Decisions sometimes have untended consequences

[BrianA61]

I have been contemplating buying a larger zoom lens (currently have 70-300) and have been looking at the Sigma 150-600. I like the Canon "L" lenses but one in that range is way out of my price range. Another alternative was to look into getting a crop sensor camera body to get a virtual extension to my current zoom. I found a 'bundle' on a police property auction site for a 7D body, 2 kit lenses, LED video light panel, backpack and a few other knickknacks. The camera looked in good shape so I made an offer figuring I would be outbid since it was somewhat low. Well, turns out, I wasn't outbid and my decision was made for me. I am now the proud owner of a Canon 7D body and other assorted items I don't need and will sell to recoup some of my money. The camera itself is almost blemish free and functionality checks out 100%. The shutter count is about 69k out of a 150k life, so that's OK. The battery(which is the same for my 5D2 body) still has a lot of life in it and my lens range is now extended to 480mm with my Canon 70-300 DO lens. I'm selling the 2 kit lenses to a coworker who is just getting into photography for cheap and will probably sell the LED light panel as well. I was surprised at the price on Amazon ($200). I got the entire package for 500 so I think I got a really good deal if I can recoup about half. So far, I like some of the features on the 7D. And, some of them are better than my 5D2 that I've been shooting with. I just need some better weather to go out and put it through its paces.

[John 2]

Sounds like you have a bargain. However, a question occurred to be. Presumably, it ended up in police hands as stolen property. Where do you stand if the original owner (or his insurance company) shows up. Camera tracer apps that use image metadata to trace cameras from images posted on the internet are quite often used. There has been a local case here recently where the camera was traced to a student attending the local university. He of course claimed to have bought the camera from some now unidentifiable individual but under UK law, the original owner retains ownership and so if the student had paid good money for it in good faith, he was still the loser.

[BrianA61]

Here is what it says from their website: "By statute, law enforcement agencies must auction seized, found, and unclaimed personal property at public auction." There isn't a "take back" policy. Once sold, the proceeds go to the law enforcement agency that put the property up for auction and the ownership goes to the purchaser. It isn't all stolen property. Some drug dealer might've bought a great camera or piece of jewelry and had it confiscated in a raid or some such activity. A few months ago, I bought a Canon G9 P&S camera in perfect condition for $50, so there are some good deals to be had. Other times, there is just junk so you really have to be careful. Some times, I'd rather be lucky than good.

[Shadowman]

Here is what it says from their website: "By statute, law enforcement agencies must auction seized, found, and unclaimed personal property at public auction." There isn't a "take back" policy. Once sold, the proceeds go to the law enforcement agency that put the property up for auction and the ownership goes to the purchaser. It isn't all stolen property. Some drug dealer might've bought a great camera or piece of jewelry and had it confiscated in a raid or some such activity. A few months ago, I bought a Canon G9 P&S camera in perfect condition for $50, so there are some good deals to be had. Other times, there is just junk so you really have to be careful. Some times, I'd rather be lucky than good.

Still with the attachments we have for our own gear, I'm sure a even a rehabilitated drug dealer would still pine for his lost equipment. Best to separate your good fortunes from their source and just enjoy.

[rpcrowe]

Congrats on your 7D. I love mine! If you are needing a longer lens, a 400mm f/5.6L is one of the most affordable long "L" lenses and is a great piece of glass. They sell for around $700-$750 USD used on eBay.

With a 1.6x crop camera, the equivalent focal length of this lens is 560mm...

I had one and really liked it. It is sharp and the autofocus is great.





Although the lens has no Image Stabilization, the shutter speeds used for sports and birds in flight don't need IS.

The max aperture is f/5.6 but that is the case with many telephoto lenses. Nice thing is that you can shoot it wide open and still get excellent I.Q.

[BrianA61]

Nice shots, Richard. I'm good with my 75-300 DO lens, which effectively gives me up to 480mm now. I prefer zoom rather than prime lenses since I shoot in a variety of situations. My first intro to photography was when I was in the military and had extremely limited storage space. I made the best of it to try to cover a broad range with as few lenses as possible. I only owned two while I was traveling abroad during my military days. To this day, I have only 3 lenses that now covers 17-480mm on 2 different camera bodies. I should be good for what I do, which is mostly landscape/wildlife/travel. But, just like every photographer, I'm always on the hunt for something I just can't do without - hence the 7D purchase.