Thoughts on used 200/2.8 ??

A local shop in town has a used 200mm / 2.8 L USM (red ring) for sale. I didn't get the date code but I noted that it has an integrated hood that slides out but it doesn't detach. Cosmetically it looks to be in nice shape. They're asking $500 for it. Does that price sound right?
Thx in advance....

Hmm. Given that the Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II is only $819 new, this seems a bit steep for a mark I used. I have the mark II and love it. I bought it several years ago when it was just $600 new. Very nice telephoto lens and not too heavy. The hood on it is removable/reversible.

The lens with the integrated hood is the older version. I paid $535 for a used newer model about 5 years ago and it was in "like new" condition and included the detachable hood. I think the $500 price is a little high.
Adorama has a used mark II version listed for $524, but I don't know if that includes the hood.

I bought 200 2.8 ii L "like new" with a 2009 date code from a guy who had literally used it once for video and never used it for anything again. It was $512 including shipping and I could not distinguish it from brand new upon getting it in the mail. For another $17 I bought Canon hood.

The version he is selling is older but has identical optics and USM AF. Some people prefer the built-in hood, and I can see why--the hood is slightly bulky when reversed.

his price isn't crazy-high, but it is probably a pretty average deal if it is pristine. Once you see the IQ you get from that lens, though, you will be happy you bought it.

Several photographers whose opinion I respect have said that the version 1 of this lens does not take either of the tele-extenders well (image quality suffers more than it should).

These same people have also said that the version 2 takes the tele-extenders very well.

I have not used this lens with the extenders, so my information is second-hand.

$500 sounds too high for the first version. The newer version 2 frequently sells (used) for $600 here on our classified sell forum.

Keep in mind that Canon will no longer service the version 1, so if anything ever happens to it, you are on your own to find a place to repair it. I doubt parts would be available. Sounds like more trouble than it's worth. For $350, I'd consider it, but $500 for something you can't get serviced by Canon is too much, in my opinion.

Either version you buy, it's an outstanding lens. Of all of Canon's L lenses, I believe the 200mm 2.8 to be the best bargain.

nightcat wrote in post #15762208
Either version you buy, it's an outstanding lens. Of all of Canon's L lenses, I believe the 200mm 2.8 to be the best bargain.

Agreed! The 200mm 2.8L II was the first L lens I purchased. I think it still may be the cheapest one. It also has the advantage of not being heavy. I use it with the 2x TC II with good results. I imagine the TC III is even better.

I bought the same lens used for $450 and sold it for the same amount. I'd try to work the price down a little but at least you can play with the lens before buying. It's a wonderful lens and there have been several times I wish I wouldn't have sold it.

I bought it 3y ago for 640$, immediately impressed by the IQ but too long, I hate long primes as you can't zoom out. Then I went for 70-200 2.8L non IS, IS and now IS II.
I don't care about date codes, I even bought a 28-70 2.8L in past from a professor that was like new, it was 12y old, just like my 35L, as long as it's in perfect condition.

CanonYouCan wrote in post #15772314
I bought it 3y ago for 640$, immediately impressed by the IQ but too long, I hate long primes as you can't zoom out. Then I went for 70-200 2.8L non IS, IS and now IS II.
I don't care about date codes, I even bought a 28-70 2.8L in past from a professor that was like new, it was 12y old, just like my 35L, as long as it's in perfect condition.

Ditto. I had it about 6 months. I found it way too long for a crop camera to be useful. I went for the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 OS HSM, instead. Flexibility counts.