AsiaPaul Loc: Vietnam

Considering buying an used Nikkor 18-200mm from an online camera seller
on eBay. Any comments or experience?

nikonnut Loc: Las Vegas

I have bought 4 lenses from sellers on ebay and I have not been disappointed. I usually make sure the seller still has the box. The importance of this is it can indicate that the seller takes care of his equipment. I just sold one of the lenses that I bought on ebay and the buyer is very happy with his purchase. I point that out to show that this is the 2nd time the lens has been sold online and is still a good buy.

My biggest piece of advice will be for you to be patient. Make sure you know what the lens is going for as the prices vary a lot.

Good luck and have fun with your photography.

big-guy Loc: Peterborough Ontario Canada

What is the sellers transaction count? over 5,000... feel comfortable
What is the sellers feedback score? 96%... feel comfortable
Do they accept Paypal? Yes... feel comfortable
Do they only accept money orders? Yes... run like hell

Caveat Emptor, read all the details and ask the seller questions, even silly ones, to give you a feel for the sellers business ethics.

MarkD Loc: NYC

Generally ebay is OK if you check the feedback and there is a lot of feedback. Still there is always some risk with ebay. I've gotten several collector cameras off ebay that had serious undisclosed problems.

For used gear I go to keh.com, B&H, and Adorama because I know they are reliable, and if there is a problem it will be handled properly.

McKinneyMike Loc: Texas

Ask for the serial number. If it does not begin with the letters "US" it is a gray market lens. Not that this makes it bad, just realize that Nikon USA will not service any gray market products. Well never mind you are in China :) No worries in your case!

AsiaPaul Loc: Vietnam

Thanks. did not know that those retailers sold used equipment.

Math78 Loc: Scottsdale, AZ

I've bought and sold lens on eBay. Never had any issues. If you have a problem, then eBay will stand by the buyer. It's more risky to be the seller.

Make sure to check the on line retailers listed above. I have bought near new items at lower prices than eBay.

Wendy2 Loc: California

I buy and sell on ebay occasionally. I am selling my 70-200mm L lens and put it on ebay.

Then the strange stuff started happening! First of all the buyer emailed me with a subject line of "haven't received the item yet". Very odd because it was purchased just moments before. The body of the email said "paypal email?" This was another red flag. Probably fishing for my paypal email account so they could get into my bank account or credit card.

I responded through ebay (you should ALWAYS RESPOND THAT WAY!!!) and said "what are you talking about, you just bought it and you can purchase through paypal right there on the item info.

I sent an invoice to this buyer (through ebay) but before I sent the invoice I previewed it. It was in a different language.

That is when i called ebay. Pretty much didn't get enough reassurance about the safety of this buyer. By the way, the buyer had just joined ebay August 24, and had no transactions, another red flag.

I decided too many red flags and I cancelled the sale. The next day I got an email from ebay telling me the buyer was not registered with ebay and to cancel the sale!! A bit slow on their part.

Pretty scary!! It appeared they were legitimate at first glance.

I usually buy things from Adorama, B&H and Keh.com for used equipment and new stuff too. I have purchased equipment on ebay if the ratings of the seller on ebay are stellar.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I've bought lots of used gear - never a problem, just left-over money.

joehel2 Loc: Cherry Hill, NJ

I've bough two lenses from KEH, great experience from beginning to end.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

:thumbup: And they stand behind what they sell.

relie Loc: Western Massachusetts

I buy and sell camera equipment all the time on e-bay with no problems. Just remember that, as a seller, you'll be charged a fee.

Dave :thumbup:

wthomson Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I'd add Cameta to that list. Have had no problems with any of the above over several years.

nitrophil Loc: Dayton, Ohio

I have bought 5 different lens from ebay, amazon, etc. Never been disappointed. my advice to you is do it, if the price is right and it's the lens you want. I would not hesitate to buy another.

OviedoPhotos

keh.com and Adorama both sell on eBay. Watch the feedback scores of the seller if not one of them. Also, look for the original box, as it means the person more than likely took care of the equipment.