Should I do it - used Canon 24-70 2.8

meruby

meruby

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Today I came across a used Canon 24-70 in a local shop. I have started looking at the lens to replace my 17-40 on the 5D MkII again with all the hype starting for the new MkII. However the MkII is way too expensive for me.

The used one would be EUR 800 (new it would be EUR 1100) - so I think it is a good deal. The lens is basically spotless - no scratches or anything. The dealer couldn't/wouldn't tell me how old it is. :thinking:

Unfortunately I can't test it on my own camera. The dealer has put it aside until tomorrow so I can sleep over it.

So should I go for it? Or will the price for the MkI drop considerably with the new one out? And is it really worth replacing the 17-40 (which I mostly use from 20mm up because the edges are really soft/squishy:gag:)?

Your advice is needed badly here... :help:
 
I wouldn't buy it without knowing how old it is, did they give a reason why they wouldn't tell you? Older lenses are more likely to need servicing, do they offer any warranty with purchase?
 
The lens will have a date code on it, and aside from that...if you buy from a shop they have to provide a warranty. Take your body with you, click it on and take a few shots to confirm focus accuracy and wot not and part with cash.

The mk2 doesn't really bring anything new to the party. I've been shooting with the mk1 on my 5d2 for what seems like an age now...... in fact I used it on my 5d classic too and it's still the No1 lens I grab.
 
adamdavi3s said:
Does it not have a date stamp??
Click to expand...

I will check tomorrow - I've found a site that explains the code and that should help me with that.

Regarding warranty: he is selling it for a private seller (on commission), so there is no warranty but he told me that I would get my money back if I returnded it within 2 weeks and there was a major flaw. The shop is also not a shady corner-shop but a renowned dealer - so I believe I can trust him on that.
 
and now I've got a call from another dealer, who is selling his range of rental lenses:
24-70 2.8 at EUR 550,- (and he's got 4 of them).

I guess I'll check those out - although I'm not so sure about used rental lenses. If it was a former rental car I'd never buy it.
 
I think that the issue with lens age is something that you find on forums but not when dealing with shops. I have never been asked the age/date code of a lens when trading in and have never asked it when buying from a shop. The condition of a lens is so much more important than the age, IMO an old well looked after lens would be a better buy than a newer but more used one. Last year I bought a 135 f2 from the classifieds here, a number of others had looked at it but decided not to buy as it was a bit old (about 6 years), I am glad they did as it ment I got a bargain. I have lenses that are significantly older than that that are still working flawlessly. I'd say ignore the age and worry about he condition, if the lens is in good nick and working as it should then go for it.
 
I'd never buy an ex rental Canon 24-70. Specifically that one. If you are lucky, a standard Canon service will be enough to sort out lose barrel and other mishaps, but if it has developed any optical fault, it may take well over 4-5 attempts to get it to reasonable levels.
If you can test it, I really would put it through the most rigorous test ever looking at all corners as well as the centre at all possible settings. If you can't test it then there must be a good reason for it.
 
If I was you just wait for the mass selling of Mk1, then the price will drop even more!
 
Ricky said:
If I was you just wait for the mass selling of Mk1, then the price will drop even more!
Click to expand...

That may well happen but it's not going to happen any time soon as the MK2 is stupidly priced and will remain so for a while and the IQ of the MK1 is regarded as fantastic and that is not going to change. The new version specs look very impressive but I suspect to most, day to day it's just not going to be worth the hit.
 
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