What would you pay for a used L lens?

What % of full value would you pay for a used L lens? We will assume the lens is 3-4 years old and in very good condition. Would you pay 70%, 80%, 90%? Would it make a difference if it was a zoom lens or a prime? Or would it make a difference if it had IS

L's tend to be sold at 90% of their new price.

That might seem shocking to some, but their quality does not degrade (unless for example the front element would be scratched or something like that).

Some L's even become more valuable. Yes, looking in your direction, 50L f/1.0...

P.

I'm with Peter on this one. I bought both of my Ls used, in pristine condition, and picked them up for about $200-$250 below B&H new price.

depends on age, condition, availability etc

I bought all mine used on FM.

certain lenses that are hard to find new at times, like the 35mm L, can be had for almost new pricing. Some like the 200mm 1.8L go for almost twice their MSRP.

Others like the 17-35L or 20-35L might go for half, based mostly on age and what replaced them.

Also factor in when new lenses are available. the 24-105 cut some of the used value of the 24-70 by a huge increase in the number of used ones available. The same may happen with the new 70-200 f/4 IS killing some of the value of the non IS f/4 as many will sell theirs to get the IS version.

which ones are you thinking about?

For now the 400mm f/5.6 L.

I don't buy used L's I always buy them new.

malla1962 wrote:
I don't buy used L's I always buy them new.

My thoughts exactly

id expect to pay in the relm of 900-975 for one of them used.

I guess if one has to pay 90% of current prices maybe buying new so at least you get some warrenty is a good idea.

malla1962 wrote:
I don't buy used L's I always buy them new.

waste of money IMO

Not if you want a warranty. I'm probably the unluckiest person on the planet. I need warranties.

depends on what kind of deal you can get, the 90% is based on average, but theres some that are better (my 16-35L was 800 for a 1300 lens) and some that are worse (you'd be surprised that people pay more than new on ebay)

theres not much that can go wrong on a used lens, and its easy to have it checked out at a shop. Just buy from a good seller, avoid newbs and ebay if possible

Lenses are worth what people buy them for at any given time. Values change according to many factors. The 24-105mm impqact on 24-70mm prices is one example and there are many more. I probably wouldn't buy a used lens more than a year old personally but I'm sure many do and get good value. L's are advertised at high prices but often we see them sitting there for a while. We never know the sold price. I haven't lost overall on mine but I buy at very good prices and not usually new. It also depends on the specific model.

Its simple USA new price=UK used price,I don't buy from the uk lol

malla1962 wrote:
Its simple USA new price=UK used price,I don't buy from the uk lol

thats understandable. but buying used in the USA can save you even more