Pysanka Artist Loc: Rochester, NY

I would like to purchase some lenses and would like to get them used to save some money. What kind of questions should I ask or what should I look for when inquiring about used lenses on Ebay or other sites?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

If you have a chance to handle the lens before purchasing, you should bring a small flashlight and flash through the lens looking for dust or mold / fungus. See details https://kenrockwell.com/tech/flashlight-test.htm

Buying online is pretty limited on Q&A and physical inspection. Images of the lens should clearly show the front and back surfaces of the lens. If there's a reference to fungus, something you may see mentioned in ebay listsings, move onto other lenses. Companies like KEH, B&H, Adorama will provide return windows, no questions asked. Not so from ebay where if the lens arrives in the same condition as stated in the for-sale listing, including dust inside the lens, fungus or cosmetic scratches, you have no justification for return / refusal.

Mount the lens to your camera and assure it focuses on subjects near and far. Assure it focuses quickly and quietly. If the lens is IS / VR enabled, assure it functions. Confirm the aperture opens and closes when shooting, etc. Confirm all buttons and switches operate. Assure it has both end caps and a hood, even it the hood was sold separately when new.

View the completed sales on ebay for the actual sales prices of the same equipment over the last 6-months or so. Check the EX rating for the same lens at KEH and take off 25% if you want to try to negotiate a better price in a private sale. Most used equipment is fully operation in good to pristine condition, particularly via the larger resellers.

Pysanka Artist Loc: Rochester, NY

Thank you!

kdogg Loc: Gallipolis Ferry WV

Having purchased several lenses and cameras on eBay first check the sellers rating. A high rating coupled with a large number of reviews is preferable. Also you can contact they sellers if you have any questions.
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I have been fortunate enough to get some good deals on eBay, including both lenses and cameras and this is the path that suits me. I have never been disappointed when using this method. Also look to see if there is any return policy. If there is none I usual pass.

Tim Stapp Loc: Mid Mitten

In my opinion; modest as it is, rent from a reputibile reseller or buy from someplace like KEH, B&H or Adorama. I have purchased used (having rented) from Lens Rentals and have purchased from KEH. If I remember correctly B&H offers a two week return, and KEH has six months. You may also look at Used Photo Pro (Roberts Camera in Indianapolis, IN).

Stardust Loc: Central Illinois

I have bought two certified refurbished lens on Amazon at roughly 50% of new cost and have been very pleased. After you receive CHG_CANON covered check list to do ASAP. Dependent on seller usually have 30-90 days to return.

From Amazon: "Only select sellers who maintain a high performance bar may offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com"

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Pysanka, I personally have only purchased a moonlight on eBay and it did not end well. I have purchased a lot of used gear but I prefer Craigslist. You can ask any question you like but you'll only be getting the sellers interpretation of what you ask.
Best is to know your used prices well since so much used gear is almost as much as new but w/o the warranty. I think used is best for knowledgeable and experienced buyers.
I would look at Corporate refurbished and wait till it's on some kind of sale to save max money and get a new warranty.
Just what I think!!! Good luck
SS

User ID

Please don't take offence but if you hafta ask such a
question, it's likely you're not ready to deal with ebay.

Other sites ? KEH, B&H, Adorama. Not the cheapest
but exceedingly honest, great return policiies, etc.


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Jeffcs Loc: Myrtle Beach South Carolina

Used is a great way to save $$$ I’ve purchased used in the passed and I’ll do it again
BUT I’ll only purchase in person

jeffhacker Loc: Dallas, Texas

I've bought used on eBay without problems, but also have bought from Cameta. They're one of the "ABC" companies (Adorama, B&H, and Cameta), and there are some others out there as well (Roberts Camera in Indianapolis is good). They will sell used equipment, but they've checked it out and guarantee it (with free returns anywhere from 14 days to 30 days usually, sometimes longer). It is a great way to get good equipment and save a bit in the process. (BTW, I've also sold some used equipment on eBay and have a 100% rating, so there is some good stuff out there).

CLF Loc: Raleigh, NC

Pysanka Artist, Paul has hit on all the items to look for in a used lens, which most of mine are. I will add one item, if you have a local dealer and they sell used lenses go there and see what they have on hand. Most of my used lenses have been from my local photo shops except for one from KEH which is one of the on-line retailer you can trust. Paul listed all of the on-line retailers that have great references by UHH members.

Greg

Tommy II Loc: Northern Illinois

I have pretty much found the same. I have purchased used lenses from a few gentlemen from Japan, thru eBay, and have found them very honest in their description of the pieces they were selling. I ended up buying wonderful Nikon lenses at a fraction of new costs.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I only buy mint in the box from ebay (reselling the item is easier when the item is mint and you have the box). Check to see sellers ratings and comments. Check out SOLD FOR listings for that lens to get a feel for what the lenses you are looking at have actually sold for. I tend to stay away from bidding. I am patient when looking for a lens and will buy when the lens is in the condition I have stated and the price is right.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Read the description carefully and examine the photos of the lens. If the seller doesn't have good, detailed pictures, ask for some or skip the item. KEH is a very good seller of used gear, as are Adorama and B&H.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I much prefer the Japanese vendors on Ebay as well.
Usually they are selling better quality products and not some beat up end of life piece of equipment.
Make sure returns are accepted.