How far would you go?

So it is almost time for me to buy a 500L, and I have seen some decent deals in my area on CL. However, they are quite a ways away (3+ hours). That got me thinking, how far would I go to check out a lens. Personally, I would not go further than 4.5 hours one way, and it would have to be a pretty good deal for that distance.

So what about you? How far would you go (or have gone before) to buy a lens from CL?

Considering gas prices these days, I wouldn't want to find a nice deal on CL only to end up cancelling that good deal in gas prices.

If it looked like a great and legitimate deal, on a hard to get lens.. like the 500L. I'd probably drive 200 miles. Damn dude.. 18 and buying a 500L? Wish i'd gotten into photography at 18. ***Jealous***

For a good deal on a 500, it's worth a pretty good drive and it'll be a journey that'll pay dividends in the long run - a marvellous piece of glass.

Six6Sicks wrote in post #14532969
Considering gas prices these days, I wouldn't want to find a nice deal on CL only to end up cancelling that good deal in gas prices.

with my max distance of 4.5 hours that's roughly 270 miles. my car gets 30 mpg so that's a little less than a tank one way. my car takes about 45$ to fill so I would be adding on 90$ to the price of the lens. on a 500 that isn't much more if it was a decent deal, but I see your point on a cheaper lens like a 70-200, or if the vehicle got less than 30 mpg.

the problem I am facing is that there aren't many 500s for sale in my area so I am going to have to extend my range. I want to be able to check out the lens before I buy so forums are out. keh too pricey...

1Tanker wrote in post #14532991
If it looked like a great and legitimate deal, on a hard to get lens.. like the 500L. I'd probably drive 200 miles. Damn dude.. 18 and buying a 500L? Wish i'd gotten into photography at 18. ***Jealous***

haha, I have been very into photography since i was 12. I will be working in AK this summer so I will have plenty for a 500L. rest is going to college, parent's orders or else it would be spent on more photo gear

If it is a good deal (FL, savings, and condition being taken into account), I wanted/needed the lens, the and factoring travel costs, I would go up to 3hours. Make the return trip a photo excursion. Meet relatively early and find some points along the way (or close to on the way) to use your new (and old) equipment.