NJphotodoc Loc: Now in the First State

You can have full confidence in Adorama as well as B&H, Cameta and KEH. I've bought cameras, lenses and flash equipment for all of these (mostly refurb) and all have performed perfectly. Just make sure you look at the category when buying used so you know the condition this item is. All 4 give honest appraisals.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I'd go for it. $150 is $150, and I doubt there would be a photographic advantage to buying a new one.

Hassie Loc: Central Pennsylvania

I recently purchased a Tamron 18-400 used from Adorama and, when it arrived, I thought they made a mistake as it looked like a brand new lens instead of the excellent rating that they had on the lens.
Should not have a problem with this item.

delkeener Loc: SW Rhode Island, USA

I'd go with Adorama before eBay. Auction pricing is part emotion and not a good indication of market values.

Pepsiman Loc: New York City

I agree.

frjeff Loc: Mid-Michigan

Just pulled the trigger on a new model of the Sigma 105. Amazon had it a bit lower than any other on-line authorized dealer ($556.69), was free shipping with Prime, no sales tax and I had some reward points ($38.10). So a net cost to me of $518.59.
Was not really fearful of buying used, but thought the difference was not as important as the full mfg. warranty and newness of my choice.
Thanks to all for the input.

ballsafire Loc: Lafayette, Louisiana

I would consider Thomas902's advice! However for the lens you want I would buy now or wait and do some searches later as we don't know when the lense will be up for sale.

ballsafire Loc: Lafayette, Louisiana

That is why I always choose to just "buy it now" option!

ballsafire Loc: Lafayette, Louisiana

You are fast to pull the trigger!!! Anyway, you changed models --Sigma 105, instead of a 150? Wow!!

frjeff Loc: Mid-Michigan

No, it was always the 105mm.

foxfirerodandgun Loc: Stony Creek, VA

I purchased the very same lens new from Cameta Camera along with their 5 year Platinum warranty for $49.95. Their warranty through a reputable company, ( can't remember the name at the moment), covers impact, dust, water damage, and a couple additional issues), and have been very pleased with it so far. Personally, I would spend the extra money and go for a new one. One never really kjows how a used item has bee treated by a previous owner. Jut my 2¢.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

No problem.... You can trust Adorama with used gear, same as KEH and B&H. I've bought used gear from all three over the years and never had any problem with any of them...

IMO, their quality & condition ratings are similarly conservative. They also offer similar "no questions asked" right of return if you aren't completely happy with your purchase, as well as store warranty (at least 90 days I think, check their site).

Any of them are a better bet than buying off eBay.... there's more risk and usually no warranty at all there, although there might be right of return at your own expense.

sv3noKin51E

frjeff; If you've done your research and that is the Sigma lens you have your heart set on, then you should have no fear ordering from Adorama. We've purchased many lenses from Adorama and have never had to return any of them, whether it's pre-owned, factory refurbished/re manufactured, Adorama has a good rep, because they go through each of the products they take in on trade. B&H comes in at a solid second place, and though a few people have time to play the Ebay game, you won't get the same assurances from any vendor there. Just a hint, but when you see a used lens you really want, have it pulled up on your browser and then call one of their sales reps and if you're a repeat customer, you know their manners and service is always good. We only ship via UPS, and others swear by (or at) FedUp. Some allow the posties to ship their photo gear but we never cheap out on shipping. We've never been disappointed with how Adorama packs their/our merchandise.

Compared to all shops we've bought from since the 1970's Adorama has always had the best pre-owned gear. The 90-day warranty gives you 60 days past the initial 30-day return period. but it's likely that your Sigma will arrive in great condition. Grades 8 to 9, plus and minus also, should be excellent, meaning the prior owners treated them very well. If you decide to sell or trade up, Adorama will probably offer you at least 1/2 of what you paid them it, if it's in the same condition, depending on the market. Having the original lens box is always a good sign the owner cared enough to keep it in good condition. If physical appearance/condition is really crucial, as long as you're not rushed, call Adorama, give them the SKU number, tell the rep you really want it, offer to give them your credit card and ask them to put the unit on hold, if they will have the warehouse send you the inspection photos of the item (not the manufacturer photos as shown on other seller's sites). All items are photographed when they arrive, as they're evaluated/tested and sealed prior to being listed. Everything is on video from the time it arrives in-house until it's out the door and on the way to you. I don't usually bother asking for photos of the used items, unless the lens is above a certain price point, or the grade is below what we normally buy, very good or above. 'Fair' is questionable and one grade above 'poor/parts' but sometimes you can get lucky. 'Fair' means fairly and truly well-used, not necessarily abused, but will likely have a few marks. We took a chance on a older lens for $30-$50 and wasn't expecting much, but it had been well-treated and packed as if it were new. True, it wasn't as tight as a more expensive, newer lens, but it was optically perfect without any slop in the focus ring, no noise or rattling. It's an oldie-but-goodie lens that still works great.

We bought 2 used Sigmas from Adorama, both 9s, one for Canon, another for Nikon, without original boxes, but they were smooth as silk, focus ring was smooth and had original caps. Our rep knows we usually buy only Nikon, so he asked if we'd ever used a Sigma lens. He recommended it since he owned the same lens on his Nikon. The reps/calls are all recorded, everything's on the record so there's no incentive for an Adorama rep to tell you something that's not true to make a sale. It's great knowing you can count on a rep's word, with no chance of getting something other than what you actually order. Despite reviews claiming 'the salesperson lied," from our experience, that's plain silly where Adorama is concerned; unless you order a brick, you won't get a brick. Whatever the reason, even you're subjected to a severe post-sales attack of spousal-remorse-syndrome, you can buy with confidence from Adorama. Enjoy and happy shooting. sv

willaim Loc: Sunny Southern California

You can't go wrong by buying new or used equipment from Adorama or B&H. They stand by the gear they sell. Know a few people who bought used from e-bay
and, not to scare you, were sorry that they did

LensDoctor

I have had good luck with Adorama but my purchases were mostly new, so not fair comparison!