Best places to buy used lenses

[photobum]

Hi everyone,

I am looking to buy a Canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS and was wondering about the best, safest places to buy it used. The IS is a little out of my price range so I thought I would look for one used. Also, what should I look for when buying used, and how do I know that I am not getting a lemon,or something that may have a malfunction.

Thank you in advance for your advice.

[dlambert]

I'm not sure if this counts as used, but the safest would be buying a refurbished lens from a retailer like Adorama that gets "real" refurbs from Canon. Next would be buying used from a big specialty retailer (again, Adorama, B&H, etc.). Their prices are going to be higher, but you'll know that they've inspected the equipment. Right at that same level, I'd look at lens rental outfits like lenrentals.com - you might have to lurk there for a while until the lens you want comes up for sale, and then be ready to act fast.

I'd lump most private sales, including Craigslist, ebay, etc., somewhere below these options in terms of safety, but you'd (hopefully) get a better price there, too.

[tlake55]

I just bought my 70-200 2.8 IS USM off Ebay. I was considering buying from a lens rental place (as mentioned above) but I know the lenses are used A LOT and I wanted something with less "miles" on it. I also looked at Craigs List but didn't find anyting locally, so I decided to go with Ebay. It took 2 attempts (but I went in blind not knowing what to look for)..I must say my first experience was not so good, but I tried a second time and it worked out quite well. The first lens I purchased was not at ALL what was described in the listing (weather seal damage, rings hitched, mark on the rear glass) but the seller accepted the return; however, I did have to pay return shipping. I tried a second time and got exactly what I was looking for. I DO recommend Ebay, you can get good equipment at a good price...I ended up paying $1600 for my 70-200 f/2.8 IS USM that included the tripod collar, lens filter, lens hood, and lens pouch

THINGS TO LOOK FOR:

• Check the sellers feedback score...number of items sold and percent positive (be leary of a score under 95%, and read the negative feedbacks, as well as positives..sometimes a positive or neutral feedback will still have a comment that indicates a bad transaction). The 1st seller I purchased from had a high number of feedbacks (with 100% positive) but the item was not as described; conversely, the second seller I purchased from only had 1 feedback (with 100% positve) and the item was perfect??..so a low count MAY not be an indicator of a bad seller but definitely make sure the feedback is positive.
  
• Check if the seller accepts returns/refunds (make sure to read the conditions of returns/refunds too)..it adds a little bit of security in case the item isn't what you expected. My first purchase was from a seller who did accept returns; however, the second seller did not...I figured I new more specific questions to ask and what to look for the second time, and with Ebay you do have some recourse if the seller misrepresents himself/product. Also use PayPal to pay for security as well.
  
• Check what KIND of items they have sold...see if they have sold other camera equipment.
  
• Ask for the serial number to check against this "stolen items listing"...http://photo.net/registry/search-one...facturer=Canon
  
• I don't know if the manufactured date is an issue for you..I was looking for something that wasn't too old so I checked the manufactured date....ask for the date code (stamped on the bottom of the lens that attaches to the camera body), this website will tell you when and where it was manufactured...Canon Lens Date Codes - How Old Is That Lens?
  
• Ask seller or check listing to see if the lens has any fungus, mold, scratches, or dust?
• Be VERY leary if the listing states "AS IS"!
  
• Ask seller or check listing to see if both the zoom ring and the focus ring turn smoothly..they should turn smoothly and not hitch or be stiff.
  
• Ask seller or check listing to see if the weather seal (rubber ring on rear end of lens that attaches to camera body, this helps keep out dust, water, debris, etc) is in good shape..it shouldn't have any nicks or chunks out of it or be cracked.
• Ask seller or check listing for good, CLOSE pictures of...all sides (look for dings, nicks, scratches, etc), both front & rear glass (look for fungus, dust, scratches, marks, etc), rear mount (to check the black rubber seal to see any nicks or cracks..it should be smooth and even, and check the contacts to make sure they aren't too scratched up or damaged).
• Ask seller or check listing for if the switches work...do both the AF and MF work, both focus distances 1.4 and 2.5, stabilizer modes 1 and 2, and stabilizer on and off?
• Ask seller what type of photography he/she used it for?..personal or professional?..shooting polar bears in Alaska (harsh conditions) or the kids playing in the back yard (not such harsh conditions)?
• Make sure that the listing states IS (if you want Image Stabalization), should be visible in one of the pictures as it is stamped on the lens...simple but easy to overlook
• And, another simple thing.., just ask the seller if there is anything wrong with the lens.

Keep all of your communication with the seller in case there is an issue.

I hope this helps...good luck