rondmallett Loc: Colorado, near Wyoming

I'm an 83 yr old retiree making a bit over
$30k a year, Can't afford a new telephoto
lens, afraid to buy a used one remotely.
Any secrets for finding a good
reliable lens via mail or internet?
I have a nice Sony 6300 mirrorless, bought
by my granddaughter who worked for
them. Got a nice company discount,
but doesn't work there anymore.

JRiepe Loc: Southern Illinois

https://usedphotopro.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw0caCBhCIARIsAGAfuMyYPWguqJGOSG3KrDWRzaapDfotEI7ZialMIQ4f014e6gtMVto0u6MaAn9qEALw_wcB

You could also try KEH.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

KEH photo. Very good service. Product ratings are also reliable. My 100-400 L came from them. Looks and Works as if brand new. Only way I could tell it wasn't is it did not come in original box

MDI Mainer

Your best bet for a reasonably priced long lens for your camera is the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary - Sony FE Fit which will work without an adapter on your A6300. You can sign up with MPB, KEH and other used equipment dealers to get an alert when one is available, since they are not always in stock. I know MPB gives you a 7-day return period and 6-month warranty for safety, others probably do too.

Significantly less costly but with less reach is the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD Lens for Sony E.

Both lenses are significantly smaller that the older 100-600mm zooms from Sigma and Tamron, all of which will need an adapter to work with your camera, so these native e-mount lenses retain full functioning of the awesome auto focus and other features of the A6300, and obviate the added cost and bulk of an adapter.

The Tamron is on sale new for $500, the Sigma is $950 also new, both prices from B&H. These lenses are both fairly recent releases, so there's not a lot of used stock out there, and not a huge price drop for good, used examples. (About $100 drop on the Sigma from personal experience. I paid $850 from a private seller on eBay, but it did come with a tripod mount which is not included with the lens.)

Remember using the Clear Image Zoom function on the A6300 you can double the effective focal length of your lens without loosing much if any image quality, but you need to be shooting JPEG only. In my experience (and that of others here and elsewhere) that's better than using an adapter with non-native glass. And the only native alternative is the Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS, a magnificent lens but almost two grand.

If you're not familiar with CIZ check out this recent thread.

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-688207-1.html

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

I have purchased several lenses from KEH.com without any problems. Also look at the classified section here on UHH.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

I would have no fear buying from KEH. Good honest folks to deal with.

rondmallett Loc: Colorado, near Wyoming

Thank you. The UH people are good folks.

rondmallett Loc: Colorado, near Wyoming

Very comforting advice. thank you so much!

rondmallett Loc: Colorado, near Wyoming

You're a fount of knowledge. I will print and study this. Thank you.

rondmallett Loc: Colorado, near Wyoming

Thank you. I'll take your advice.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

KEH is very good for used gear. I have the Sony a6000 with an 18-200mm lens. It's not extreme, but it has a good spread, and it was less expensive than similar Sony lenses. Be sure to get the right type of mount, since Sony has more than one. I don't know if the lens below is right for your a6300.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1176277-REG/tamron_afb018s_700_18_200mm_f_3_5_6_3_di_ii.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&lsft=BI%3A514&gclid=CjwKCAjw9MuCBhBUEiwAbDZ-7jDlA2RL0N0so5YXSbIWtVlD7WJ31pabevIufc780FJHlzmFY3h6pBoCB-EQAvD_BwE

GLSmith Loc: Tampa, Fl

In addition to KEH, MPB.com has a very good selection of used lenses. I have bought 4-5 lenses from them & have not had any issues. In additon, they buy used equipment & a check is deposited directly to your account

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

I have purchased used lenses from KEH, MPB, and Used Photo Pro in Indianapolis (part of Robert’s Camera) and all have provided me with “like new” equipment in excellent operating condition at fair prices. All included 6 month warranties with excellent return policies. I would not hesitate to buy from any of these businesses.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Very, very GOOD info here for you from MDI Mainer !

I would also mention that Sony does also make a 55-300mm and 70-350mm lenses for the native E-mount. Using CIZ with these lenses and using good telephoto techniques and low ISO should give you very decent results !
.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

What sort of images do you shoot now or plan to shoot in the future with a telephoto lens? How long do you want? Prime telephoto or zoom? Can you handle a up to 400mm lens as suggested. I can't and I am a mere arthritic 66 year old. I don't really try anything over 200 to 300. Weight and lack of steadiness.