Used Glass Purchasing

[AndrewMcD]

Good fortune has smiled on me and a Canon 6D body will soon be coming into my life. Consequently I've been contemplating buying a lens. I've noted that used and reconditioned Canon lenses are available through Amazon and, I imagine, elsewhere. The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L is available at Amazon for $800. as a "used" "White box (New)(Bulk packaging)" item. At B&H the same lens sold in new factory packaging is $1150. I cite this just as a sample of the savings that appears to be available on good glass when bought used. (I don't mean this as a promotion nor criticism of Amazon or B&H; both of whom I've found to be reputable and fair in their pricing and service.) Does anybody have any experience buying used glass from Amazon or other sources? Any pitfalls or caveats to going this route?
Thanks for your help,
Andrew

[Mike Buckley]

There are also two used copies of it available at B&H priced at $780 and $850. I'm surprised that both are rated at the same condition yet priced so differently, so you might want to call and ask what the differences are.

I have never purchased a used item from Amazon but about half of my lenses are used items very successfully purchased from companies such as B&H and Adorama. Though I don't think I have ever purchased anything from K&L or Roberts, I wouldn't hesitate to do so. All four companies have excellent reputations for describing their used equipment accurately or even conservatively and I think all of them have no-questions-asked return policies providing a full refund.

In other words, go for it!

[AndrewMcD]

Thanks Mike! From lurking around these forums and reading as much as I can I had the impression that this would be a reasonable way to go. I figured if I got some confirmation from some of the frequent posters like yourself here at CIC I would feel more comfortable with the decision.
Thanks for the response!
Andrew

[rpcrowe]

Andrew...

A Canon Factory Refurbished 24-105mm f/4L IS lens is available through Adorama for $779.00 with free shipping. Adorama doesn't collect state tax either but, as a Delaware resident, that would not impact you!

Having purchased several Canon items as refurbished, I consider that is the best way to go.

Canon has extended the warranty on their refurbs to a full year. This lens comes with all the extras that a new lens would include like hood, body cap and lens cap....

There is absolutely no way that I would either buy new or used when this type of price is available on a refurbished lens...

[Mike Buckley]

There is absolutely no way that I would either buy new or used when this type of price is available on a refurbished lens...

I agree.

[Bobobird]

In production used lens are fine in most cases especially from the reputable sellers.

It is out of production and or old film/tv lens that are hard to get. The quality and build can vary a lot from almost broken to almost new. In this area be very careful. If you cannot assess it in person - do not touch.

[Mike Buckley]

It is out of production and or old film/tv lens that are hard to get. The quality and build can vary a lot from almost broken to almost new. In this area be very careful. If you cannot assess it in person - do not touch.

The 300mm lens that I purchased last year was made from 1987 to 2000. The 180mm lens that I purchased a few years ago was made from 1986 to 1987. I wasn't looking for the exact models but I was looking for those two focal lengths in a condition that was of excellent quality or better. Maybe I was unusually lucky (I have no idea) but I found both of them within days of beginning my search for them.

I agree that the need to personally assess equipment applies to both new and used equipment.

[AndrewMcD]

Thank you for the advice and info! Now to sort out if my "rainy day" fund can take the hit!
Andrew

[DanK]

I agree with Richard and Mike-- I start by looking for specials on refurbs. Canon offers them from time to time, as does Adorama. adorama's are refurbished by Canon and guaranteed. I recently bought a 24-105 from them.

[ajohnw]

I had a used lens purchase problem very recently. Bought from the UK's Camera Exchange. It was a 200-500mm Tamron zoom Nikon fitting, screw focus mainly for use on m 4/3. When it arrived it was in pristine condition but on first look the tripod mount was loose. It turned out that the entire housing holding the focus and aperture rings was loose. It was bought blind mail order. I phoned them up and as I didn't fancy posting it over the Xmas period they suggested that I took it to one of their more local branches. I did and it's off to Tamron now for repair. The moral when buying used is to make sure that there is a sensible guarantee with the item. Of course I may never see the lens again as it may cost too much to repair but at least I will get my money back without any hassle. I think they missed the problem with the lens for the same reason I did initially. The problem really is the person who sold it to them.

I generally buy refurbished if I can. Often they are just mail order returns and nothing more than that. If new and cheap I look for signs of at least a European guarantee or something sensible from the seller if I really don't want to fork out for official imports.

John
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[inkista]

It is out of production and or old film/tv lens that are hard to get. The quality and build can vary a lot from almost broken to almost new. In this area be very careful. If you cannot assess it in person - do not touch.

However, don't be afraid to purchase and then assess if it's a reputable seller with a good return policy.

In the US, Adorama, B&H, and KEH all have great reputations on describing gear accurately, and good return policies. I've purchased used vintage glass from all three and returned lenses to all three, and never had an issue. Highly recommend not being frightened off from going this route if you're in pursuit of that One Lens.

[chauncey]

I might suggest that you make sure that they are the latest version of the lens.