Buying SH - what would you rather see?

Kell

Kell

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Kell
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I was just looking at some lenses on MPB and it struck me that the only one that was described as excellent cosmetically was also the only one that had trouble with the optics. It was a good £150 more than lenses that were better optically, but worse cosmetically and it made me wonder, who's choosing to buy these for more money?

Some time ago, I bought a Canon 70-200 which I'd describe as poor cosmetically (lots of the white paint is peeling) but excellent optically.

It had been for sale several times on eBay before I took a punt and got it for considerably less than any other version of that lens.

In an ideal world you'd want both, of course, but I can't see a world in which I'd pay more for a lens that looked better but took worse pictures. Which in turn made me wonder why the appearance of a lens would be the only thing they mention in terms of it being rated poor/good/excellent/like new. I'd say the optics should always be the top of the list in terms of consideration when comparing.

Thoughts?
 
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Kell said:
Thoughts?
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I think you did the right thing by buying the 70-200; if it works, why pay more?

I've often bought "rough" kit that works in preference to more expensive "good looking" items. After all, it's the pictures that count.

All this kit was already pretty banged up when I got it but that didn't stop the pictures being good enough to sell!

Camera Outfit.jpg
 
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I would always prioritise optics - but lots of people still want shiny so that drives price

Interestingly, I have bought kit from Wex and they have been very good at suggesting where it is worth spending less on lower graded kit because the grading is less relevant and where it is worth paying a bit more…
 
You'd of course prioritise optics, but I will only buy mint/as new which means (or at least should mean) perfect optically cosmetically and optically.
 
There are only two used goods retailers I would recommend the first being Wex as they have superb policies in place and a outstanding customer service department, the second being mifsuds in Devon which is offers a good service despite being far smaller.
 
I usually buy in person so I can try (and look at, carefully!) before I buy. I'm happy to buy a slightly worn looking lens but will use the condition to get a better price.
 
Thoughts- Optics first but personally would only get excellent optics and cosmetic condition, not keen on returning stuff but if not as described back it goes. Having the original box is most important though;)
 
Agree the optics is what matters
Only other thing I would add is that I would check that if something went wrong in the future the lens is repairable, not familiar with other makes but older Canon lenses are no longer supported by Canon, I think its due to parts no longer being available
For an expensive big tele lens this could be an issue
 
On the other hand, if a lens looks care-worn it could be that the mechanical aspects are coming to end-of-life due to heavy use, such as ribbon cables. There's more to a lens than glass!
 
Optics every time. However poor exterior indicates potential trouble with optics also. Bashed, smashed, trashed and dropped multiple times.... Does that sound like something you would like to chance with?
 
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