A cheeky question...!

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MikeKirk

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Mike
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Evening all,

Just sent my Sony fit Sigma APO 170-500 lens off to be fixed as the MF ring appears to have come away from the internals. The AF still works perfectly, but it annoys me!

I am getting it fixed as I wish to sell the lens and buy something at the COMPLETE opposite end of the scale, a Sigma 10-20mm wide angle.

The London Camera Exchange are waiting for a quote for the repair, and are going to make an offer on the lens as a part-ex towards the 10-20mm.

In everyone elses opinion, are part-ex's a good way to go when changing equipment, or better to sell privately and put the money back towards the new gear? Also, where is the best place to get an honest estimate on the value of something? Ebay prices vary so much, I wasn't sure what to trust.

Thanks in advance!

Mike
 
You'd get more selling it privately. When I've enquired about trade in's with retailers...they're prices are quite low. They need to make a profit too :)

Of course on the other hand, if like many you need to sell the 170-500 before you can buy the 10-20, it's all dependant that your old lens sells quickly privately
 
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Time isnt an issue really. I suppose it depends on the repair cost at the end of the day.
 
Hi Mike,

The thing to bear in mind is that a shop such as the LCE will have to charge a certain amount to make it worth their while. Part exchanging doesn't normally result in as good a deal as selling privately and putting the money towards your next purchase.

If they're offering a repair+part exchange for another lens then that might swing it in the other direction, as advertising a lens as 'repaired' or 'refurbished' on a private forum or Ebay often knocks an amount off the final sale value.

I would avoid Ebay for camera equipment unless you're absolutely confident in the seller and they have a good history with buying and selling that type of equipment. I know someone who purchased a Canon L zoom off there and it arrived wrapped in plastic bags inside a Calypso drinks box and covered in grass!

In regards to valuing a lens, start by searching on these forums under the classifieds sections, they take an average from various ebay sales, and also look at the MPB Photographic website where they sell second hand lenses.

Hope this helps
 
Yeah i figured that the repair may swing it, But I'll definately check out that website for used Lenses. Need a parkers price guide for camera equipment!
 
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