jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

I would be very careful when buying used lenses. I've purchased 3 used lenses and only 1 is still working correctly. One of the lenses I purchased used I thought I had checked it out thoroughly but later found out that I missed something. I didn't notice that the tiny little screws that hold the bayonet on the back of the lens had 2 different size/types of screws. This was an indication that it had been repaired by someone other than Canon. When I took it to Canon a couple years ago they told me that the barrel is cracked and that they don't have parts for this lens any more. I went back to talk to the manager of the Canon repair department to discuss this further and he showed me what was wrong and how the screws were different. This wasn't written up in the paperwork when I went to retrieve the lens. Now this lens still works, but it's not really up to snuff. The other lens I bought used only lasted 2-3 years, and then died. They were both pro lenses that should be able to take the riggers of day to day use by a pro photographer. There was nothing I could do about the second lens since it had no visual signs of wear.

davidb1879

I would only purchase a used lens from a seller who offers 30 day no questions asked returns. Davidb1879

throughrhettseyes Loc: Rowlett, TX

Just be sure the mount ring and contacts are dirty and greasy before you try it on. It can dirty up and greasy up your camera mount. Like sex without a condom. Be careful.

Fergus Loc: Westfield,IN

I’ve always had good purchases from a good camera shop like Roberts in my home town.

Bigmike1 Loc: I am from Gaffney, S.C. but live in Utah.

One of the best places for used is www.KEH.com. I have bought several lenses and cameras used and they are all in pristine shape.

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

MPB in New York is also quite reputable, and they have a 180 day warranty on most items.

cjmax1000

Agree, I have purchased used lenses from Adorama and KEH with good luck. I have recently purchased 3 Sony Zeiss lenses from EBay with excellent results (half of retail price). The key is to look for the words mint or like new and pay with PayPal since receiving item not as described is a reason to complain to eBay/PayPal and get your money back. Also look at description and photos for dust, mold, etc. However, if price is similar, your best bet is still with KEH, Adorama or B&H.

Streets Loc: Euless, TX.

I have bought every photography item I possess from the internet. One item, a Sony 18-135 SAM, was purchased from KEH for less than half price and was like new. Everything else came from EBay or Amazon. Maybe I'm just lucky but every one of these items are still in near new condition. All of them were bought at half price or less.

Dun1 Loc: Atlanta, GA

I have have nothing but good experiences of buying and selling used lenses and equipment to KEH. Some other used equipment buyers evaluation and pricing seems to take longer. I selected a body that I wished to purchase, I contacted a salesperson who said he would go have the body form the warehouse and take a second look. After getting the body in had he stated that he felt the the body might over rated and volunteered to find like body with that fit my needs and price range. I do have an advantage, since they are in a suburb I have the option of dropping of equipment for evaluation, I also have the option of making an appointment to look at a specific lens or body. KEH's process is easy and takes the guess work out of buying used equipment.