Canon EF50 f/1.4, worth $300US used?

Hey everybody,

I need to check on the condition of the lens, but just wondering if it's worth $300 used with the hood and box. I feel pretty good about the price, but won't be totally until I check this lens out in person. Just wanted to see what y'all thought...

You can get a brand new copy with the hood accessory from B&H (delivered) for about $350. I suppose if you knew the seller and saw that the condition of the lens is like new $300 isn't bad ... particularly if it still has some time left on its warranty.

"New" really is its own reward, though. You are sure it has NOT been dropped... it's clean... it's warrantied, without a doubt... and most of all, it is returnable.

That's worth the little extra you pay for it, in my estimation. Now, if the used lens was priced at $225... then, I'd probably feel a bit different... but for the flippin' $50... I think not. That's not "deal-enough" for taking the chance.

Warranties aren't transferrable anyway so that's not even a concern. I have yet to buy a lens used. The prices just don't tantalize me enough. Plus I have bad luck.

That said, I have sold a lens (Bigma) because of the nice return I could get on it...but I still offered a nice chunk off new in fairness.

canon can tell when a lens was made. if the lens was made within the warranty period and is not a refurb they will service it for free without a receipt.

ed rader

AmericanFirst wrote:
"New" really is its own reward, though. You are sure it has NOT been dropped... it's clean... it's warrantied, without a doubt... and most of all, it is returnable.

That's worth the little extra you pay for it, in my estimation. Now, if the used lens was priced at $225... then, I'd probably feel a bit different... but for the flippin' $50... I think not. That's not "deal-enough" for taking the chance.

i saved more than a couple hundred dollars on my last lens purchase and the lens was like new and was hand picked from the seller's local camera shop...i.e., it is a very good copy.

i buy lots of stuff used and i'll keep doing what works for me but i wouldn't expect anyone to do anything they aren't comfortable with.

ed rader

Not owner to owner. Canon's usually pretty good about it but they don't HAVE to do a free repair if it's the 2nd, 3rd, what have you owner.

if you get to check the lens out in person that's a pretty good deal. i sold my 50 1.4 on ebay with hood and i got a little over $300 for it.

but after paypal and ebay fees i may have cleared about $275, which is what i paid for the lens sans hood.

ed rader

so what you are saying is canon is not obligated to service a lens without a receipt made out to the person sending the lens in?

that's true but they've always serviced mine, and at least one was sent in without any receipt.

anyone here have a problem getting canon service on a lens that you bought second hand that was still under warranty?

ed rader

Seems steep to me especially when the 300 probably doesn't include shipping? I wouldn't buy it. Canon makes GREAT gear but that doesn't mean that used products should sell for 90 - 95% new value.
Maybe they're charging 300 to make up for fees on, which I think is ridiculous.

I've never bought a lens second hand because I can't afford the risk. I've always had bad luck.

Sure, you ungrateful bastage!!! Tell them the plusses, but dont tell them from whom!!!! Very good copy? Very good copy?...OY!

Ed is right. used is ok. used is ok. from the right source or course.

Gene, if you are happy with the deal DO IT!

This is a local seller. We'll probably meet sometime later in the week and give it a looking at. My only thing is, is it worth $300 if the lens is say... 3-4 yrs old? I'm not saying it's that old, but what if it is? I would have to look at the code on the back of the lens to see where and when it was manufactured.

My 1D is used, my EF 17-35 f/2.8L is used... that's how I can afford to own some of the stuff I have. I love going this route if I can save some $$$. If the lens is pretty new (1-2 yrs), it might be worth it. If it's older, then I feel the price should drop a little.

BTW... where is that chart with the manufacturing code breakdown? I guess I'll do a search to find it. Thanks for all of the input... it's all valuable to me.

I cant believe you dont have one of these yet!!!