Lenses
May 7, 2018 14:28:43 #
When lenses can be very expensive (I like 1.4, 1.8 or 2.8 fixed) what are your thoughts on purchasing 'used' lenses.
From a pro friend whom you know takes very good care of their equipment is fine, but most pros don't sell their gear that I need.
From a place like B&H, Adorama, KEH, I want to trust that the equipment has been thoroughly looked over, tested, warranty and such, but what can we really trust?
Equipment is an investment and I keep good care of mine so that I can work with it for years.
However, I am really considering buying the new Nikon D850 which is a big chunk of money, but want to upgrade my lenses. One at a time since they also cost a lot.
Which two lenses should be my first purchase?
I was considering the 24 to 70 per friend and camera store suggestions, but after watching the video "Why I Hate the 24 - 70 lens" made me re-think it because the guy is absolutely right in my opinion.
I hate cookie cutter techniques and software, so why go with a just so-so lens?
I really would like to hear other opinions.
Any suggestions or thoughts?
Thank you!
From a pro friend whom you know takes very good care of their equipment is fine, but most pros don't sell their gear that I need.
From a place like B&H, Adorama, KEH, I want to trust that the equipment has been thoroughly looked over, tested, warranty and such, but what can we really trust?
Equipment is an investment and I keep good care of mine so that I can work with it for years.
However, I am really considering buying the new Nikon D850 which is a big chunk of money, but want to upgrade my lenses. One at a time since they also cost a lot.
Which two lenses should be my first purchase?
I was considering the 24 to 70 per friend and camera store suggestions, but after watching the video "Why I Hate the 24 - 70 lens" made me re-think it because the guy is absolutely right in my opinion.
I hate cookie cutter techniques and software, so why go with a just so-so lens?
I really would like to hear other opinions.
Any suggestions or thoughts?
Thank you!
May 7, 2018 14:33:36 #
I have purchased several used lenses both from individuals and camera stores online.
I've never had any problems with any of them.
Purchased from Adorama, eBay, Amazon and Craigslist
I've never had any problems with any of them.
Purchased from Adorama, eBay, Amazon and Craigslist
May 7, 2018 14:42:10 #
If you are worried about buying used lenses.
You can always buy refurbished ones.
They will have been checked out and made sure they are functioning correctly.
They will also come with some kind of warranty.
You can always buy refurbished ones.
They will have been checked out and made sure they are functioning correctly.
They will also come with some kind of warranty.
May 7, 2018 14:46:00 #
I hunt eBay for someone selling their whole rig (piece by piece of course.) That way I know the items are the ones he/she valued rather than tried and found disappointing. Very important detail. When I see just the one item I'm suspicious, keep hunting.
May 7, 2018 15:12:10 #
I have about a dozen different lenses, and not one of them I bought new. One can save a lot of money by purchasing used lenses, but only if one does so wisely, as it usually means either no or very limited warranty.
May 7, 2018 15:43:03 #
Adale wrote:
When lenses can be very expensive (I like 1.4, 1.8... (show quote)
On KEH, they grade the lens, and I have only purchased the highest grades that they use, and in all cases, the used lenses were perfect. And stay away from the bottom of the scale. The bargain lenses are not a bargain.
On eBay, I look for the excellent in the description, and haven't been disappointed there either.
I love many of the old lenses and have bought a number of them. And they all seem like new.
May 7, 2018 17:09:31 #
Adale wrote:
When lenses can be very expensive (I like 1.4, 1.8... (show quote)
In the 51 yrs of my photo career, I have only purchased a new lens three times - one wasn't really a purchase, but a barter of sorts - a 25mm Zeiss Distagon for Contax, back in the 70s. The other two, Nikkor 65mm Ultrawide for 4x5 and a 90mm for 4x5 were new. Every other lens I have purchased was used - probably 50 in all. Never been burnt . . .
But your mileage can and probably will vary. . . If you know what you are buying and you can assess the seller, it's not easy to get taken advantage of.
May 7, 2018 19:40:07 #
Adale wrote:
When lenses can be very expensive (I like 1.4, 1.8... (show quote)
I would buy any used lens from the likes of B&H/Adorama, using their rating system, without hesitation. I have. But, I've bought many that were new because it wasn't available from those sources at the time, or some such.
The 24-70 should not be overlooked, in my opinion. It's a fine piece of glass that will compliment any camera to which it is mounted. Especially if the situations demand a zoom lens. Having said that, I enjoy my primes (24, 50, 85) as a replacement in the camera bag. You don't indicate the type of photography you enjoy, but if you want zooms, I don't think you can go wrong with the 24-70 and a 70-200 as your first two. Most images in my library were shot with one or the other of these.
You have exciting times ahead. Enjoy! And, good luck in your decisions.
May 7, 2018 20:08:18 #
Adale wrote:
When lenses can be very expensive (I like 1.4, 1.8... (show quote)
I have saved tons of money by buying used lenses, I often look on ebay, I pay close attention to the seller's feedback and description, I generally make offers on "Buy It Now" and almost always end up with equipment that is in like new condition.
May 8, 2018 05:59:07 #
Can also look at 'international versions' of the lens, saves a few bucks. I have bought several lens that were designated like this and a couple of cameras, haven't had any issues, same exact products and save about 25-30%.
May 8, 2018 07:08:00 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Adale wrote:
When lenses can be very expensive (I like 1.4, 1.8... (show quote)
Nikon recently refined and introduced a series of 1.8 G ED primes. 20, 24, 28, 35, 50, and 85. I currently own the 24, 28, 50, and 85. Of these, my favorites are the 24 and 85. When I used to be a photojournalist for 2 news papers in my youth I shot the Nikon F with the 24 2.8 and 105 2.5. So, I feel right at home with the 24 and 85. I would have loved to see a Nikon 105 1.8 G, but alas, they came out with a 105 1.4. Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.
PS. I have also owned the 24-70, hard to beat, BUT, you are already considering a heavy camera, the D850, that camera with the 24-70 is a beast for the hands.
May 8, 2018 07:18:54 #
I would trust buying used or refurbished from a reputable dealer (B&H, Adorama, etc). I recently purchased a very gently used D810 body (with memory cards, batteries, battery grip, etc) with low shutter count, from a member of this site. Couldn't be happier. Then I asked Steve Perry, another highly regarded member of this site, his recommendations for lenses. He recommended the Nikon 24-70, the 70-200, and the 200-500. Those are very good glass and nicely cover the range of 24-500. I also have the 105mm micro for closeup.
I guess my recommendation is to trust a valued supplier and expert, and you won't go too far wrong. And, buy the best glass you can.
I guess my recommendation is to trust a valued supplier and expert, and you won't go too far wrong. And, buy the best glass you can.
May 8, 2018 07:21:55 #
eBay has proved very useful both for myself and my daughter. After looking at B&H, Adorama, and KEH, we both have gone to eBay for both used and new (gray market) with excellent results saving big $. BUT as many state buyer needs to be knowledgeable...
May 8, 2018 07:37:10 #
Jeffcs
Loc: Myrtle Beach South Carolina
No not ever would I or recommend purchasing a non USA photo equipment, I’ve heard horror stories about trying to get service should it needed to be fixed.
I absolutely recommend to many used, in good condition, hands on before cash paid. Also manufacture refurbished units come with a warranty. And than there’s new.
I absolutely recommend to many used, in good condition, hands on before cash paid. Also manufacture refurbished units come with a warranty. And than there’s new.
May 8, 2018 08:16:18 #
Jeffcs wrote:
... I’ve heard horror stories about trying to get service should it needed to be fixed. ...
AFAIK, Nikon service won't touch gray-market cameras, but Canon service will fix grey-market cameras at the same price as if the camera were out of warranty. Thus, the verity of the horror stories depends on the photo-equipment brand.
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