Would you buy a lens in this condition?

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apodo

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This lens is in good overall condition with some signs of use. The lens barrel shows some cosmetic marks. There is some light dust within the lens, which would not affect optical performance at all. The focus ring is in good condition. The lens mount shows signs of use.

Please note: Mark to front element, this has no discernible effect on the image rendered.
Click to expand...

That back story is that I have the original Sigma 17-70mm lens, and it is still a great lens. I have made 30x20" prints from it. But I am thinking of replacing it with the newer Contemporary version. The addition of OS would be nice, it is a tad faster at the long end f/4 versus f/4.5, but the main reason being it has HSM. My only real complaint about the original lens is the focus is slow as it has a traditional direct drive motor.

Doing a bit of research to make sure it is worth it, that the optical quality has not deteriorated in later models or there is no a better alternative, I started reading reviews comparing it with the Canon 15-85mm lens. At twice the price of the Sigma and much slower (f/3 – 5.6 versus f/2.8 – 4) it did not change my mind that the Sigma is still the best walk around lens for me. But for that purpose, the Canon's extra range is exciting.

So being able to get a used one as described above for £150 is tempting. It would not be a main lens, but that is a price that would justify it sitting in my bag and only coming out in good light situations where I will not want to be swapping lenses, so the added range will be beneficial.

I am already planning to get the Sigma 150–600mm lens when shielding ends, and can always put off upgrading my old 17–70mm for a while anyway in favour of the Canon.

My only concern is whether in that condition, described as 'well used' would make it a good investment. It seems too cheap for a normally £680 lens, although ones in 'excellent' condition are only £230 so maybe they just do not hold their value that well? But at that price, when the Sigma lens is usually £330, it starts to seem like an alternative than a nice-to-have option. And using the same price ratio, my 'well used' Sigma as little resale value. It would only be valued at £72 before even discounting it for being several versions old.

So the 'well used' Canon, a good or bad idea?
 
If the price is right and you accept that any potential future buyer will have the same reservations as you then why not?
Assuming it is from a modern photographic buyer there will be a 14 day return and possibly some warranty if it doesn't suit when you get it. ;)
 
I’m lost as to the lens you’re looking at .... however I’ve bought tons of lenses in heavily used condition - so worse than well used.
That lens will likely be fine - just test it by shooting a white piece of paper at iso 100 through the aperture range and see if you notice any dark areas. I highly doubt you will.

As mentioned be aware that future buyers will he put off by the scratch - hence why it’s cheap from a dealer.

For lenses in that condition - always check of them focus is working properly and the zoom ring is smooth. If it’s stiff/ has resistance send it back. It’s likely been dropped.
 
mij said:
So the 'well used' Canon, a good or bad idea?
Click to expand...
I've made that choice several times and never regretted it. The less you pay the less you lose if you sell it, in my experience.
 
As I understand your query, you have a 17-70 Sigma. You either want to replace it with a newer Sigma or keep your old lens and buy a second hand Canon 15-85mm. I had a similar situation. I own a Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 and was thinking of upgrading to the newer one with image stabilisation. I saw a second hand Canon 15-85mm for £200. I bought it last year in December. I haven’t used it extensively but I bought it as a bright day walk around lens. If I could only have one of the two it would be the 18-50mm. I would say in your situation you need to think about what you photograph, what level of image quality you require. My main use of the 15-85 is mainly walk around, street photography which doesn’t require L glass quality, I can up the iso for faster shutter speeds. The other points I would add is that the 15-85 is quite a hefty lens and there are bad copies out there, I use ACDSEE and it has a hard time correcting the CA from this lens. (Adobe might be better)
 
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Thank you for the warning, Mintchocs, as I had not read about bad copies. Although I suppose an advantage of buying something well used is it means someone was happy with it. It is also interesting you say it is a hefty lens when you use a constant f/2.8 one, so I am intrigued to find out now. It may have to be a case of picking a lens based on the weather rather than carrying it and the 17-70mm around. Incidentally, I do still plan on updating that, but with the benefits of the Canon it is something that can wait.

Thanks everyone, you have eased my worry and made it sound worth the risk. I am more interested in buying it to use than to sell, which is why the low price made me second guess dismissing it.

I will place the order, and follow toohuge's advice to test it else return it.
 
Sadly I finally got around to trying toohuge's white paper test, and now I am going to have to clean my sensor. Hmph.

But the new lens was fine. The front element looks a little scuffed with two noticeable scratches, but they have no optical effect. The zoom and focus rings feel normal, not too loose and no resistance.

Here is resized screenshot of a Bridge image of a non-stabilized handheld shot showing the scratches.

canon1585.jpg


Meanwhile it is the first time I have used my beloved Sigma 17-70 lens and the sound of the focussing motor was like it was talking to me, so loud it sounds and so long it takes. As well as the lack of OS it was a stark reminder of why I wanted to upgrade it. So at least in the meantime I have the Canon lens for both IS and USM. Except for when I need a shot of the lens itself.
 
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