Tips for buying used lens online

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naveen.nag

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Naveen
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Hi,

Need guidance on buying used lens on ebay. I am looking to buy canon 10 22 mm. First option was buy a new one, but on second thoughts exploring in ebay for used ones as i could save about 30% on money but at the same time a bit nervous as i have never bought any used lens online. I believe generally people who upgrade to full frame sell their existng efs lens. Just scared of landing with a faulty lens.

Pls advise. What would u do if u were in my shoes?
Any inputs would be appreciated.

Naveen
 
The basic and obvious things - check description and photos carefully, check feedback, ask questions, pay with PayPal (good insurance if it goes wrong). If it looks too good to be true it probably is.

Just be careful and you should be fine.
 
or take a look at MPB Photographic (banner above) I've always had great service, honest descriptions and a fair price from Matt. The only downside is sometimes waiting for the lens you want to be available second hand.
 
For extra security, buy on eBay but buy from a business seller who accepts returns. Not generally quite as cheap as a private seller but you have much less chance of complications as a fair few private sellers are pretty useless in descriptions and handling any problems.
 
I've always used dealers like MPB, ApertureUK, Ffordes, Mifsuds.... ones that have been operating for years and who have a good turnaround of stock. Never had an issue with any of these dealers and the prices are fair - I've bought more from MPB than any other and their grading is spot-on....
 
i FIND MPB to be the most helpful when buying used equipment especially on the phone they dont hurry you along and take time to explain the condition of each lens you are interested in ,I recently bought a 70-200 f4l from them I expected it to be a couple of years old at least but was surprised when I recieved it and checked code and found it was only a few months old , well pleased.
 
make sure the price is about right, if it is much lower than others alike i would avoid it and try and buy from business sellers with a lot of buying/selling history in camera equipment and who have become a top-rated seller. although i bought a bike rack from a top rated business seller who claimed it to be unused when it had been and the price appropriate so be careful!!
 
As said buy from a shop/dealer on ebay, or if they are private check their feedback, ask lots of questions ask to see other pics, if they are being awkward walk away. if they have nothing to hide they will be up font and honest, get them to take a pic of a recent news paper that way you know it was fine then so to speak.

Or wait till you can enter the classifieds here and see what you can get, most sellers on here are togs like us so look after their gear better than new so to speak so you never know.

spike
 
Thanks everyone. Looks like MPB gets more votes in this. I am exploring there. Feels more reassuring to buy from a known trusted business seller like mpb than buying it on ebay from private sellers.

Thanks again. That was very useful info from all.

Naveen
 
My first ever purchase on E bay was a Canon 400mm F2.8 it was a bargain! I (and friends) have purchased quite a lot of gear from E Bay but I would suggest the following:
1 If it's very cheap - beware - there is a reason for it!
2 Pay by PayPal - I have only had one dispute an was impressed with how well it was dealt with.
3 Pay less than you would from a High Street dealer. In my experience High Street Camera shops (even on E Bay) generally describe their equipment accurately - I recently purchased a Mamiya 645 kit (on E Bay) from 7 different High street sources - all components were better than described and guaranteed. Sometimes private sellers can be a bit over enthusiastic in their descriptions so don't offer as much to a private seller.
4 Before you bid set a limit and STICK to it! - there will always be another one along soon.
Hope this helps.
 
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