OutdoorOldie

I bought two in the last two months.All in perfect condition,and with good communication from sellers.I spent no more than approximately 30 bucks for both of them,all for my Pentax cameras.
On the other hand,if I was spending big bucks on a lens,I would make sure the seller rating was 100% and that the seller offers returns,and also,is s/he offers a protection plan.
Good luck!!
annie

graybeard

I never cease to be amazed at how I can buy something for 99 cents with free shipping from China. How can they make any money out of this ??

bleirer

Part of the price variation could also be the version ii versus the original, totally different animal, but you pay more for the better quality of the version ii. Gotta stick to the budget though. Comparison https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=972

aellman Loc: Boston MA

Not many sellers offer a protection plan, but ebay does.

OutdoorOldie

I only buy items that come with a protection plan,and pay using PayPal.Have bought a ton of stuff from eBay,and have yet to be burned.
annie

aellman Loc: Boston MA

Same here. No problems at all. >Alan

Pysanka Artist Loc: Rochester, NY

I have purchased used equipment on Ebay without a problem. Ask the seller questions. Look at their rating. Do your homework. Some questions I ask about used lens: is there fungus in the lens, original owner, why are you selling, any damage, how much use, where was it stored. For new lenses I ask if it is a grey market lens. Good luck!

MauiMoto Loc: Hawaii

I still buy some things on ebay from people I bought from before or cheaper stuff that aren't worth counterfeiting, although I can't explain cheaper since I received counterfeit batteries. Custom built motorcycle parts, oil filters, knockoff custom L brackets, etc. A flash I bought had battery corrosion, the seller gave a small refund, I cleaned it up but it grew back and I had to tap it to turn on a few times. Had to send it in for repair. Ended up paying full price for a refurbished flash. Another flash, I noticed intermittent problems too late. Lenses same thing, one I didn't notice till I used live view. The image jumped around as the focus motor changed direction and would sometimes get stuck correcting the change and just jiggle back and forth when on a tripod only. Impossible to notice hand held. Sent it in, and it's a different lens now, but still moves a little in live view and only noticeable in live view on a tripod. Focus ring buttery smooth now. Again paid a little more than full price for a refurbished product. More issues I won't elaborate for time's sake. That, and the time involved dealing with it and for peace of mind I don't buy expensive, precision instruments from eBay anymore. Lenses I got from Japan were like new though, I got a 200mm micro nikkor for a bargain.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Great experience on EBAY.
I usually buy from sellers in Japan as they seem to be the most honest and have better quality products and not junk someone is trying to dump.

topcat Loc: Alameda, CA

I have bought several lenses and other cameras on eBay, and I have never had a problem. Once the lens wasn't as advertised, and they took it back with no problem.
eBay is very good if you have a problem in any way with whatever you buy.
You can always buy from Roberts Camera or KEH, and you will have another level of support. Just be careful of what you are buying and read the description to make sure that you are getting what you want. The same hold true no matter what you are buying, or from who.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind