Buying second hand lenses

wickwhistle

wickwhistle

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Lucy
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Can anyone give me any advice regarding buying second hand lenses please?

While browsing flea bay, I've seen a lens I'd quite like to have in my kit and as I can't justify the brand new price (my hubby would divorce me!) I thought this would be the next best thing. The seller has 100% feedback and has sold photography kit before.

What do you reckon? Is it false economy?

Thanks loads :thumbs:
 
I've bought 2nd hand lenses on eBay without problems. If you don't mind posting the link, then we can have a look.
 
:lol: and bring the world's attention to it so a million people bid on it and throw it out my reaches :lol: I might be stoopid but I'm not that stoopid :lol: ;) I like your style! :lol:

Glad to hear you have had good experiences MV, you little minx you :lol:
 
Its a bit of a lottery, just satisfy yourself that it works as it should, there are no strange noises on AF the lens is not scratched or dirty from the inside, the seller has loads of + feedback and try and see if there is a "returns policy" etc etc.
There are some bargains to be had, just be careful :thumbs:
 
Provided the lens doesn't look like it's been used as a doorstop there's no particular reason not to buy second hand unless you particularly value having the warranty. You could also try a wanted ad here if you wanted, you never know :)
 
Thanks very much for all your help and advice :thumbs:
 
ive bought second hand off ebay with no problems - i agree about the filter also if someone has bothered to keep the box
 
I have had mixed experiences with Ebay. One lens in particular, looked good in the description, the pics looked good also. I emailed the seller with a host of questions from the really dumb, like "does it work" are there any "scratches on the glass" etc. I won the auction and true to the sellers word it was as described in better than mint condition.
As soon as I could I got out and tried it. Looked at the results and thought that aint sharp, must be me. Luckily my freind had an identical lens and I did a back to back test. the results were amazing, my lens was Cr*p. I had it repaired and resold.
Sorry for the waffle but email the seller with specific questions, find out if they are willing to agree a return if you are not happy. and as soon as you get the item test it in controlled conditions.

Happy New Year
Retro
 
not bought a lens off ebay but have from forum members here and POTN and never had a problem they may be a bit dearer but they have been well looked after
 
I have was bought 2nd hand lenses from ffordes without any problems.

Paul
 
Thanks for all your advice - I have asked loads of questions and for more photos so I'm just waiting now :)
 
I bought my 50mm 1.4 and my 17-40L 2nd hand - both off fleabay and both were just as described.

Look for decent photos of the lens. It's amazing how many crappy blurry photos there are of quality gear on the net. Makes you wonder if it's deliberate.

Other than that look for plenty of positive feedback on the seller and you should be OK. If they've tried to mislead buyers previously it should show up in their feedback.
 
Both my 24-70 and my 135-400 came from ebay. My 70-200 was from the from one of the members on here and all three are great:thumbs:

Also having just done a quick check I'm shocked to find that buy searching ebay and being a bit quick with the "submit bid" button...and a little luck being on the forum at the right time I've saved £700 on the price I'd have had to pay if I'd purchased all three from Warehouseexpress:eek::woot:

So in real terms I can buy myself a "free" 40D:clap:
:thinking:I wonder if I can convince my wife to see it that way:naughty:
 
Hehe well done Eric :lol:

Well, received a shirty email from the seller saying I was asking for too much detail and if I wanted to actually see a lens before I bought it then to go to a shop (all I did was ask politely for photos of the lens like you guys suggested!) so I have decided not to bid on it. He also "doesn't do returns"...speaks volumes really :(

Then went onto Photo Solutions and bought 2 lenses from there :lol: my hubby is gonna love me when the credit card statement comes through :help: :lol:

Oh well you win some you lose some :D Thanks everyone for your advice - definitely paid off :)
 
CT said:
Look for decent photos of the lens. It's amazing how many crappy blurry photos there are of quality gear on the net. Makes you wonder if it's deliberate.
Click to expand...

I've noticed quite a few 'resellers' on eBum recently, people with only a basic knowledge of cameras & lenses who snap up a bunch of lenses (probably using 'Sniping' software) sit on them for a while then re-list them in the hope of making a profit.

Best way to weed these leaches out is to scan their feedback list to see what they previously paid for the lens, check the previous listing information and bid accordingly.

Another way to check for scammers is ask for serial numbers or very specific technical questions on the lens, I've caught & reported a couple of scammers this way.


EDIT: Spotted one here whilst browsing. The guy bought an old 80-200mm for 200 quid and relisted two weeks later for £245.

Caveat Emptor
 
My nifty fifty, 17-55 and 80-200 are all from ebay and are all spot on. Good feedback and past sales of camera equipment is about all the reasurance you should need imho:)
 
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