Question Regarding Refurbs

I have seen used lenses on (FM, CL,POTN, etc.) sell for higher $ than 'refurbs'.

There's a spend $500 and save $100 sale going on at Canon which would put the 17-40L I want at 671.99 - 100 + 6% Tax + Free S/H = $606.31

Every once in a while you see a 17-40 priced around $550, but they mostly go for ~$600. At $606 delivered, the refurb's very attractive and it would also come with a year long warranty.

Why do refurbs have a bad rap? They do go through a pretty decent quality process, don't they? Other than being wrapped in a white box (and maybe have a scratch or two?), is there a greater chance of issues with refurbs compared to a store bought, or used unit?

I see a lot of happy people getting refurb equiptment from Canon , no bad rap from what I hear

Since when do refurbs have a bad rap?

I love refurbs and would trust a refurb over used or new honestly.

Can't go wrong with refurbs. They a) come with a 3 month warranty b) are sold by a known entity (Canon or reputable stores - Adorama, BH, etc.) c) can be returned if you don't like it and d) as the name suggests, are refurbished to factory specs before you get it.

What's not to like?

Canon just changed there policy on refurb warranties - they are now 1 year

Isn't warranty now like 1 yr?

I don't think anyone considers used to be more attractive than Canon refurbished. Not sure where you got that idea.

However ... I wonder how many folks have really used a warranty ... or ... even filled out the warranty card and sent it in.

pophoto wrote in post #16300706
Canon just changed there policy on refurb warranties - they are now 1 year

You're right - forgot about that! Even better!

pophoto wrote in post #16300714
However ... I wonder how many folks have really used a warranty ... or ... even filled out the warranty card and sent it in.

Probably not many but having 1 yr warranty is big plus.

pophoto wrote in post #16300714
However ... I wonder how many folks have really used a warranty ... or ... even filled out the warranty card and sent it in.

Filling out the warranty card is not required. Canon just uses your receipt for data of purchase to verify warranty.

I got my 17-40L refurbed from b&h, it's been performing flawlessly for a few years now. Great color contrast and mine is sharp wide open. I definitely had a good experience with canon refurb

Got my 50L refurbed from Canon earlier this year.

Looked brand new and didn't even need MA!

I had two Canon refurbished bodies. I still have one of them. No problems whatsoever. I am debating 6D/5DIII. If/when I ever decide, I will buy a refurb. I see lenses and bodies on CL all the time going for more than the Canon refurb price. IMHO, you'd have to be stone-stupid to buy a lens with NO warranty when you can get one with a full manufacturer's one-year warranty for LESS. Of course, availability is a separate issue.

My 7D was a refurb - got it for about $925 or so during last year's Thanksgiving sale. Also got my 10-22 at the same time. The 7D had 140 clicks on it - so essentially brand new. Both arrived in flawless condition. I'll definitely do it again.