Here's a real deal on a 500ef F4 IS

Can't believe this one
http://orlando.craigsl​ist.org/pho/2049477634​.html

Something smells there. I don't trust any high end gear listings on craigslist.

I don't either especially if it's grossly under-priced.

MDoc wrote in post #11266635
Can't believe this one
http://orlando.craigsl​ist.org/pho/2049477634​.html

Scam.

He's also selling it in New Jersey (http://cnj.craigslist.​org/pho/2051197404.htm​l).

It's gonna be something like this:
I'm currently out of the country for a voluntary English class in Africa, but I can ship it to you thru a middle service provided by "eBay". Please give me your name, address and email so I can request eBay to contact you.
bla bla bla bla

I think I'll just stick with my 400/5.6 + 1.4x TC.

LOL I knew it :P

Hello,
Thanks for being interested in buying my Canon EF Lens 500mm, I will start my email by telling you that I'm currently out of country so pick up isn't an option .The lens is in a good condition and the price is US $2,500.00
The lens will be delivered to your home address from US.The transaction will be made only through eBay ,we will have full insurance from eBay.Right now I'm in the United Kingdom, just arrived here 3 days ago . Before i left I found a buyer and i had everything arranged.I payed for the shipping and sent it to him .But yesterday the buyer that i had asked me to wait another 4 weeks because his loan wasn't approved. I can't wait this long as i am in the UK for 3 days now and i really need the money, I am in the moving process , changing the work place and everything ...A major issue is that if you want to buy my lens you really need to have the money ready for it.
This purchase protection guarantees that the lens is exactly as I described; basically, once delivered, you'll have 10 working days to inspect it at your home and if you decide not to keep it you will get refunded in no time and they will charge me with the return costs.If the lens meets your expectations and you want to keep it you will have to tell them to release me the payment details so I can get paid.If you are interested in this purchase please reply me with your full name and shipping address .After I pass this details to them you will receive an invoice and further instructions as how will you be able to get possession of the lens.
P.S : If you need more details,or pics just ask.
Let me know your thoughts,

Thanks,
Robert Wiebel
Robert & Steven, Inc.
Structural Engineer
Department Of Construction Consulting

He's got it in Seattle too.

http://seattle.craigsl​ist.org/tac/pho/205224​2023.html

What a POS!

i really need the money

I never buy from anyone stating this and I would never state anything like it in a listing for sale.

K6AZ wrote in post #11267853
i really need the money

I never buy from anyone stating this and I would never state anything like it in a listing for sale.

I buy from those people all the time, and i've got great deals just be careful and you'll be fine

patrick835 wrote in post #11267867
I buy from those people all the time, and i've got great deals just be careful and you'll be fine

Your risk of buying stolen goods go up when someone openly states that and I've seen it many times over the years and not just with photo gear. I prefer to pay a fair price for my gear and avoid the possibility of problems. If you put that in a listing for sale you're asking to deal with vultures.

No one's mentioned the random string of text in the heading of the ads. I've seen lots of fake scam Craigslist ads with these and I'm assuming its some automated script/program that is mass placing these ads.

sounds like a good deal. I'll take it......NOT!!!!

FindUrPath wrote in post #11267940
No one's mentioned the random string of text in the heading of the ads. I've seen lots of fake scam Craigslist ads with these and I'm assuming its some automated script/program that is mass placing these ads.

It is a script, it's offered via P2P. It's a slightly modified spam script. I didn't mention it since it was so obivous.

K6AZ wrote in post #11267917
Your risk of buying stolen goods go up when someone openly states that and I've seen it many times over the years and not just with photo gear. I prefer to pay a fair price for my gear and avoid the possibility of problems. If you put that in a listing for sale you're asking to deal with vultures.

That's a risk at any time. I make sure to have some dialogue with the seller. I almost bought a 70-200 from a guy in Denver and the more questions I asked the more I realized this clown was not on the level. He couldn't answer simple questions about performance that most photogs could answer. For example, I asked him 'how's the corner sharpness wide open?' His response "I don't know that I ever used it wide open so I can't say." Really? You never once shot the lens wide open. I think I also asked him how it handles flare and it was another goofy answer. You know, those answers that are obvious that the person has no idea what you asked them. So, I decided not to buy the lens. If someone can't answer simple photography questions....chances are they aren't a photographer. Therefore, chances are higher that it may be stolen. I know this isn't an absolute, but its a pretty darn good indicator of who you are dealing with.