What should I be paying for 70-200 f/4 non IS?

Like the title says. How much should I pay for one in good shape with hood, filter and tripod collar? I have a lead on one and I want to make sure I'm doing ok.

Or, should I stick my ground and continue to wait for a good example of the 80-200 drainpipe?

$450-500 is what I see locally for just the lens. Although, I wouldn't want to pay extra for either the filter or tripod ring. They aren't needed IMO.

Drainpipe is sharper, but I think it's heavier too. If the drainpipe breaks (it's solid metal except for the AF switch, which if anything is gonna go it would be that) Canon won't fix it. You can get it fixed but will have to wait longer for parts and possibly pay more. Drainpipe is also more expensive due to it's rarity and higher IQ. I bought my drainpipe in mint condition for $680, which was the lowest I could find anywhere online. There is a local 70-200L going for $530, which I would say is about normal for that lens.

$500 ish, depending on condition.

For general used pricing guidance, I recommend checking three places:

1. Canon USA Refurbish --- This is the max amount I'd pay used considering you have to pay local sales tax and shipping, but, in return get a one year Canon warranty. Granted the current refurb price for the 70-200/4L is $568, which is too close to the new price...

2. www.keh.com --- You don't get the box or warranty card, but, you get prices vs. lens condition (assuming that particular lens is currently available at that quality level).

3. Craigslist prices. If nothing else, this tells you how much people think they can sell lens for when they come with the box and warranty card, and sometimes with receipt (especially if the lens still is under its original warranty).

marcosv wrote in post #16248248
For general used pricing guidance, I recommend checking three places:

1. Canon USA Refurbish --- This is the max amount I'd pay used considering you have to pay local sales tax and shipping, but, in return get a one year Canon warranty. Granted the current refurb price for the 70-200/4L is $568, which is too close to the new price...

2. www.keh.com --- You don't get the box or warranty card, but, you get prices vs. lens condition (assuming that particular lens is currently available at that quality level).

3. Craigslist prices. If nothing else, this tells you how much people think they can sell lens for when they come with the box and warranty card, and sometimes with receipt (especially if the lens still is under its original warranty).

I've found keh to be quite expensive on models that are working. They sell a lot of damaged items on Ebay for inexpensive, but their items that are working correctly seem a little high to me.

I was also shopping around for the same lens, just bought a new one from B&H tonight. Was also looking at Refurb from Canon but after taxes (even with free shipping, they offer until 8/31) it was within $20 of new.
Personally, I'd rather have the peace of mind knowing I can return it if anything is wrong or for some reason it's not the right one for me. $50 - $70, totally worth the return options plus I don't have to worry about possible scratch/dust issues. I had to sell my 50 1.4, and several other things on ebay to pay for it but I think it's totally worth the risk.

I paid $450 for mine with box, bag, B+W UV filter and lense hood off Kijiji up here in Canada.

IdiotsAbound wrote in post #16249006
I paid $450 for mine with box, bag, B+W UV filter and lense hood off Kijiji up here in Canada.

That's strange because I also paid $450 a couple of years ago (here in London as well!!).......I think $500 is fair for that lens..

I'm working on a deal for the 80-200 drainpipe. If we don't come to an agreement, I may try to find the 70-200 for the 450-500 price range.

$500 is fair price for me, $450 is a great deal, specially with B+W filter.

Eh. Found a mint drainpipe. Yay!

I sold my 70-200 f4 non-IS for $450. It was in great shape - barely used. I think when people ask/demand more than that for this lens, there is a component of greed.

Thanks Tom. I've been seeing that a lot recently. People being greedy.

I just purchased a mint drainpipe. I paid a little on the high side but for the condition it's in I think I did ok.

It just makes me angry when I go on eBay and see all these lenses and people are asking hundreds more than they should so any perspective seller on sites like this feel they can ask those high prices. I think a lot of it is ebay's greed too though. Between eBay fees and paypal, they get about 13% of each sale. So selling a 70-200 f4l for say $550 only gets you $478. It's extortion!

Ok I'm done ranting. I'll just be avoiding eBay from now on. And as a public service announcement: Sellers on these type of sites, when you look through completed eBay sales, please subtract 10ish% from that and ask that amount because you don't lose that extra to eBay fees here. Just a thought. That's what I do.