Spend the extra $$$$ or not

I am going to be buying a Canon 100mm macro lens and have a bit of a dilemma regarding how to go about it. Here are my buying options:

1. Buy a used one from another person for $415 (includes a hood and filter)
or
2. Purchase a refurbished one for $499 (includes 1yr warranty)

Should I just go ahead and spend the extra $80 so that I have the warranty? the only drawback would be I still have to pick up a hood (but I think they are only a couple bucks on ebay)

Decisions, decisions

If it's adorama I'd have no problem with the refurb. Not sure about other places but theirs are like new.

Go for the refurb as you will get some sort of warranty. $84 for piece of mind is not a bad investment.

i'd buy used but thats just me.

I'd probably go used as well, especially if you can try it out before you buy it. Otherwise the refurb may be worth it in case an issue arises. I've bought plenty of used lenses and never had an issue develop with any of them. However I had two new Canon 50/1.4 lenses and both AF motors died about a year and a half after purchase so the warranty was worthless. One was due to an accidental bump from a passerby and the other must have been a defect as it sustained no damage to cause it to cease functioning.

For a one year warranty I'd go with the refurb. For me to buy used I want to save more than $80. You will love the lens either way.

Like everyone else so far, the price difference is not enough for me to buy used from someone I don't entirely trust

Its more like a $100 savings with hood. That is 20% off. I'd go used as long as you have confidence in the seller.

You can always consider 3rd party macros. I just picked up a tokina 100mm--they're always $400 with a 3-year warranty attached. The Tamron 90mm is currently $410 after MIR. The USM is nice on the Canon... but considering they're all nearly on the same level, is it worth paying more for the canon and taking the lesser warranty? That's up to you.

If your going to buy a refurbished one for $499.00 you might as well spend $509.00 for a brand new one from B&H. Shipping is free as well. http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …00mm_f_2_8_USM_​Macro.html

Take Care,
Cheers, Patrick

Saint728 wrote in post #10478274
If your going to buy a refurbished one for $499.00 you might as well spend $509.00 for a brand new one from B&H. Shipping is free as well. http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …00mm_f_2_8_USM_​Macro.html

Take Care,
Cheers, Patrick

I would second that--or buy it from their ebay store and get an additional 8% back through bing.

Go refurb. I've bought 2 refurbs so far and I can't tell if they're new or not.

Well, I ended up buying a used Tamron 90mm f/2.8 DI SP AF Macro lens instead. Got it for under $300.
Thanks for all the suggestions.

Mr. Bill wrote in post #10481137
Well, I ended up buying a used Tamron 90mm f/2.8 DI SP AF Macro lens instead. Got it for under $300.
Thanks for all the suggestions.

Sounds like a bargain, good choice.