louisianajones Loc: Fairfield, CA.

My first post. UHH is the best site to me. There is lots of good information available along with some personality at no extra charge. Thanks to everyone!

I plan to go tomorrow to check out a used Canon 24-70 f2.8L Date code = 2009, it will replace my 24-105 L,,, Maybe??? I am currently using a 60D.

I have bought used lenses before with no problems. But never feel like I do a good job checking them out before turning loose of the cash$

What would you be looking for?

Thanks, Mike

Swamp Gator Loc: Coastal South Carolina

Are you buying this from a camera dealer that you could return the lens to if it had problems or some guy off craig's list that you will never see again one way or another?

If you are buying from a private person you want to obviously check it out carefully for overall condition.
If it has even slight dings or worse yet dents, it could have been dropped which is not good.
A lens that has been banged around some may appear to work fine on your camera as best as you can tell from the review screen. But if it's been knocked (even slightly) out of calibration you might not notice that until doing some testing and examination under magnification.
Could you bring a notebook computer with image viewing software with you and upload some test images for close inspection?

Also check the AF. It should zip right into immediate focus with no hitches or odd sounds.
Do the zoom and focus rings feel tight and secure?

Why do you want this lens over your 24-105 which is an excellent lens? Do you need that extra stop for a particular purpose or do you just feel like it would be neat to have a 2.8 lens?

Try to provide more info about who you are (potentially) buying this lens from.

louisianajones Loc: Fairfield, CA.

Sorry I was out of pocket for a while. I am looking at Craigslist for this purchase. I have bought 2 lens there and both have been great including the 24-105.

The extra stop would be great indoors. I find myself needing it while using the 24-105. I usually get by with it, but almost never need the 105 indoors which would be 168mm on my D60.

I have been able to get a good feel for the other lenses and the people I purchased from and that is what I have gone on in the past.

I am about to leave again to go to a class, sorry I have not been able to hang around today like I thought I could. I should be able to check in about 3 hours from now.

Thanks for any additional input, Nike

Merlin1300 Loc: New England, But Now & Forever SoTX

As mentioned elsewhere by Croce - - why not just push the ISO up a setting with your 24-105 for indoor stuff ?? Or even a flash ? Nothing you can do with the 24-70 that will give you extra reach.

louisianajones Loc: Fairfield, CA.

Swamp Gator & Merlin, Thanks for the info and opinions.

Swamp Gator, Thanks for the reminders of what all to look for. I feel I have gone blank in the past while looking at used lenses.
The thing that made me reflect on the why of this purchase was your question about "do you just feel like it would be neat to have a 2.8 lens" My immediate thought was Absolutely! I needed that check even if it didn't make that much difference.

Merlin, your response helped me realize my post was lacking in background info. So, for me to get by with the 24-105 I do have to reduce the shutter speed and push the ISO up and use my flash. (580EX ll) Quite often the results are not what I want, or thought I would be able to get even with my limited abilities. (ie the grain, not so sharp photos and or shadows) I admit the flash is my weakest area, but it is improving.

Back to the 24-70 I looked at it today and felt much more confident while checking it out. That was a really good feeling. Thanks Again. The seller has already sold his 5D ll and put this lens up to pool his resources to purchase the new 5D lll. I was impressed very much with the condition and operation of the lens and was able to get it for $1,100. I thought it was a very good price compared to others I have seen listed here in the San Francisco / Sacramento area.

Now my problem is to decide which lens will have to go, the 16-40 f4L, 24-105 f4L IS or the 70-200 f4L IS. I know, you would probably swap problems with me any day!!! For me they are the NEW PROBLEMS of retirement. I am so glad to be burdened with them.

Thanks again for the info and opinions, they made my day turn out great.

Mike

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Keep em all!

louisianajones Loc: Fairfield, CA.

I like the way you think!

pebble70 Loc: Winchester, MA USA

I have a Sigma for CANON 24-70 f/2.8 EX DG macro

that is a fantastic piece of glass

I now have lenses on either side of it's range so i really don't need this lens any longer

if you are interested ken@tripodphotoimagery.com

thanx
ken

pigpen

B&H has a new one on sale for $1,299. For an extra $200, I would buy new.

louisianajones Loc: Fairfield, CA.

Oops, sorry I was out of the loop for a day after my last post.

Pebble & Pigpen,
Thanks for the options but I did purchased the used Canon 24-70 f2.8L on the 30th. I don't think I made that very clear in my last post.

I had been looking for the last month or two and finally made the move to purchase this one if it looked good. He had the original paperwork, there is no apparent sign of use and it works perfectly. I am happy to have it.

One thing for sure, next time I will definitely used the resources at UHH more before the final purchase. There are a lot of eyes and ears searching all the time. One more reason for using UHH.

Thanks to everyone for the help, Mike

alienmurphy Loc: Alaska

Make sure it doesn't creep when held in a downward position. It shouldn't.

louisianajones Loc: Fairfield, CA.

My 70-200 f4L creeps when carrying so it is one of the things I looked for and there was no creep,everything about it seemed like a new lens. I even gave it a little encouragement to creep in the vertical position.

I am tempted to send my 70-200 in if it doesn't cost too much.

Thanks, Mike