new lens vs used: I am trying to move up (or on) to next level in wildlife shots and have been considering the 400mm IS lens (Canon XSi) . Would it be safe to buy used and save a few...

Di.Longstreet Loc: Georgetown, Maine

I am trying to move up (or on) to next level in wildlife shots and have been considering the 400mm IS lens (Canon XSi) . Would it be safe to buy used and save a few bucks or should I bite the bullet and wait for a sale.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Sale? You might as well wait for a coopn.

If used works better in your budget, I'd go used. Nothing wrong with the older lenses. I WOULD, however, require a 30 day return period and purchase from a trustworthy source.

Another question that more experience photogs may answer. Is IS or VR really necessary in shorter focal length lenses?

alggomas Loc: Wales, United Kingdom.

This could go on.
Canon 2.8L 70-200 with teleconverter about 500mm [?].

Most L lenses are expensive even 2nd hand !

Why not hire the above or the 400mm IS lens , or non-IS before you spend your money. Wait for a sale?
As SteveR has said, nothing wrong with old/2nd hand lenses but if spending a lot you do need some form of guarantee.

Danilo Loc: Las Vegas

When buying online, it's VERY important to deal with a trustworthy vender. With used equipment, it's even more important because you're buying "sight-unseen". I would go to KEH.com and see what they might have for you...they are extremely reliable and honest in describing the condition of what you're buying. I would not hesitate purchasing used equipment from them.

sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant

i agree with danillo. KEH.com is the largest used camera equipment dealer in the US. they have an excellant reputation, great ratings on reselleratings.com. lower prices than ebay, 6month free warranty on what they sell, and they do there own repair work. if anything their ratings fall on to the consumer's side. do not be afraid to look at items rated bgn or even ug. i got a vertical grip/battery holder for my nikon d-100 rated ug for a couple of scratches paid a whopping $1.79 for it. stuff they sent me may have some cosmetic blemishes to them but they work great. by buying used you can save enough to get an extra lens or buy a faster lens then you had planned on.

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

Di.Longstreet wrote:

I am trying to move up (or on) to next level in wildlife shots and have been considering the 400mm IS lens (Canon XSi) . Would it be safe to buy used and save a few bucks or should I bite the bullet and wait for a sale.

Mmany of my lenses were used. Nothing wrong with going that route. As pointed out though, buy from a good company. Some one suggested KEH already. Adorama and B&H both have a 30 day return policy. Those are the three I deal with.

Jim D

RixPix Loc: Miami, Florida

Danilo wrote:

When buying online, it's VERY important to deal with a trustworthy vender. With used equipment, it's even more important because you're buying "sight-unseen". I would go to KEH.com and see what they might have for you...they are extremely reliable and honest in describing the condition of what you're buying. I would not hesitate purchasing used equipment from them.

I could not agree more. There are a ton of used lens for sale on the internet especially on eBay. However, the majority of the sellers seem to be people who have come upon the equipment at flea markets or thrift stores and decided to turn their finds into cash. These types of sellers often do not know enough about the equipment to correctly judge its functionality and condition. Regardless of seller reputation for integrity, buying something as complex as a camera lens from someone who doesn't really know the ins and outs of the gear can be a huge mistake.

Therefore, if you decide to get used by from a real dealer with a return policy just in case you have an issue with your purchase.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Di.Longstreet wrote:

I am trying to move up (or on) to next level in wildlife shots and have been considering the 400mm IS lens (Canon XSi) . Would it be safe to buy used and save a few bucks or should I bite the bullet and wait for a sale.

Not me....at least not from something like a private seller on Ebay...too much risk.

I'd buy used from KEH, Adorama, B&H, Samy's, etc...

BigBear Loc: Northern CT

I have both new and used, I can't tell the difference except the price.

DK Loc: SD

I have the Canon 100-400 IS and love it for wildlife photography. A fixed lens doesn't give one the ability to shoot animals at various distances.

olcoach Loc: Oregon

Hi, You can also check on this site's for sale area. With a bit of checking you can verify how trustworthy the seller is. I've bought a couple of things and been pleased. Have fun and keep shootin'. Mike

twowindsbear

SteveR wrote:

Sale? You might as well wait for a coopn.

If used works better in your budget, I'd go used. Nothing wrong with the older lenses. I WOULD, however, require a 30 day return period and purchase from a trustworthy source.

Another question that more experience photogs may answer. Is IS or VR really necessary in shorter focal length lenses?

Just my opinion, I'd get the IS/VR lens, regardless of the focal length.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

DK wrote:

I have the Canon 100-400 IS and love it for wildlife photography. A fixed lens doesn't give one the ability to shoot animals at various distances.

I understand that Komura, Kenko and others make variable teleconverters. I would be interested in hearing how these have performed in ACTUAL use. I don't wish to appear rude, but please spare me your expert theories and educated opions (AKA guesses).