Buying Lens Online

[Axesss]

Background about my self before getting into this. I'm an Amateur photographer who recently started. My main atm is a cannon 60d but sometimes switch out to a t2i. My friend has many years experience than me and is skilled more in composing his shots I noticed his knowledge is sometimes lacking because he's self taught. (got into an argument few week back about what Av and Tv were, I won...) Now here's my dilema:

Ok so i found a seller online whose willing to sell their canon ultrasonic 50 mm for $100. Yet I don't know if its 1.4 or 1.8 yet nor its current condition. I still haven't gottent ahold of the owner to confirm this but he has offered to sell for 100

The owner originally is selling Canon EOS 7 NE (film slr) with a whole bunch of other supplies. And as stated earlier is willing to sell his 50 mm. I got into an argument with a friend that he I shouldnt because it's a film "SLR" and he doesnt trust the whole swapping lens between slr and dslr

My argument is that it's an eos camera and with that in mind it would most likely be an ef mount on the lens.

He's worried it will not be and it will could damage my camera and that of course the quality of the lens it self is at the moment questionable.

So here are my questions...
The main question: is it safe to buy a lens from a slr user to use that lens on a dslr?
Am i even right in assuming its an EF mount? and if so...
Good buy? Or bad buy? What would be a better price? What should i look for when inspecting the lens?

[autofocus]

aahhh...why not just go out and buy a new 50mm, f/1.8 (loved by many the nifty fifty)...haven't checked lately, but if I recall it wasn't much more than 100 bucks. Problem solved.

[OsmosisStudios]

If it's an autofocus Canon lens, it'll work on any EOS camera. That's EF, for the record.

$100 is a bit on the pricy side for a used f/1.8, but WAY cheap for a used f/1.4. If it is a f/1.8 model, then try to get him down to $80.

[Axesss]

Just confirmed it was a 1.4 hes holding it for me till thursday for $90 i shoulda said 80 :/ o well. My friend is still against it cant say why but yeah... I'm Also having him send me pics of the lens so i can evaluate the condition of it.

[Axesss]

Got the photos i think its good quality thoughts?

[DelCan]

I just sold a used 1.4 for $350. They sell all day for $325 - $400 used.
This seems like one of those too good to be true stories or the guy just doesn't know what the lens is worth. Like OS said if it were a 1.8 it's worth $80. An EF lens will work on any EOS camera.
As far as what you're looking for in the lens. Make sure there is no dirt inside of the lens or scratches on the glass. I couldn't see any but the pics weren't the best. Make sure that he tells you the autofocus works.

Use caution on this deal! If it's ebay then make sure you check feedback, etc.
I'll look at his ad for you if you want a second eye. Just pm me the info. (I don't need a 50mm 1.4 lol)

Del

[DelCan]

One last thought. If you decide to buy this DO NOT use PayPal gift. You'll have no recourse if this turn out to be a bad deal. Tell him you use regular PayPal and add 3% to his price to cover his fees. Otherwise use a credit card and not a debit card!

Hope this helps you.

[Axesss]

Just and update... I actually missed out on buying this. From the way i was talking to him sounded like he didnt know the actual worth of the lens... He ended up being offered 200 and lost it hahaha but anyways thanks for the info guys