Ebay tips?

[__Legion__]

I'm going to want to get a longer zoom soon. I'm thinking about something that extends to at least 200mm, maybe a little further. I'm thinking it's probably better to get one with a shorter zoom distance than one of those all in one 18-300. I'd rather have a small collection of crisp sharp lens that meet my needs than an overpriced hunk of glass that is tack sharp in the middle and soft all over. I'm also hoping to get something relatively fast even though my budget won't be up to the "L" level.

Looking at new lenses and browsing through ebay leads me to a few questions though. If I were to find something that suits my needs there, in an EF format and perhaps 10 - 15 years old are there any things I need to be concerned about or to watch for? I have seen a few seemingly decent models on ebay, older USM units up to 200mm or so at decent prices. Of course, they have no IS so I'd have to learn to do it old school and keep a steady hand.

Over all, is there anything else I should be looking for or concerned about?

[__Legion__]

no one here knows about used lenses or has bought from Ebay?

[RichardTaylor]

I have purchased a new P&S camera and new lenses zoom from EBay., and one second hand Canon prime (near new). Only had one problem and that was with a new zoom.

Purchased from a grey market importer in Melbourne (now out of business
It failed to focus at all after 20 pics
It was replaced OK
The replacement autofocus failed after about 14,00 pics.
An International Mack warranty is virtually useless if you have to send the lens out of the country to be repaired.
I replaced the failed lens with a locally purchased Canon lens.

[SwissJon]

Bought quite a lot of stuff off e-bay, mainly old Minolta gear. (And I'm talking 20 year old)
had a few bargins, a 100-300 for $50, and a Manfrotto tripod from Korea for about half the shop retail price.. But like everything, the thing you have remember is that if it sounds too good, it probably is.

I've heard stories of lenses from the far east being rebuilt from 2 partially working lenses. The thing you have to be careful with that is that the factories that make the original lenses marry two pieces of glass based on the optical properties of each piece, using lasers and such like these "second life" lenses, the glass gets married together based on the fact that the glass came out of the same model lenses, using screwdrivers and such like. You will not get the same optical quality as an original if you don't take the same care picking the glass.

[__Legion__]

hmmm...I'll keep that in mind. Mostly I have been filtering out the buy it now and overseas stuff and focusing in on the personal sellers, those who've upgraded, switched systems or given up on photography.

When it comes to new or pseudo new I have little trust and would rather pay the premium for a reputable seller, that doesn't stop me from seeking out a bargain or two from individuals...