Tell me something I don't know about buying lenses.

My other thread is screaming 35L for my 2 lens combo so I have pretty much decided the 35 to be the one.

Browsing here, local craigslist and FM i see that the used market value is around $1,200

Brandnew retail is about $1,329 @ canoga camera + tax depending on your location

Brandnew through an (authorized) Ebay seller is $1,369 + 10% Bing + shipping

Why should one consider a used lens when the value is pretty much the same as brandnew through ebay (60 days later when the cashback gets deposited)

:o

A $100 dollar savings is still a $100 dollar savings. That's enough reason for me.

If I have to ask questions about buying lenses - get a new one with a warranty form a dealer that takes returns.

Well in this one scenario you have a point. Of course it is stupid to buy used when new is the same price. My last two used lenses came out to about 60% of new retail, though, so do the math and buy what makes sense.

Thanks LBI, gasrocks,tkbslc

Does anyone know if bhhoto or adorama offers cashback? I still remember when i paid $2K for my 85L last year because of california tax lol.

There is a standard 3% Bing cashback for Adorama and I think 2% for BH...

With that high of a sales tax hit, I would keep receipts and see if you paid more in sales tax or income tax (You can deduct the higher of the two from your federal taxes)

P99 wrote in post #9548258
Thanks LBI, gasrocks,tkbslc

Does anyone know if bhhoto or adorama offers cashback? I still remember when i paid $2K for my 85L last year because of california tax lol.

i believe adorama has an ebay store....

I'd keep your eyes peeled for a better used deal than that. I traded my 24-105(+$200) for my 35L. I've seen them in the $1100 range.

I bought the 35L for 950 but it had a chip in the front element. The chip is the size of a dust particle - knowing how those behave, i could care less about the chip as it's performing SO WELL! i love the 35L!

I'm in the same boat as the OP. Looking for the 35L on the used market and seeing prices that are actually MORE than the new price (well, new minus 10% cashback)

SOB, I just sold a used one for $1025... $1200 for used is too much. My #'s more reasonable. If it falls through, I'll let everyone know.

Todd Lambert wrote in post #9548890
I'd keep your eyes peeled for a better used deal than that. I traded my 24-105(+$200) for my 35L. I've seen them in the $1100 range.

yep. that's what i would pay.

ed rader

I'll buy a used lens when I can get at least 20% off the going price. Most of the time, if you're patient, you'll find this kind of deal. If I can't get 20% off, I'll buy new. If Canoga has this for $1329, the 20% off would be $1063, which is around the $1100 range several folks have referred to.

I might pay full retail + california tax today

P99 wrote in post #9548155
Why should one consider a used lens when the value is pretty much the same as brandnew through ebay (60 days later when the cashback gets deposited)

:o

For me? No tax

Keep in mind that most of those stores you listed charge NYS sales tax..which im not sure if its AS brutal as California's, is still very brutal