Noela

I am interested in purchasing the new Canon 100-400 IS II lens, but have the 100-400 IS that I will need to sell. I refuse to use eBay, so I am seeking viable alternatives. The lens itself is cherry, but the newer lens has features this one doesn't. What would be a fair price? It has the case and tripod mount bracket. Last used two weeks ago at a sporting event, and worked well. I would rate it at good to excellent condition as there are no dings, dents or scratches.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

You might not like ebay, but here is how much they sold for - what people were willing to pay.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=Canon+100-400+IS+II&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&rt=nc

You can go to one of the big sellers, like Adorama, B&H, or KEH, but they will have to make a profit after paying you. Go to their sites and see what they are charging.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

between $900 and $950 depending on whether you'll cover the shipping in the purchase price. You can check the for sale section here on UHH too for relatively recent sales.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Get several quotes from different used equipment buyers.
KEH, B&H and Adorama come to mind.

After the shock wears off, realize that you may be able to get more from a pivot individual.

Then decide what hassle free, no shipping costs, security and convenience is worth.

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Your dilemma is compounded by the fact that many others are in the same situation. There is a glut of original version 1 of the 100-400mm out there that were replaced by version II. Consequently, at this time the market value for your lens is diminished. A suggestion for you might be to network a sale. Begin locally, a camera shop with a bulletin board, a community college, friends and neighbors, any one who knows or knows of someone in the market. Be sure to touch base with your local "bird" shops. Bird watchers covet the lens. Do not be dismayed if you have difficulties selling it, time will be on your side. Remember, the lens is "L" glass and a very desirable focal range. As such, the lens is also an investment that will hold value once the market stabilizes. Time is the biggest factor in this situation. Waiting for THE proper buyer could bring you top dollar, or it could lead to frustration. Pricing will be your best ally. Look in Adorama, B&H, KEH, etc. for what they are asking today. Then set your price to meet what you feel is an attractive offer. Depending on your locale the lens should sell soon. GL

tinplater Loc: Scottsdale, AZ

Ebay is useful, as pointing out, for determining selling price. HOWEVER..note that Ebay charges the seller 10% so if your lens sold for $1000 you would realize $900 on Ebay. I have not had a single problem selling thousands of dollars of equipment on Ebay. An alternative is Craig's List where there is no seller fee. By the way, I just received my new 100-400 last month and it is fabulous! Along with the new 16-35 f4 IS it is my favorite lens. Amazingly sharp!

digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan

I have purchased many things on (through) ebay, and have never had a bad experience. They have a pretty much "fail-safe" set-up. Maybe it seems complicated or scary, or potentially hazardous, but I know many folks going there and coming away happy. There are frequently great deals and always GOOD deals available at EBAY. RJM

digit-up Loc: Flushing, Michigan

And where did you buy that great lens and what did it cost you???RJM

Noela

I am of the belief, screw me once, your fault, screw me twice, my fault. Suffice it to say, I dealt with them for many years, but had one very bad experience that was compounded by THEM not following their own policies. Went round and round, with the end result the same. Hence, other alternatives.

Noela

As for the lens, bought it at B&H. Have nothing but Canon glass, and none of it came from eBay. All of them came from dealers, and none of them are gray market either.

tinplater Loc: Scottsdale, AZ

I bought the lens from B&H I believe, all are selling at the same price. Since it is new, no used examples out there (yet).
I have attached about the third frame I took with the lens. I had just received shipment at my office, left the building and noticed a white tail dove on a branch under the parking shelter. It is an expensive lens, but I am thrilled with the quality at all focal lengths.

tinplater Loc: Scottsdale, AZ

Life is full of risks...I have ordered a huge amount of equipment via Ebay, saving $$$$ and have had only one bad experience...a $400 50mm 1.4 that didn't focus correctly. Buyer refused a refund, but Ebay did repay my total expenses including shipping costs both way after I returned the item. A hassle, but at least I got near immediate satisfaction. Nearly all the sellers I have dealt with have been stellar individuals.

yaterman96 Loc: Southern North Carolina

If you had the lens for 5 years sell it for 700 it should sell fast on creglist. If you bought it new at 1700 that would have been about 200 a year it cost you to use it.Most are going for around 900,
under cut an u will sell it fast. Like others said there a ton of the old ones out there an seems everybody wants one of the new ones. That's why they are hard to get.

Robert R Loc: Indianapolis and Naples

I had offer from Roberts Camera, sell for $600, or $650 in trade. Sold on Ebay for $935. It was about 2 years old.

tinplater Loc: Scottsdale, AZ

I have, on several occasions, purchased a used high end lens on Ebay at a bargain price, financed with Paypal Credit (no interest loan for 6 to 12 months), then resold the lens for nearly what I paid for it (or even more twice). You have the prolonged used of the lens for what turns out to be a minimal rental fee. In the case of the Canon 135mm 2.0 I had it for a year at an out of pocket cost of $125.