kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

I have a chance to buy one of these in mint-condition (at least it looks that way to ME!). Last week, I was in my local camera store to pick up my D7200 that had been left there for a sensor cleaning while we were away on a cruise. While in the store a week later to pick up the camera, I saw this beauty in the "used lens" display case. Looks like it had never (or hardly) been used. Price tag on it was, more or less, about $450. I said to the owner (of the shop) that I had heard great things about this lens. He said, "take it and try it out, see how you like it." I said "What to you mean 'take' it?" He said "take it home for a week or two, play around with it and, if you like it, I'll make you a deal."

So, I have a couple of questions. One, what should I consider a good "deal" for this lens? I've seen used lenses in "Ex" and "Ex+" condition from KEH for about what he's priced this lens at. I'm thinking, if he offers a "deal" that is even better… should I jump on it?

Second question is, is this lens weather-sealed? Would it be OK to take this lens out in inclement weather?

I finally had the opportunity, this morning to take this lens out to play with. There was a "chimney fire" in an apartment building about a mile from my house (I do fire photography) but in the 20 minutes it took me to throw on my clothes this morning and get to the scene, the small fire had been put out and the firefighters were packing up. I shot a few photos, anyway. The images I got, though not particularly exciting images, showed off just how sharp this lens is and its ability to produce really creamy bokeh. First thing I noticed was "look at that background blur!"

I'm loving this lens, so far, and if the store's "deal" is $400 or below, I'm thinking I should get it.

uhaas2009

The good old glass.....one simple question: if you have this lens would you use or for what would you use it.

flip1948 Loc: Hamden, CT

I checked MPB and they only have one copy for $304 in "well used" condition described as having significant wear on the barrel and mount.

If I were in the market for this lens I would think the $400 range for one in the condition you described would be fair.

We may see thomas902 weighing in on this as it sounds like something he may have used for fashion/portrait work.

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

This one looks more like it was barely used at all. My thought it is I'd better grab it if the "deal" is around $400. If he offers lower, even better.

I'm surprised he just let me take the lens home with me without taking my credit card number in case I failed to come back with it.

Orphoto Loc: Oregon

In its day that was a "pro" lense. Really nice optics. The only knock on it was a tendency for chromatic aberration wide open (now correctible). I use the older manual ed version and love it. Your dealer knows that it will get harder to sell d series lenses since z mount buyers cant use the ftz adapters on them. I would say go for it at $325 or below. Very nice versions can be had on ebay at 300 plus shipping.
These are built like a tank. Even if not weather sealed, would not get skittish about mild rainfall.

ELNikkor

Take it! I also have found amazing deals on equipment that was bought, but hardly used, even after 40 years, it is like new.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I have some model of this lens and love the results I get with it.
--Bob

ClarkJohnson Loc: Fort Myers, FL and Cohasset, MA

I wouldn’t spend much effort intp getting the last penny out of a « deal. » If ghe lens does good things for you and is in good shape, just buy it. How much would you have spent renting one to see if you liked it? Negotiate if you want, but this is a store owner who deserves support.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

If you want it and are happy with the lens, price makes no difference!!!!

Warhorse Loc: SE Michigan

Yep, if it works well for you and your camera, I would jump on it!

It is great to support a small business owner who offers a fair price, and as someone else pointed out...what would it have cost to rent this lens to try out? Sounds like a very good deal to me.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

I can't understand why you have not contacted the store first to find out exactly what the deal is. THEN put that deal here for people to look at and give you their opinion. My second thought is, we have nothing to do with the lens and the deal. Nice you would think to consult us but in the long run it is your choice. Of course we will be happy to spend your money. If the lens is great and the deal is satisfactory then buy the lens.

Dennis

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

When Samy's Camera store was open in Santa Barbara the manager was more than happy to let me take lenses and cameras out to test them. Not for a week or so but for a day or two. That included new Leica lenses as well. I did not do that as my luck would be to drop the lens on a piece of concrete.

Dennis

Jack47 Loc: Ontario

Go for it.

Warhorse Loc: SE Michigan

Same thing could happen an hour after you bought it!

Quixdraw Loc: x

I have an even older Nikon 180 2.8. Excellent lens that I use to photograph a local theatrical production. I shoot from the back of the small theater an often get better results with it than the modern zoom on the second body. A good people lens. My experience with D series lenses has been uniformly good.