Advice buying a used Canon 400 F4DO

Hi
I am in Canada and there is not one of these lens to be had anywhere...this after taking 3 weeks to decide I was ready. B&H has a used one rated 9+ for about $700 less than new. (For some reason the lens is less expensive in Canada-which is strange.)I have never bought a used lens before but know B&H to be very reputable. Also, wondering about the date code, which is US0805 which I think is 2004. I know some of these earlier lens had a few problems, but no idea how to find out what date codes they would be. Any advice on either point would be very appreciated!

Thanks!
NJ

From what I've read lenses before May 2002 are to be avoided.

Regarding prices you should be able to pick up a lens for US$4,200 or there about (I picked up one for about that amount on eBay that is absolutely spotless).

I have seen a spike in he prices as well. If the difference is only 700, I would go new especially for the age. I have bought a lot of used lenses, but the only thing that worries me about older ones is the electronics and IS assemblies. I the price was 1k-1500 less then I would pick t up used.

Thanks. Wookster-not sure where you are seeing those prices. I have checked every major retailer and ebay/Amazon. The prices are between $6100-6500. Skater911-yes, I am thinking that it is not a big enough difference to go used. I will keep looking. Was hoping to find one before a trip to the grizzlies this fall but right now there no one has stock.
Makes me wonder....

You should really look into getting a 300 2.8 is mki and a 1.4 extender (mkii. It mkiii). This will still give you a 400 f4 with very similar iq, but with probably better contrast. This will also yield you a great 300 2.8. I almost went with the 400, but for the price the 300 with extenders made more sense. You can find those used for about 3500-4000. You can also buy the mkii version new for almost as a new 400. Just my 2 cents.

Njwiggit, I just kept my eyes on eBay. Set up an email alert and over 4 to 6 weeks saw a few lenses being listed in the US. Be patient and you'll find one reasonably priced.

@skater. I have spun this one every-which-way. The 300 vii is heavier by more than a pound, without the extenders, which for me is a big deal.(The original is more like 1.5 lbs) It is also more expensive, as you say, and I am already hyper-ventilating. Right I find my 300 f4 with 1.4 is still a little short. The 1.4 on the 400 will give me 560. (Albeit at 5.6) I know the 300 f2.8 is a very, very sweet lens with better contrast and bokeh, but more reach is important, as is weight. @Wookster-I have never bought a used lens. Makes me nervous... Plus, generally by the time customs etc is added for Canada, you lose a chunk of the savings. Plus, I have a trip in Septemeber to shoot the grizzlies and I would like time to practice. But I will re-consider. Thanks for all this input. I really appreciate it. NJ

I own one of these lenses and love it!

Like others, I think B&H are chancing their arm but they will listen to offers... Bear in mind that the Canon warranty lasts only a year, so it's not an infinite guarantee of you never having to pay for a repair. I do suggest that you give a used lens a very thorough work out as soon as you receive it - then it can go back if there's an issue.

The lens is sharp, focuses quick and it's light enough to go with me on longer trudges. Contrast can be a bit low IF I'm shooting into the sun - but this is easily corrected. The bokeh from specular highlights looks a little peculiar (presumably from the diffractive elements) but it's not a big deal and if you're inclined you can also deal with them in post.

I use it with a 1.4x and 1D4 but the IS design is a bit dated and I find a 560/5.6 needs a monopod, ymmv.

njwiggit wrote in post #14636388
@Wookster-I have never bought a used lens. Makes me nervous... Plus, generally by the time customs etc is added for Canada, you lose a chunk of the savings. Plus, I have a trip in Septemeber to shoot the grizzlies and I would like time to practice. But I will re-consider. Thanks for all this input. I really appreciate it. NJ

I always thought there weren't import duties between the US & Canada being in NAFTA and all that...

B&H is a great store, I order all my photo stuff from them, but their used department is horrible on pricing. Almost all of the used stuff can be found cheaper on craigslist. I usually go by a rule of 80% off for a used item. Some lenses are special and that just doesn't happen, the 400mm DO is one of them, but only saving $700 is not worth it to me. I'd buy new. I saw a 400mm DO on craigslist locally a couple weeks back and they were only asking around $4000 USD. You can find better than the B&H used price.

Wookster wrote in post #14615675
From what I've read lenses before May 2002 are to be avoided.

Why is that supposed to be?

uOpt wrote in post #14638644
Why is that supposed to be?

Apparently the manufacturing process was changed then - lenses made after May 2002 seem sharper than those made before.

Reference?