buying a used lens (Page 2): Sorry but i am drmjp429 --perhaps i hit a 'reply' for the wrong response. But I appreciate your comment. Where can one read a clear writeup of the options...

drmjp429 Loc: CT

Sorry but i am drmjp429 --perhaps i hit a 'reply' for the wrong response. But I appreciate your comment.
Where can one read a clear writeup of the options for getting the best glass for the least cost and what compromises are reasonable to get the best for the money available???
I'm going 'used' for reasons of cost, but it makes no sense to compromise too much on the quality of the glass if the printed product is just never going to be good enough at 16 x 20 print --what I consider a minimal print size.

drmjp429 Loc: CT

I hear you and see the wisdom of your point .
My task is to find that boundary where I get the lens that's going to give me what I want in sharpness for what i shoot
and locate sources that have such lenses used but in really good condition.

twowindsbear

drmjp429 wrote:

I've been using a Nikon DX SWM VR ED IF Aspherical 18-200mm 3.5-5.6

OK, why are your pictures not sharp?

Maybe post some examples that show the defects?

You say 'notably those at distance' - swapping one 200mm lens for another 200mm lens probably won't make much difference at all trying to make photos of objects at a distance. You will see a difference in the magnification if you compare a 200mm lens to a 400mm lens or even longer focal length - 500mm, or 600mm lens.

twowindsbear

drmjp429 wrote:

I hear you and see the wisdom of your point .
My task is to find that boundary where I get the lens that's going to give me what I want in sharpness for what i shoot
and locate sources that have such lenses used but in really good condition.

As to sources - Buy from a reputable used camera equipment dealer! The dealer has a clearly defined set of quality standards, so you'll know the condition of the used item. They should offer some sort of warranty that would include 'satisfaction,' and a reasonable return time so you can test the item. Yes, you'll probably pay a bit more at a dealer compared to an individual at eBay or CraigsList - but still less expensive than getting a lens, or other item, that is not satisfactory for your purposes.

bpulv Loc: Buena Park, CA

drmjp429 wrote:

RE the nikon or Sigma 70-200s ,I'm not sure I understand why f4 would be easier to manage than f2.8 --are you speaking of price ?

The 70-200mm f2.8 lenses are large and very heavy. The f4 lenses are much lighter, smaller and easier to hand hold.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

SueScott wrote:

Is eBay a safe source for such items?

Yes. Many lenses, including vintage lenses, cameras, and tripods are sold on eBay. Just read the descriptions carefully, and make sure the seller is reputable, and has a return policy. My first choice would be KEH for used lenses. They grade their lenses, and charge accordingly. Then go to eBay if they don't have what you want.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

twowindsbear wrote:

Why are you commenting on a question that I directed to drmjp429, the OP? I'm not the one asking for help buying a new lens.

Although it might not read that way, I was seconding your questions back to the OP. And now with another page of comments, still nothing from the OP explaining / showing issues with their current equipment and why they identified an f/2.8 lens as the solution ...

twowindsbear

CHG_CANON wrote:

Although it might not read that way, I was seconding your questions back to the OP. And now with another page of comments, still nothing from the OP explaining / showing issues with their current equipment and why they identified an f/2.8 lens as the solution ...

Yes, I agree - the OP really should answer the questions that have been asked, and provide more information about why the existing lens isn't giving satisfactory results.

My imagination is running wild, since there are so many little things that can add up together to cause the OP's problems.

bpulv Loc: Buena Park, CA

drmjp429 wrote:

I would appreciate advise on purchasing a pre-owne... (show quote)

If you are buying a Nikon lens, be sure to determine if it is a NikonUSA lens or a grey market lens. If you are buying used, be aware that the grey market lenses should command a lower price. The serial numbers on NikonUSA lenses start with the letters "US" followed by the number. Anything with a different prefix is grey market. That does not mean that it is of lower optical quality. It does mean that NikonUSA will not repair it and on a new lens, NikonUSA will not provide warranty service.

repleo Loc: Boston

SueScott wrote:

Is eBay a safe source for such items?

I've bought most of lenses used in eBay and never had a problem. However pay attention to the sellers record and number of sales. The sellers standing is usually reflected in the price. Also read the sellers description of the item backwards, forwards and upside down.

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

i would think price and size.

drmjp429 wrote:

RE the nikon or Sigma 70-200s ,I'm not sure I understand why f4 would be easier to manage than f2.8 --are you speaking of price ?

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

drmjp429 wrote:

I would appreciate advise on purchasing a pre-owne... (show quote)

I have bought and sold on ebay for over 15 years and they give a 30 day return policy. I buy ONLY MINT IN THE BOX. And I sell only MINT IN THE BOX.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

twowindsbear wrote:

Why are you commenting on a question that I directed to drmjp429, the OP? I'm not the one asking for help buying a new lens.

He was supporting and echoing your question while recognizing he was not the first to ask.

Did get out of the wrong side of bed?

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

drmjp429 wrote:

Sorry but i am drmjp429 --perhaps i hit a 'reply' ... (show quote)

Try refurbished sections of B&H, Adorama and KEH. Also the refurbished section of the manufacture's site.

Largobob

drmjp429 wrote:

I would appreciate advise on purchasing a pre-owne... (show quote)

There are many factors to be considered in making this decision. I will simply tell you that the Nikkor AF-S VR 70-200mm f/2.8 G IF-ED AF is an AMAZING lens. Laser sharp; pleasing bokeh; fast/accurate focus; great contrast and color.... And I understand the newer version (VR II) is even better. I have never purchased pre-owned optics....so I have no advice there. Good luck with your decision.