amazon/ebay/canon refurbished, which is the best to buy a lens?

New lenses are too expensive. Used and refurbished ones are more available in price. I have been checking canon refurbished store, it is always out of stock. Also someone complained about the quality of the refurbished lens from canon. is it a good idea to buy a second hand from amazon? Thanks

I got my 100-400 used (like-new cond.) on Amazon. had a small blemish on the front silver ring but everything else was like new. If you go amazon try to find one that is "fulfilled by amazon" or has an independent quality return policy in case it is not as described.

I'd trust someone with many posts here and a good feedback on eBay, or buy on Craigslist. I don't know how selling used stuff works on Amazon. They are great for new items.

Amamba wrote in post #14683381
I'd trust someone with many posts here and a good feedback on eBay, or buy on Craigslist. I don't know how selling used stuff works on Amazon. They are great for new items.

Basically like Ebay "buy it now". I've sold a few of my old camera things on Amazon, pretty efficient and easy process. Difference is the buyer protection when buying from larger sellers. On here might be a good place to shop too though like you said.

here's a pretty good place to buy...usually cheaper than craigslist, which is another option you didn't mention...

there's also KEH.com if you're just looking online...

I like canon refurbished better, just because the warranty. I have never seen the nice lenses available.

I've used Craigslist a lot. So far I've had nothing but great experiences with it. It's nice that you get the opportunity to look over the equipment and try it out before buying.

richard4113 wrote in post #14683433
I like canon refurbished better, just because the warranty. I have never seen the nice lenses available.

i haven't used KEH.com, but they say they offer a "6 month, non-transferable warranty" canon only offers 90 days...

90 days for a warranty is pretty weak...if you find something from sigma, and the seller has the receipt/warranty card you could have a decent amount of warranty left

B&H, craigslist (touch, test, sniff before you buy), Adorama, Canon, Amazon, POTN, and various other boards ...

thanks. I will be checking.

DreDaze wrote in post #14683517
i haven't used KEH.com, but they say they offer a "6 month, non-transferable warranty" canon only offers 90 days...

90 days for a warranty is pretty weak...if you find something from sigma, and the seller has the receipt/warranty card you could have a decent amount of warranty left

The only thing I don't like about KEH is that they are normally on the higher price end of used products.

There is also b&h and adorama that sell used items.

DreDaze wrote in post #14683517
i haven't used KEH.com, but they say they offer a "6 month, non-transferable warranty" canon only offers 90 days...

90 days for a warranty is pretty weak...if you find something from sigma, and the seller has the receipt/warranty card you could have a decent amount of warranty left

Sigma and Tamron warranties are non transferable.

CL is a great resource, too, you just need to be patient. I've always sold for more on CL than on POTN, and the only lens I bought on CL was about $30 cheaper than lowest POTN price. It's all about patience and knowing the reasonable price spread. Plus, the listed prices on CL are almost always negotiable.

Amamba wrote in post #14683665
Sigma and Tamron warranties are non transferable.

Maybe technically- but if you have the receipt, and warranty card they don't care

The answer depends on the lens, for a number of reasons. I would trust Amazon for new products, and Canon or Adorama for refurbs. Sometimes you can get a good deal on White box lenses from a place like Adorama.
I like a company with good customer serice that stands behind their sales. For me, that means I won't buy off Craigslist or EBay, unless it is from a place like Adorama.
If I spend a lot, or even a little money on a lens or camera - I want a warranty or the certainty of a return if there is a problem.

artyH wrote in post #14684359
The answer depends on the lens, for a number of reasons. I would trust Amazon for new products, and Canon or Adorama for refurbs. Sometimes you can get a good deal on White box lenses from a place like Adorama.
I like a company with good customer serice that stands behind their sales. For me, that means I won't buy off Craigslist or EBay, unless it is from a place like Adorama.
If I spend a lot, or even a little money on a lens or camera - I want a warranty or the certainty of a return if there is a problem.

how about BH, is it a good place?