Can we talk refurbished???

In hunting for a new lens - I've been looking at used lenses (mostly local) and have, on occasion - have looked on Canon's website at refurbished lenses. I've noticed that there are some lenses selling used at higher prices than refurbished.

Seems crazy - and so my question is - what's the deal with refurbished lenses? Why is the used market sometimes higher?

I'm thinking refurbished at a lower price (with warranty) is a no-brainer . . .

For refurbs, check out Adorama as well. AFAIK, their refurbs are done by Canon but cheaper in price.

Refurb is the way to go, IMO. You get a warranty. In many ways it might be better than getting a new lens. The refurb has been gone over by a tech.

In the last 6 months, I have bought both a refurbed lens (17-40 f4) and a body (6D) and the lens was a couple of months old based on the year codes. And the body had a total of less than 40 actuations on it.
And the amount of money I saved was close to $1000 total. Just enough to get a refurb 100-400 or a Tamron 150-600 if I can find one.
I will likely never buy new gear again with the way the refurbs have been coming directly from Canon.

I have purchased many refurbs and have not had any issues. I would not hesitate to jump on a good refurb deal.

ddk2001 wrote in post #16821155
Why is the used market sometimes higher?

Sometimes people need to be more realistic when pricing used gear...

mguffin wrote in post #16821279
Sometimes people need to be more realistic when pricing used gear...

pretty much. Even on here I see ridiculous prices for gear that has a better pedigree from reputable dealers and somehow the sellers think their stuff is worth more.

mguffin wrote in post #16821279
Sometimes people need to be more realistic when pricing used gear...

Several lenses have really dropped in price in the last 6 months or so, i.e. 17-55, so if someone bought at over $1000 even a year ago, and to see the most recent refurb 20% sale going for less than $700, it may be hard to be "realistic" as a seller, and maybe you just dont keep up with the most recent prices or you hope for a sucker.

Also, not all buyers research and truly shop around. They know that xyz lens is $1100 new, but they can buy it used for $900, so it looks good to them. They probably don't even know refurbs are an option.

ddk2001 wrote in post #16821155
Why is the used market sometimes higher?

Are you talking about list prices or the prices gear actually sold at?

lilkngster wrote in post #16821411
or you hope for a sucker.

Well now that's the key isn't it.

gasrocks wrote in post #16821194
Refurb is the way to go, IMO. You get a warranty. In many ways it might be better than getting a new lens. The refurb has been gone over by a tech.

And a new product can be sent back under warranty - which incidentally is two years in Europe by law (that is a warranty that the seller has to give).

Used markets are higher because refurbs aren't always around. it's just like rebates. I laugh when I see people buying used 70-200 is ii for like 2000 when you could get a new one for way less during rebates. but, the market bottoms out at the cheapest CURRENTLY available price.

gasrocks wrote -
""The refurb has been gone over by a tech.""

Not always very well...!
I bought a 28-300L refurbished lens from Canon. There's a lock that locks out the sliding part of the lens. Well, that didn't work on mine.. I took a few pictures just to see...

I then called Canon, sent the lens in for...fixing...! Why shoudl I have to do this, espicially on an "L" lens.

On one hand, the note on the receipt basically told me I was lucky that they could take the time to fix my..."refurbished lens"..!
On the other hand, I'd like to thank the person who did the reworkwork...because the pictures are noticably sharper, cleaner thAn they were before I sent it in...for fixing..!

So...while it wasn't a "seamless" transaction, it ended well.

Mike

Mike - wrote in post #16821813
gasrocks wrote -
""The refurb has been gone over by a tech.""

Not always very well...!
I bought a 28-300L refurbished lens from Canon. There's a lock that locks out the sliding part of the lens. Well, that didn't work on mine.. I took a few pictures just to see...

I then called Canon, sent the lens in for...fixing...! Why shoudl I have to do this, espicially on an "L" lens.

On one hand, the note on the receipt basically told me I was lucky that they could take the time to fix my..."refurbished lens"..!
On the other hand, I'd like to thank the person who did the reworkwork...because the pictures are noticably sharper, cleaner thAn they were before I sent it in...for fixing..!

So...while it wasn't a "seamless" transaction, it ended well.

Mike

The idea that someone had confirmed that the lens is in spec was also one of the reasons that a lot of my gear is refurbished. I have a feeling that refurbished in 2010 and 2011 is different than today. The market for refurbished was much smaller back then and the vast number of lenses these days, I cant imagine that Canon has that many people to go over 500+ 40 STMs and all the cameras they have. Like Mike, the QA issues that I have run into with Canon refurb are all recent, from early 2013, so I have a feeling that there is a lot less individual attention spent for each refurbed lens.

Still would not have stopped me from picking up a 200 2 or 300 2.8 during the last sale.

FEChariot wrote in post #16821616
Are you talking about list prices or the prices gear actually sold at?

I can only speak to my experience - and somewhat recent.

For example - I recently engaged a discussion (email) with a local "professional" photographer that had a 100-300 4-5.6L for sale used @ $1260. I asked if his price was negotiable - and he responded with a question of what I thought it was worth. I noted the price of the same lens refurbished from Canon @ $1279 (when in stock) and his reply to me was a simple - "then go buy it." He wasn't even willing to talk.

There's a 70-200 2.8L II for sale local @ $2150 and the guy wont budge. Refurbished (and currently in stock) @ $1999.

Now - I get that a nice lens holds it's value - but . . .