400 f5.6 New? Used?

I'm planing on purchasing the 400 5.6 and this will be my first L. I was wondering if I should buy new or used.

If I was to buy used what price would I be looking at for a lightly used lens. Also, if I was to buy online what website would be good to trust on used equipment.

Thanks,
BB

Even ebay is fine, as long as you have a return option.

The 400mm f/5.6L is a great lens but it's an old design. You're kind'a getting an old lens whether or not you purchase new or used. Because of that, I'd go used.

Definitely used. I picked up a copy on craigslist here that had been sitting in the closet for over a decade. It was a first year production model and produced absolutely amazing pictures. I only sold it AFTER verifiying that my new "refurbished" 100-400 was as sharp at 400mm as the prime. And, yes, it is.

I bought used. I bought mine 2 years ago for $850. I couldn't tell it from new other than the date code was 2 years old at the time. Prices have risen in the last year. So I'd expect prices around $850-950. About 90% of my equipment has been purchased new. The only thing that hasn't is my 20D, my first camera, that was before I discovered the Buy and Sell forum on here...........lol

I would buy new. Such a lens is not going to be a whole lot cheaper buying sued and when you buy enw, you have peace of mind.

Rather than dealing with the eBay crowd, I strongly suggest Fred Miranda buy and sell forum. Almost all photography enthusiasts.
www.fredmiranda.com

Keh.com also

Rubberhead wrote in post #9396200
The 400mm f/5.6L is a great lens but it's an old design. You're kind'a getting an old lens whether or not you purchase new or used. Because of that, I'd go used.

You aren't getting old lens if you buy brand new. Design might be old but if you get new one, most probbaly it is made in 2009.

OP - I would buy used just to save some money.

What price would I be looking at for a used lens?

I think the 400mm f5.6 L used is in the ball park of 950-1050. Prices fluctuate from time to time. I wouldn't hesitate on buying used. All my lenses are used and they're all nifty. Craiglist is great since you get to try out before you buy. Companies like adorama and KEH let give you a grace period (think its 14 days?) and a warranty period as well.

I picked one up right here from a POTN'er for $950 shipped last summer. A few years old, but works perfectly.

It does'nt really matter if you get a used or new copy,this lens is outstanding!,i have this lens for bird photography,its sharp as!

I see one POTN'er says its an old design bla-bla,i have heard the comment before,well i think canon know it such a good lens for price ther is no need
to change design etc,i think that its "old" and continually made says something in its favour.there is slight CA when pic taken against bright sky.

The only way canon could improve this lens is to add flourite to lenses,but
be prepared to pay,I bought mine new,last sep09,i think someone makes a

good comment if you buy new,you will get a very current one,I think if you are serious about animal/bird photography-just buy it new,of course if you can find a very good copy locally,that you can handle before use,go for it.

Check Fred miranda review,also bird forum,have fun with that lovely lens

2 yrs ago used one were going under $900. Now it might be higher.

I wish they'd put IS in this lens. Its sharpness is on par with the more expensive super teles.