buying used glass online ?

i'm lusting after a few lenses, the 70-200 f4 or f2.8
and the sigma 10-20 or canon's version,
also looking for extension tubes and a 1.4x TC...

I can save some coin if I try to buy all my equiptment from this forum or FM forums, maybe I could justify going for the 70-200 f2.8 with the money I save... but is it worth it to buy used glass?

I'm worried about the downsides to buying used glass:
-no warranty
-can't return it if it's DOA, I'd be stuck with it.

what do you guys think?
Is it a good way to save money or is it too risky?

I've only bought four lenses used. Two of them were from dealers---an 85 f/1.2L and 400 f/5.6L. Both were great lenses and relative bargains. I've also bought two lenses from pawn shops....both of them were 50 f/1.8 metal mounts, and they were both perfect.
So I'd have to say I'm a big fan of used lenses, and will remain so until I get burned.

First of all, used glass, if taken care of properly, should be in perfect working condition. I know many here plan on upgrading and sell and buy often. That's how the lenses keep their value. If you buy from FM or from here, chances are, you are getting a good value. If you buy from B&H used equipment, they rate their own way and they stand by their used stuff price. Just beware of people trying to sell you something that's been broken and repaired badly or something "hot" and they know nothing about the lens or how to use it. Definitely a sign it's not legitimate. I have purchased used gear from people here and have had no problems. For some lenses, even the 70-200 f4, it's a great lens, but the IS version came out last year and people may want to upgrade. You can get a used one a little better priced than a new one. But a new one costs under $700 and it's L quality. You have to decide if the extra $100 is worth it to you.

Yeah.. my 24-105 was off ebay, as was the 70-200. Both worked fine and continue to give me pleasure (until I sold the 70-200).

i've heard about fungus and other stuff that can degrade a lens, should I worry that anyone who is selling might just be trying to get rid of a "problematic lens"

doubledragon wrote in post #2528931
i've heard about fungus and other stuff that can degrade a lens, should I worry that anyone who is selling might just be trying to get rid of a "problematic lens"

Those are legitimate concerns. It does happen. The best way to safeguard against it is to make sure the person or company you're buying from has a satisfaction guarantee with a reasonable return policy.

i got my 400 5.6 used for a great deal! works fantastic, i even got it local pickup so i saved about $250, i defintily am for buying used.

My first 16-35L I got used on FM for a mere $850. It was absolutely perfect. That's over $500 saved over new. It's worth it. I just make it a point to only deal with reputable long standing members, so that I don't have to worry about being "burned". I've bought new plenty of times. I buy used when it's a bargain, though. Why not?

Oh, and I've never made use of a warranty on any of my gear. Plenty have, but I haven't.

Although I only have a meager lens collection to date, only one of them was purchased new. Two were from FM and one from eBay. All are great lenses and no bad experiences.

I dont own alot of lenses but I have bought a few used as well as a 35 mm body before my 20d

I've bought one used lens, but that was from Dimitri (dv2004) who I know, respect, and trust, and he had only used the lens on two occasions, so it was effectively brand new and quality controlled.

so how do you guys determine price?

-is there a formula for figuring out a used price on a lens? like take the cost of a new one and multiply it by 70% ? would that be a fair price?

Another route worth considering is buying via new kerso who you can contact via this site. Numerous people have bought from him at very nice prices too.

I meant to say that I'm one of those people too.

I have purched used lenses and have had mixed experiences. Until recently, all had been great...no problems whatsoever...and I do recommend it. However, I'd be really careful (as much as you can) and ask for photos with the lens and of the lens (recent photos of both)...that can give you as much information as possible (you can check the exif to see how recent they are). It still won't help much for mechanics...I think I picked up an older lens with tired IS...it didn't work as well as it should have...so I'd also recommend asking for date codes and checking to make sure (especially on the IS lenses where mechanics can fail) that it's as new as possible. I'd say about 85% of the time, my experiences on purchasing used glass have been positive.