In fact, please post how they handle it so others can be forewarned.

+1 for the Canon refurbs if you can find one is stock or don't forget the B/S forum here.