safe to buy used lenses off ebay? (and which one)

My dream lens is a canon 28-300mm l. New is out of the question unless I get rich and famous. I was looking at the used prices private parties are selling them for. That's much more doable. Even if the user on ebay has like 100% positive feedback, is it still a bad idea? Or what about finding an ad for a local used lens I can drive to and inspect myself?

The only lens I have right now is a 28-135 IS kit lens. I can't really get any photography jobs with that. On the other hand, I can't really afford a new lens until I make money. I'm gonna start dropping my change into my piggy bank. Gotta start somewhere right.

What sort of photography jobs are you trying to get? a 28-300 isnt the best tool for every job you know and theres a lot of very cheap combos you could build to get the same quality and coverage for less cash

It is really hard to say. Your question might as well be "Is it safe buy anything 'used' on ebay?".

It all comes down to feedback and history of the seller. Since you probably never get to try anything out on ebay before buying, that's pretty much what you can rely on. I'd review the seller's feedback and history, ask questions, and take a close look at the return policy.

For stuff you'd like to try out first - craigslist is probably the best option. Since it is mostly face-to-face transactions, most sellers would let you test the lens before you buy.

KenjiS wrote in post #9673410
What sort of photography jobs are you trying to get? a 28-300 isnt the best tool for every job you know and theres a lot of very cheap combos you could build to get the same quality and coverage for less cash

I guess actual photography jobs was the wrong term. I just would like to sell prints. I do a lot of aviation and wildlife photography and I'm thinking prints might be a good way to get my name out there. Right now, my pictures are pretty mediocre.

prosperity wrote in post #9673424
It is really hard to say. Your question might as well be "Is it safe buy anything 'used' on ebay?".

It all comes down to feedback and history of the seller. Since you probably never get to try anything out on ebay before buying, that's pretty much what you can rely on. I'd review the seller's feedback and history, ask questions, and take a close look at the return policy.

For stuff you'd like to try out first - craigslist is probably the best option. Since it is mostly face-to-face transactions, most sellers would let you test the lens before you buy.

I have only bought new things off ebay so far. I have very little experience with used. I think I'll watch craigslist or buy one off here from someone near by if/when one becomes available.

why would that be your dream lens?...i can think of sooooo many ways i'd rather spend the money

aviation and wildlife?...get a 100-400mm IS...pair it with a 24-105mm since it seems like you don't care about the wide end...

also have you checked the sell section here?...there's one on there for $2150, and another at $2200...

DreDaze wrote in post #9673608
why would that be your dream lens?...i can think of sooooo many ways i'd rather spend the money

aviation and wildlife?...get a 100-400mm IS...pair it with a 24-105mm since it seems like you don't care about the wide end...

also have you checked the sell section here?...there's one on there for $2150, and another at $2200...

I had liked the zoom versatility of the 28-300. I like the sound of that extra 100mm the 100-400 would give me, though. You may have just convinced me.

I'll keep an eye on the classifieds on here. Thanks for the tips!

SkyBaby wrote in post #9673492
I guess actual photography jobs was the wrong term. I just would like to sell prints. I do a lot of aviation and wildlife photography and I'm thinking prints might be a good way to get my name out there. Right now, my pictures are pretty mediocre.

Stop right there then

You probubly don't need a new lens, You probubly need to work harder on your technique, the 28-135 is perfectly capable of producing good pictures and good prints (Ok its not the best in the world, I admit its quite a bit softer than my 15-85)

But as stated above, for aviation and wildlife, go with the Canon 100-400 or the Sigma 150-500...they're far better options

-edit- ok i checked out your flickr, you're really not doing bad all things considered, so i take back what i said about technique, Get a new lens

Nothing wrong with wanting another lens. I just don't know if the 28-300 is your best choice. All in one superzooms, even if they are L's, sacrifice some optical quality when squeezing that much range into a single lens. If you're happy with your 28-135 as a walkabout lens then I'd supplement it with a longer zoom such as the Canon 100-400, or one of the Sigma zooms (120-400, 150-500, 50-500).

I have purchased one lense off of ebay. It was good. But as with anything, you need to check out who is selling and what their ratings are.

Kevin

I have had three lenses from Ebay, 28/135IS/300F4/400 5.6 have have worked spot on, just take your time, know when to stop bidding and check out the seller feed back, and dont forget you are covered by Paypal.

oh and BTW I've had good experiences with eBay..Though its been a long time

I got a Nikon 35-70 f/2.8 for $70 there when i shot Nikon at the time that lens was worth about $500-600

I purchased a used Canon 50mm 1.4 off ebay that was very good. I have a used 85mm 1.8 en route to me now from an ebay purchase. I check the sellers ratings and return policy. I have 3 days to return this lens if I don't like it so that gives me time to check it out. I tend to believe the sellers claims if they have a good rating. So far my ebay experiences have been positive with other items and so far so good with the lenses.

Sky - have you checked KEH.COM?

I don't know if they have what you're looking for but they are one of, if not THE largest dealer of used equipment in the U.S. The rating evaluations for used equipment is very conservative, so if they say something is in good condition then it's usually better than that. Of course they will likely be more expensive than eBay but they have a return policy, are brick and mortar, and very reputable.

I few years back I purchased some Hasselblad equipment from them - it wasn't quite what I really wanted, and decided to return it - there was no problem. - Stu

I have sold high end items of mine on ebay and bought "low end" stuff. I think it all depends on their feedback. I don't buy anything if they have nay negative feedback within the last year. Seems harsh, but that's the only ones I have had problems with. I have sold a $1,000 model airplane, Canon 28-70 2.8, 70-200 2.8, some antiques. I think it is a good venue - but there are scammers. Pay with PayPal so if you get screwed by the seller you have recourse. It takes a while, but they can help you.

Look for a seller who has a 7 day return policy. When you get the lens, take it for a test drive. Make sure there's no front or back focusing, and that the IQ is good. If you have a problem, send it back.