Buying second hand

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jimmy83

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Iam in the market for the Canon 24-105 L lens, and Iam just after some advice about buying lenses second hand.

I guess the general Q's are, how long you had it/and warranty on it etc?

Are there any know issues, anyone has experienced with this lens before?

How much do Canon charge roughly for a 'check-up'?

Thanks for the advice :)
 
With an L lens I believe they have a date code so you can confirm date of manufacture. Check whether the owner bought it new or second hand.

Ask for photos taken with the lens and for photos showing any wear & tear. Take note of shops and stores that sell second hand items and check for prices.

Also, check with someone like Kerso on here to see how much he can do it for. The last price list I got from him had the 24-105 at £689 (white box) which means (I think) it was a kit lens. His prices fluctuate with exchange rates though.
 
you won't need a check up, you'll know if it's OK with the first picture you take with it, everything I own was bought secondhand, it's never worried me.

I wouldn't be overly bothered about age either, condition is more important than age, a little used 5 year old lens would be a better buy that a 6 month old one that's been poked in a celebs face every night then dropped on the floor when a longer lens is needed.
 
I would suggest keeping away from ebay.
On here people selling L lenses will post the production date, photos taken with the lens and photos of it.
You will also be safer in the knowledge that the lens has been looked after.
At least here you can look up the seller and read some of their threads / posts.
I've never seen the sale of an L lens on this forum go wrong and for the matter, apart from a couple of idiots in the past, all sales have gone through without a hitch.
 
hashcake said:
I would suggest keeping away from ebay...
Click to expand...

You'll get duffers from all sources, not just the 'bay, although there are some dodgy beggars on there.

hashcake said:
You will also be safer in the knowledge that the lens has been looked after.
...
Click to expand...

Because we are all bezzie mates on here right and are as perfect as choirboys?... :D

Generally speaking, like Wack61 says, you know when you look at something if its a good un. Good condition of casing and glass are pretty clear to see but even if there's a little wear and tear on the case it may still be a good buy. Dust inside puts a lot of people off; mould is worse, as dust won't register in shot unless it's caked in the stuff. A warranty is good if it can be transferred but once it's run out then it's worthless. All my lenses were bought used and unwarrantied and I've never had a problem (bought from here and MPB) and my kit goes through more use in a month than most of the kit on here gets in a year. Used has definitely allowed me to buy better for cheaper.

Match prices to what major resellers are selling them at (ffordes, MPB, mifsuds etc...) and judge from there.

White box deals are good value but not always advertised. best to ask for these at the likes of WEX and Jacobs...

If in doubt, use the force..... ;)
 
Whats this 'mould' I keep hearing?
 
you get mold inside and can see it.

as for buying S/H , i have only ever bought one camera new (LC1) i find s/h a great way to save and enjoy photography. Find a good dealer and guys on forums like this and you can save a bit.

I do prefer "meet , and greets" for more expensive items
 
jimmy83, inside the lens. And yes, spelt with a U is acceptable....




...well, today it is anyway ;) :D
 
Dont be afraid of buying second hand, just be careful. Firstly, make sure you investigate the market - you will often find new costing little more than 2nd hand and occasionally costing less. 'Camera Price Buster' will give you a target price for U.K. suppliers however 'grey imports' from U.K. suppliers will generally offer a better price. Some will say you dont have a warranty with a 'grey import' however you are better covered than if you buy from an auction as you will be covered for 7 working days from receipt by the 'Distance Selling Regulations' so, if there is an initial problem, you have some means of recovery. Also be aware that, often, warranties are not transferable if buying 2nd hand. Always pay with a credit card as this offers some protection should the item be 'lost in transit.'
My opinion - and I stress - my opinion, is that lenses offered in these forums are generally priced at the top end of the market and any real bargains are taken within minutes of being listed.
 
muld? :lol:
 
richardjjj said:
Dont be afraid of buying second hand, just be careful. Firstly, make sure you investigate the market - you will often find new costing little more than 2nd hand and occasionally costing less. 'Camera Price Buster' will give you a target price for U.K. suppliers however 'grey imports' from U.K. suppliers will generally offer a better price. Some will say you dont have a warranty with a 'grey import' however you are better covered than if you buy from an auction as you will be covered for 7 working days from receipt by the 'Distance Selling Regulations' so, if there is an initial problem, you have some means of recovery. Also be aware that, often, warranties are not transferable if buying 2nd hand. Always pay with a credit card as this offers some protection should the item be 'lost in transit.'
My opinion - and I stress - my opinion, is that lenses offered in these forums are generally priced at the top end of the market and any real bargains are taken within minutes of being listed.
Click to expand...

I did a little run around a few second hand shops today. I also agree with your comment. Accessories etc here are good value. But some are asking just as much or more than shops who are offering 6 months guarantee's

Buyers have to make sure they are not paying over the odds.
 
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