Wanting opinions on buying used from Adorama, their used rating?

I'm looking to buy a 120-300 2.8 Sport or possibly a 300 2.8 and can not justify buying new at this time. Even used, one in good condition can be a large investment and buying one with out being able to see it in person tends to make me nervous.
After bidding on 2 lenses online and not getting either one, my research has led me to B and H and also Adorama.
My question really is, how would you feel about purchasing a lens marked E- at Adorama or say an 8 at B and H that is costing $2300.00 or more dollars.
I know both are reputable companies, I have no worry there, just hesitant on the amount and the rating. I'm leaning toward buying from them as they do offer returns and warranty but also wondering if I should just keep saving toward a new lens.

Personally I would stick to E and E+ or 9 and above, but that is just me. I really baby my gear and can't say I have a single lens that would rate lower than an E. I would not want to buy something in worse condition than I would have put it through.

I bought an E- lens from adorama and ended up returning it because it had more use on it than I cared for. ended up buying an E+ lens which was very close to being LN. I would stick to E and above.

FEChariot wrote in post #18013697
Personally I would stick to E and E+ or 9 and above, but that is just me. I really baby my gear and can't say I have a single lens that would rate lower than an E. I would not want to buy something in worse condition than I would have put it through.

ed rader wrote in post #18013732
I bought an E- lens from adorama and ended up returning it because it had more use on it than I cared for. ended up buying an E+ lens which was very close to being LN. I would stick to E and above.

Thanks for the replies, both are confirming that my thoughts may be correct. I too feel like I take extremely good care of my cameras and lenses. Having used my current gear from coast to coast , Mexico to Alaska and down to the Bahamas it should all still grade E to E+. It does concern me when dust, scratches and dings are mentioned, it happens, but careless treatment comes to mind.

If the price is knocked down enough, banged up stuff is great. I bought a 100-400L with the paint worn off every sharp edge of the lens. It was the sharpest 100-400L I've seen and I used it for six years of trouble free service. Buying that dog of a lens saved money and delivered performance.

It's also kind of like my 5D III.....I bought it new and my various bags have heavily worn the finish from the bottom rear of the body. So it would sell for a knock-down price on the used market despite never having been abused and working perfectly.

I've bought and returned two used lenses from Adorama. While physical characteristics are checked and their rating is accurate, optical quality is not. One of the two lenses I returned was badly decentered.

As a buyer you will have better luck purchasing from community members here or on fredmiranda.com. If you take the time there is usually an audit trail of the lens use, the character of the person selling and even sometimes sample images that are a big help in easing one's mind when buying used and expensive gear.

JeffreyG wrote in post #18014048
If the price is knocked down enough, banged up stuff is great. I bought a 100-400L with the paint worn off every sharp edge of the lens. It was the sharpest 100-400L I've seen and I used it for six years of trouble free service. Buying that dog of a lens saved money and delivered performance.

It's also kind of like my 5D III.....I bought it new and my various bags have heavily worn the finish from the bottom rear of the body. So it would sell for a knock-down price on the used market despite never having been abused and working perfectly.

Same for me. For this kind of expensive telephoto I look for discounted ones with peeling paint or scratches. They are built like tank and I have really high confidence with them. Also, I like to have gear beaten up. I tend to use them more because I care less

As for Adorama, I bought an E- 1.4x teleconverter. The teleconverter came with scratches all over the body. The paint with the designation was also almost completely worn off. It works perfectly.

Nethawked wrote in post #18014179
I've bought and returned two used lenses from Adorama. While physical characteristics are checked and their rating is accurate, optical quality is not. One of the two lenses I returned was badly decentered.

As a buyer you will have better luck purchasing from community members here or on fredmiranda.com. If you take the time there is usually an audit trail of the lens use, the character of the person selling and even sometimes sample images that are a big help in easing one's mind when buying used and expensive gear.

On the other hand, Adorama offers a 30-day returns period, plus on E and above, a 6-month warranty.

JeffreyG, Nethawked, gorben, and HelenOster, thank you all for your insights. As Helen said about the 30 day trial, that is worth a lot. I would know within a few days if it were a keeper, if it had focus issues or other problems I'm thinking they would be kind enough to take it back. It's not that I'm opposed to a few scratches, when buying used you just don't know how they got there.
My thoughts now are calling Adorama to see how many they have and what my chances would be of finding one in E or E+ condition. I want to try the Sigma 120-300 Sport, I'm so used to using zooms I'm afraid the 300 will not be a favorite. I will be using it to shoot my Grandsons playing high school and College baseball and Football.
There was an excellent one for sale here on potn but the timing was not good for me financially. It was sold when I checked back a month later, good for him, bad for me as it was a nice lens.
In my research I've noticed dozens of them for sale with Nikon mount and they go cheaper, few for sale that are Canon mount. I need to practice patience.

Grizz1 wrote in post #18014482
....
My thoughts now are calling Adorama to see how many they have and what my chances would be of finding one in E or E+ condition. I want to try the Sigma 120-300 Sport....

Right now I see a Canon E-, $2,239. You are welcome to email me directly - you will usually get a faster response than going another route.

Thanks Helen, I have been looking at this lens. I've had problems with my computer/email lately, may send you a pm if that's ok when I have time. I don't need it until early fall, will keep checking in though, if I were to buy used I want to make sure I have time to shoot with it soon after arrival.

Nethawked wrote in post #18014179
I've bought and returned two used lenses from Adorama. While physical characteristics are checked and their rating is accurate, optical quality is not. One of the two lenses I returned was badly decentered.

Sorry; it looks like I may not have asked you to contact me with more details, so I can follow up what went wrong with the checking and grading on these: Helen@adorama.com

I have dealt with Helen at Adorama, several times .

I have had zero issues, I would be shocked if you did .

Never had a issue contacting her either......
She has always been professional.

farmer1957 wrote in post #18050073
I have dealt with Helen at Adorama, several times .

I have had zero issues, I would be shocked if you did .

Never had a issue contacting her either......
She has always been professional.

Thank you.

I too bought an E- teleconverter from adorama. Had some scratches and wear but works flawless. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a lense in the same condition from them.