Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum
Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register
Main Photography Discussion
Seeking advice on where to buy a used lens
Page <<first <prev 5 of 5
Apr 9, 2019 20:09:58   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
Los-Angeles-Shooter wrote:
Seeking advice on where to buy a used lens. It's a particular older Nikon autofocus zoom. I'll have to buy it online, and am seeking recommendations and warnings of used lens sellers. I would like to get it from a seller who actually checks the lens for proper function and is a straight shooter in every way. Fine with paying a fair price; I want quality and am willing to pay for it. I'm sure that y'all in Hedgehog land have vast experience with many online dealers... Thanks in advance.


I've gotten excellent results - like 100% positive - buying from the classified listings on https://www.fredmiranda.com/. I've purchased 8 lenses from members there and even though one ended up being a gray market lens, I was extremely satisfied with all of my purchases. The seller of the gray lens was unaware himself that it was gray - he purchased it used from B&H - and promptly issued a call tag and when he received the lens he issued a complete refund - including the original shipping to me. Every transaction was clean, fast and did not disappoint.

Reply
Apr 9, 2019 20:35:44   #
Architect1776 Loc: In my mind
 
bwana wrote:
I would expect any reputable dealer to back their used products to at least their evaluation of the lens.

Personally, I've had very good results buying lenses off eBay from dealers in Japan and Hong Kong. I haven't had the same experience from sellers in the USA. My only two purchases from US sellers (on Amazon) have both been duds with the hassle of returning them from refund involved!

bwa


Agree US sellers are generally sketchy especially compared to those in Japan.

Reply
Apr 9, 2019 20:47:52   #
dm19cm
 
Los-Angeles-Shooter wrote:
Seeking advice on where to buy a used lens. It's a particular older Nikon autofocus zoom. I'll have to buy it online, and am seeking recommendations and warnings of used lens sellers. I would like to get it from a seller who actually checks the lens for proper function and is a straight shooter in every way. Fine with paying a fair price; I want quality and am willing to pay for it. I'm sure that y'all in Hedgehog land have vast experience with many online dealers... Thanks in advance.


I have purchased lenses from eBay and have no issue. Read the condition of the lens before buying. Some of the best lenses come from Japan as they take care of the equipment better than most US users

Reply
 
 
Apr 9, 2019 21:02:25   #
ICUQTPIE
 
B&H is reliable and fast

Reply
Apr 9, 2019 22:12:03   #
pocketchange
 
dm19cm wrote:
I have purchased lenses from eBay and have no issue. Read the condition of the lens before buying. Some of the best lenses come from Japan as they take care of the equipment better than most US users


Amen.. for the above statement!!

Bid on a lens that have their end time.. early AM or late PM (less competition.)
Try not to bid until the end of the auction (last seconds.)
BE PATIENT and DO NOT get in a rush. Bid only on a clean example of what you are looking for.
Research prices on completed auctions to get an idea on
how much you will need to pay and keep control of your bids.

Have some fun.. pc

Reply
Apr 9, 2019 22:23:17   #
ICUQTPIE
 
What are the names of some of the dealers in Japan? Thanks in advance.

Reply
Apr 9, 2019 22:41:24   #
burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC
 
Los-Angeles-Shooter wrote:
Seeking advice on where to buy a used lens. It's a particular older Nikon autofocus zoom. I'll have to buy it online, and am seeking recommendations and warnings of used lens sellers. I would like to get it from a seller who actually checks the lens for proper function and is a straight shooter in every way. Fine with paying a fair price; I want quality and am willing to pay for it. I'm sure that y'all in Hedgehog land have vast experience with many online dealers... Thanks in advance.


KEH.com
MPB.com
Adorama.com
BHPhotoVideo.com
CametaCamera.com

All are well known for high standards, integrity, honesty, and fair, if not conservative ratings of their used gear.

I’ve bought two lenses from KEH. Both were better than expected and work perfectly.

Reply
 
 
Apr 10, 2019 01:25:19   #
foggypreacher Loc: Dickinson, Texas
 
amfoto1 wrote:
In addition to KEH and B&H, Adorama's used dept. is good source, too. I've also bought used stuff from Henry's, in Canada.

Depending upon what you are seeking, you also might check the manufacturer's website for refurbished. Those can be a good deal, too.


I have purchased three used lenses from B&H. The first one I just did not like, not sure why, but they took it back with no issues. The next two were great. The Nikkor 18-140mm I bought is my 'stay on the camera', everyday lens and does a good job for most of what I shoot.

Reply
Apr 10, 2019 03:47:12   #
markjay
 
Los-Angeles-Shooter wrote:
Seeking advice on where to buy a used lens. It's a particular older Nikon autofocus zoom. I'll have to buy it online, and am seeking recommendations and warnings of used lens sellers. I would like to get it from a seller who actually checks the lens for proper function and is a straight shooter in every way. Fine with paying a fair price; I want quality and am willing to pay for it. I'm sure that y'all in Hedgehog land have vast experience with many online dealers... Thanks in advance.


Here is some good advice ! try B&H !

Reply
Apr 10, 2019 04:25:04   #
awesome14 Loc: UK
 
Ebay.com has the best selection of used lenses. Currently there are 68 35-70mm f2.8D lenses available on eBay.com. There isn't much to checking a lens. Just make sure the aperture functions smoothly, and shoot some pictures. I've purchased at least five lenses on eBay without a hitch. You also get the most for your money on eBay.com. If the lens is not as described, you just say you don't want it, and send it back for a refund. If the seller refuses, eBay itself will make the refund.

Ken Rockwell has a site with information on how to buy equipment on eBay. For most other things I go to B&H.

Reply
Apr 10, 2019 10:31:33   #
frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.
 
David C. wrote:
I always wonder where the gold plating is on some sellers offerings. Adorama, Milford Camera, and others
tend to be higher priced for like items and condition. Craig's list and eBay will provide a price range to compare with when searching, then go with your gut for what you want to spend. Always check out the return policy and use it if needed. Also report you seller experience. David C.


Wow, I've seen just the opposite.

Any reputable company may be a little higher because of overhead. These business (you mention) are also on eBay, Amazon, etc. Remember individuals can be cheaper ( sometimes, but not always), but they do not guarantee (most of the time).

Reply
 
 
Apr 10, 2019 14:00:20   #
Jbrustrom
 
MPB is where I go. Period. I've bought all of my used Nikon bodies and lenses from them. Just checked their stock for you - one @ $229 US and one @ $264.

Website: https://www.mpb.com/en-us/search/?www-product-search=nikon+35-70+2.8D&www-department=all

Reply
Apr 10, 2019 17:04:34   #
spaceytracey Loc: East Glacier Park, MT
 
Map Camera. japanese Co. which sells on eBay. Great prices, fast shipping. I've had great experiences w/them.

Reply
Page <<first <prev 5 of 5
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.
Main Photography Discussion
UglyHedgehog.com - Forum
Copyright 2011-2024 Ugly Hedgehog, Inc.