Lense purchase on eBay? (Page 2): Hi, try http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/about/contact.asp I bought lots of lenses from them. They are very reliable and their service is extremely...

apitic Loc: Down Under

Hi,
try http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/about/contact.asp

I bought lots of lenses from them. They are very reliable and their service is extremely prompt. All NIKON lenses I bought were made in Japan.

Artcameraman Loc: Springfield NH

I shoot a lot of 3-D infrared and need matched lenses for the most accurate capture. Using a Fuji based on a Nikon body I can use older fast lenses in the f1 to 1.8 range and get them for $50 or less. This is not the case for my Canon where older lenses won't fit and even with an adaptor I found that it not worth the hassle. Capturing above 850nm to 1300 nm is a hole new ballgame and is an excellent place to find out how accurate your lens really is. If you shoot Forensics as I do you will be very excited with the results.a
artcameraman

lateron Loc: Yorkshire, England

LindaChaplin wrote:

Hi photo friends. I so enjoy my UHH over morning coffee. Thanks to all. My question today is whether or not many of you have purchased camera equipment, specifically lenses on eBay? I'm interested in purchasing a Canon 85mm 1.8...I can't afford the L series, but have heard good things about the lower priced model, too. Thanks for your thoughts.

Hi,I know I'm in the UK, but I have purchased much of my stuff on Ebay. As one of your respondents says; "buy from someone with a good record", and know your stuff.

wteffey Loc: Ocala, FL USA

I see no reason to buy NEW equipment on Ebay. The prices seem to be pretty close to Amazon (for example), and you don't have the security of a good return system. I have purchased several USED items, however, and the only problems I had were my fault. I recently purchased an almost new $175 camera backpack for $25 including freight. Just be patient, do your research, make sure the shipping charges are reasonable, set a maximum price you will pay, and read everything carefully.

heyjoe Loc: cincinnati ohio

i buy all my gear on e bay,try to buy an l lens they are the best,you will not need to upgrade in the future

marycar53 Loc: Tuscumbia Al

I purchased a used 18-135mm lens from B & H that was rated 9+ by them for my Canon. Their on line live customer service is good if you have a question. I'm extremely happy with it. Looks new.

mlj Loc: Anderson, SC

I have purchased several used lenses on eBay with no problem. However, I review comments on sellers to determine if they have a good rating. Also, when a seller is "inflating" shipping, I often do not deal with them. And, I usually only purchase in "auction mode." The prices on "Buy Now" are often the same or more than through Amazon. In that case, I would purchase through Amazon. Do your research!

ted057 Loc: Wales uk

yeah . i have had a few lenses from e,bay so far so good

jimbo70 Loc: Orange Park, FL.

On Ebay purchases look for the seller information. It will tell you how many transactions and the % positive feedbacks. If they have had numerous transactions and a seller feedback rating in the upper 90s (98-99%) you can usually expect a good outcome.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

wteffey wrote:

I see no reason to buy NEW equipment on Ebay. The prices seem to be pretty close to Amazon (for example), and you don't have the security of a good return system. I have purchased several USED items, however, and the only problems I had were my fault. I recently purchased an almost new $175 camera backpack for $25 including freight. Just be patient, do your research, make sure the shipping charges are reasonable, set a maximum price you will pay, and read everything carefully.

Ditto. Don't get caught up in a bidding war and over-pay. There are plenty more where that came from.

You will also find reputable dealers selling refurbished items. Cameta Camera does a lot of selling on ebay - good company.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

jimbo70 wrote:

On Ebay purchases look for the seller information. It will tell you how many transactions and the % positive feedbacks. If they have had numerous transactions and a seller feedback rating in the upper 90s (98-99%) you can usually expect a good outcome.

My limit is 99.5%.

LindaChaplin Loc: South Dakota

Thanks everyone...I really appreciate the expertise (and sense of humor) from my UHH friends. Linda

jimmix7 Loc: England

Gray imports bought in England do have a warranty as I bought one and contacted Nikon . they assured me the warranty is still good....,
Jimmy

Designerfin Loc: Utah, USA

I bought one lens on eBay and the seller was perfectly honest, and I have no complaints about the experience. You can read people's feedback about sellers and get an idea of their reliability. If you do decide a 135mm equivalent (the 85/1.8) is right for you I can recommend it. I love mine. It's good for head shots and also indoor sports when you can be on the floor at a basketball or volleyball game. Check out shop.usa.canon.com for refurbished, too. I bought the 15-85mm refurbished and got an excellent lens.

Experiment_626

Keep to a high feedback percentage with a decent number of transactions -- doesn't have to be thousands of transactions, but one or two doesn't prove much.

I got my Nikon D300 (with fewer than 1400 actuations) along with a Sigma 18-200 OS lens for $1100 at a time when the D300 body only was typically selling for $1400-$1500. But my favorite bargain was the time I wanted to get a 50mm f/1.8. They usually go for around $100. I bought a kit on eBay -- the aforementioned 50mm lens, a Nikon N2020 film SLR, a large, older Tamron zoom, a bag and maybe a couple of other minor items for about $85. I kept the 50, cleaned up the rest with cotton swabs and microfiber cloth, took MUCH better photos than the original listing had carried, and resold all the items except that 50 -- for $95. So in effect, I got paid $10 to take the lens I wanted.

Good times, good times ...

SSB