Canon lenses hold value very well.

Hello,

I've been looking around at different shops for the Canon 24-70 f2.8 L, and have been very surprised at how well this lens holds its value.

Example - On ebay, the last 89 times this lens sold it has been averaging 910.00 and has a high of over 1300.00. I've even seen this used lens sell for over 1200.00 dollars, when you can get one new, on-line, for 1100.00.

Though I'm not ready to buy one just yet, I thought I would post how pleased I am at how well these lenses hold value.

David

Yes sir - lenses hold value VERY well, especially the L series.

the 70-200 f4 IS used prices are now higher than what they were when I bought it new

The 24-70 is weird lens used. There's either none (resulting in higher prices) or alot (resulting in lower prices). However, for what they cost new vs. used, this is one of the handful of lens, IMHO, I wouldn't even consider buying used unless you are getting a great deal. For the $100-120 savings, you get a full warranty, which would be enough for me to buy new.

The new 70-200 mkII is another, when rebates are out, that I wouldn't even consider buying used. No rebate, slightly different story.

There's probably a couple more but I can't come up with them right now. Comes down to the value of a warranty on the lens.

I wouldn't imagined buying one until we bought the T2i/550D. Our standard 50mm f/1.4 was great around the house when family came over, on the 35mm Elan, but is hard to work with on a 1.6 crop. So, I need a wider angle lense to help off-set the small sensor on the T2i.

David

I bought a used EF 300/4 L IS for $900. used it for 2 years and then sold it for $960. Cheaper than renting.

This is why I generally buy new. Unless I can save $300ish, I think the extra money is worth it for a full warranty and knowing it wasn't abused. There's always exceptions, but generally I buy new. Some people love saving money though, and for them it's great.

I sold my 70-200mm 2.8 IS for $25 more than I paid for it 4 years ago. Then just bought the new verion II on rebate for $2,060 on rebate, so it only cost me a little cash to upgrade.

I always buy canon L lenses on rebate from B&H, no shipping & no sales tax (alot of money when a lens is 2 grand)
and since I am buying it on a rebate too, when I do sell it, for uprading or whatever the reason is, I have been lucky enough to atleast break even, or even make a profit most of the time.
Actually better than renting, it's like I am being paid to use the lens for a few years

Dustman wrote in post #11624340
I sold my 70-200mm 2.8 IS for $25 more than I paid for it 4 years ago. Then just bought the new verion II on rebate for $2,060 on rebate, so it only cost me a little cash to upgrade.

I always buy canon L lenses on rebate from B&H, no shipping & no sales tax (alot of money when a lens is 2 grand)
and since I am buying it on a rebate too, when I do sell it, for uprading or whatever the reason is, I have been lucky enough to atleast break even, or even make a profit most of the time.
Actually better than renting, it's like I am being paid to use the lens for a few years

What is the inside secret to getting rebaits from B&H?

davidc502 wrote in post #11623527
I thought I would post how pleased I am at how well these lenses hold value.

The icing on the cake is that even though they hold their value, sometimes you can find great deals used if you're patient. There have been a couple instances where I bought a lens on Craigslist, used it a few months, then turned around and sold it for more than I originally paid.

davidc502 wrote in post #11624381
What is the inside secret to getting rebaits from B&H?

Canon puts out instant rebates twice a year, the winter rebate just ended last week. They will do it again in the coming months.

And like I mentioned, I buy from B&H, because of the no sales tax (if you live outside NY) and there outstanding customer service!!

Brick and mortar shops also rip you off like crazy. The ones around here anyways.

themadman wrote in post #11624821
Brick and mortar shops also rip you off like crazy. The ones around here anyways.

Some do, some are great. I am very lucky that we have a very good one, literally 5-10mins from me. Their prices actually match B&H's price, but the downside is I have to pay tax. Sometimes, it is definitely worth it and nice to support a local business. The used department is not too bad either - they do a lot of buying/selling/trading​.

This is one of the reasons I've stuck with Canon. Excellent quality and value retention.

If you are just wanting a somewhat wider lens, why not look at the Canon 28/1.8 or Sigma 30/1.4?

Personally, I hardly ever use (or used) 50mm lenses on full frame/film. It's just not my favorite focal length. Depending upon the system and what was available, I tended to use a 35, 40 or 45mm for a "normal" lens on FF/film.

But on my 1.6X cameras, as a short portrait lens the 50mm sees a ton of use.