Do or don't?

I am searching for months now for a nicely priced 85LII.
And now I can buy a 85F1.2LII for just 1250 euro's!

Looks extremely cheap, but the glass is not in topcondition look at the pictures below.
There are two scratches on the front element, and one at the back element.

Thing is if you do not want the scratches on glasses then do not buy that lens and you will loose its market value once you sell it. You pay cheap now and later you will sell it cheaper or it will be hard to sell back. It is up to you if you can not afford the better one then take it.

Forget it. That scratch will always be there and on your mind. Start with perfect glass.

If it bothers you, don't get it. However, I sincerely doubt you'll see ANY effect of that scratch in an actual photo...

sorry, but the photos aren't big enough to see an defects. try it out, i doubt the scratches you mention (but i can't see) will impact IQ. if they do, walk away.

I'd by it for $1200 in a flash. Are you going to use it pointing into the sun a lot? Probably not, so those scratches aren't going to do a thing and the rest looks really clean.

How dusty is it? Those lenses are know for their dust collection abilities, so don't be surprised if there is a fair amount in there. It will also not impact the IQ in the slightest.

Now if you want the lens to show off or as an investment to sell later, than maybe not. Or if it is just going to bug the hell out of you, no sense in spending the money if all you're going to think about is the scratches. However, if you just want really nice images, then it the perfect way to get a great lens cheap because of the stigma associated with a slightly scratched element. And it's a decent amount off. New 85L in the US is close to $2000 and you can't get a used one for less than $1700-$1800. I guess if you really think you can get a pristine 85L for 200euros more, then maybe it's not such a great deal.

I'd see it as having 'character'. Plus you don't have to worry about keeping it absolutely pristine for fear of losing value (just how I like my cars too FWIW). Yes, the more I think about it, I'd really want that lens actually.

I put a nice deep scratch in my $130 CLP and was a little upset until I realized I could not see a hint of it at f22 shooting a blue sky. And I can't even get it to flare either.

I sincerely doubt that those scratches will ever show up in any way in a photo. In a practical sense, it's probably a good deal. On the other hand, if you're the OCD type and those scratches will always be on your mind and somehow "ruin" the experience by their very existence, you may want to pass

Next wednesday I can check this lens out. I will test it a little bit. And probably going to buy this piece of extreem glass! Exited!!

That one comes with a manual? I bought mine new from Henry's, it never had one in the box.... not that I care but future (waaay in the future) resale value purposes.
Mind you, that one's box looks slightly different too. Mine has a red strip all around the box.

I bought it! What an amazing lens! The coating scratches are almost invisible, and are totally invisible in the picture.

I am really happy! This was a very good deal!

Bonbridge wrote in post #14445605
I bought it! What an amazing lens! The coating scratches are almost invisible, and are totally invisible in the picture.

I am really happy! This was a very good deal!

Saw the same add days ago. Was tempted too, glad you like it.