Canon 24mm 1.4 II questions.

I think I'll buy this lens used.. but what is the best price I can expect new?
There's kind of a large range.

$1,319.20 direct from Canon:
http://shop.usa.canon.​com …-f-14l-ii-usm-refurbished

That's cheap... but can I order from canada?

D

Of all the Canon L lenses this is not one I would recommend buying used unless you can test it on your camera before you buy it. Do not take just my word for it but read the reviews at Canon's own website as well B & H and Adoroma. This lens is a great lens if you get a good copy that hits focus but there seems to be a lot of bad copies as well. The issue is with inconsistent auto focus and all the micro adjustment in the world does not help this issue. My first copy missed focus 85% of the time. My second copy, which I still have, is dead on and nails focus almost every time. I exchanged my first copy for the second one but that would not have been an option if buying used unless you can make an arrangement with the seller. Buying new also gives you a year of Canon warranty which I used with my 50L and 35L to fix focus shift issues.

^ Agreed, I spent 2 months last year read all the forum posts here and messaging users in the 24L II Gallery thread. I learned that many, many users experienced an erratic focus issue.
On Ux, Uy, and even some Uz lenses.
It is extremely easy to test the lens for proper AF.

For quick guide:
1 mount camera and lens on tripod outside in good light. Wide open at f1.4
2 Focus on a soda can or non-clear bottle about 2 feet away on a table.
3 Turn the lens OOF and tap the AF to lock on to the bottle label.
4 Note to number on the distance scale, manually turn lens OOF.
5 Repeat ONCE and note the distance scale, did the scale number change?
6 Yes? AVOID, No? start at step 3 again until you're confident in it.

I will say that all of the gear in my signature was bought refurbished EXCEPT my 24L II, it was brand new.
It locks focus like a vice grip and iI find it to be sharp wide open. UB date code.
I would never 'attempt' to save money by buying this specific lens used.
I did, however, buy my 50L used, and it has been just as reliable as my 24L II although others say it's erratic.

I bought on in July during a Canon refurb sale for $1,189 and change. It's a UB date code one and focuses great. Refurb now has same one year warranty as new from Canon.

agv8or; Thanks... maybe I should keep saving up.