wolfiebear Loc: 10,200 elev. in the Rockies

Are factory refurbished lenses ever a good idea?
Anybody with good experiences with them? Bad?

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

They are ALWAYS a good idea to consider.

wisner Loc: The planet Twylo

I usually buy used/refurbished. Never had any issues. Refurbished for the manufacturer always comes with a warranty.

Bear123 Loc: Wild & Wonderful West Virginia

I've bought several refurbished lenses and have had nothing but good results. Great way to save some $$$ :lol:

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

I have gotten several refurbished Canon lens including the 70-200mm IS USM f/4L and the 50mm f/1.4. Not an issue with any of them.

I would purchase Canon refurbished lens again.

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

I have/had lenses that I bought directly from Canon & licenced retailers. I have saved much money. The lenses are very sharp and some people people believe that because of the extra care taken with these products we receive one that is more on the mark.

Just check it out for yourself.

J. R.

Madman Loc: Gulf Coast, Florida USA

Both of my Nikor lenses are refurbished, one purchased directly from Nikon, the other from Cameta. Both are perfect in performance and appearance.

Why pay full price when you can get a better product at lower cost?

cmc65

Just to clarify something. The terms 'refurbished', 'refurbished by manufacturer', and 'used' are not interchangeable. Refurb by mfg, on a trusted site is probably the most reliable. Refurb listed on a reliable site will list the condition of the actual lens you are considering. "Used" could be anything and probably something to avoid.
Always read and re-read the fine print.

cmc65

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

Remember, buy from a reputable dealer -
Top recommended sites for photo gear:
B&H Photo & Video site
Adorama site
Cameta Camera site
KEH Camera site

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Refurbished is a great idea, and not just for lenses, camera bodies too.

kavner58 Loc: Portland, Oregon

I bought a refurbished Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G from Nikon. It arrived in perfect shape. I do not think it was ever used it looks new. Original price of a new one was $490 while I bought it for $330.
Warranty is for 3 months while a new one is two years (I am not sure if I am correct here).

- AK

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

Most refurbished are not used, but just repackaged or restocked after extensive examination.

J. R.

Bugfan Loc: Toronto, Canada

To just clarify a bit more, in addition to "used" there is also "Demo" which technically is used as well. However, demo lenses and cameras tend to be as new usually and they come with a full warranty as though they were new. With used lenses or products you rarely get more than ninety days by way of a warranty unless you can get the retailer to sell you something longer.

I have bought a few demos that saved me money and were excellent. I have tried the odd used item too but while that's always had a happy ending too so far, it does leave me a bit on edge sometimes.

In the case of the "used" I try to only consider those from trusted retailers. The retailer benefits by making sure he doesn't sell me junk since I will come back for more stuff later as a result. That makes "used" reasonably safe. Avoid "used" with retailers who don't have a trusted relationship with you.

As to refurbished, it's clear there are many who buy that category and end happy. Personally I tried the odd refurbished product in my younger days when I had less money. These items were not lenses or cameras. In almost each case the item suddenly failed without warning. That happened within the first three months once in a while, or several years later. The odd time it was still under warranty but even after it was fixed again it still failed a while later without warning.

That's not to say stay away from refurbished, as you see there are many who save a bundle and have no problems. It simply means I tend to be a bit uncomfortable about that category and hence I avoid it and also don't recommend it to friends.

NealB Loc: Lowell Indiana

I have one from B&H that is a Nikon refurbished. Can't tell it from a new one and it has performed flawlessly. I would buy refurbished again.