Best Place to Find Used Lenses?

SamirD · August 31, 2010

Looks like after years of using high-end consumer cameras that I will need to step up to a quality dslr setup. But like most, I can't afford it, so I'll have to buy it piecemeal. I'm going to start with quality lenses that I hope to pick up used. So besides the marketplace here, where are some of the best places to find such bargins? :dunno

Any guidance appreciated. :thumb

Art Scott · August 31, 2010

just like with new equipment....ebay, b&h and adorama....keh has always been a tad high for my tastes.
also I have found a lot of times that people ask almost retail for used and in a lot of instances new is
only a few dollars more.........

mercphoto · August 31, 2010

I'd hit www.sportsshooter.com and look at their classifieds as well. Some listings will only sell to members, but many listings will sell to anyone.

ziggy53 · August 31, 2010

KEH has the best overall selection in used cameras, lenses and accessories and used equipment is their primary business. They are also very easy to work with and their system for returns and exchanges works very smoothly. Equipment ratings are usually more than fair. When they say "LN" it generally really is "like new" and you get everything you would get in a new purchase, minus any warranty.

Adorama and B&H also have used equipment and they are both very easy to deal with. Used stuff is not their primary business so you might not find as broad a selection but right now both are doing a very good job stocking used Canon and Nikon.

EBay is always going to be more risky. The opportunity for return is generally more of a hassle (if it's even offered) and many sellers do not accurately describe their equipment that is for sale. Ask plenty of questions of the seller beforehand and, if a sale doesn't "feel right" abandon the purchase. I tend to only purchase from sellers with a history that denotes honesty and integrity.

Fred Miranda has a market similar to ours. It is larger and more diverse but they have had more scandals and fraud than our flea market.

Local sales, including Craigslist, can be considered "if" you are allowed close inspection before the sale and if you know how to test and evaluate the item(s) being sold.

Third-party insurance is often available for used equipment and if you are tight on budget it might be worthwhile to prevent a total loss. I have purchased "Mack" insurance in the past for expensive electronics, although I never had opportunity to use/test the insurance.

20DNoob · August 31, 2010

It's simple, KEH.

I've tried buying used with Adorama on three different occasions and been let down all three times while KEH has come through exceptionally well.

Heck, even with new it seems like a crap shoot for me with Adorama.

SamirD · August 31, 2010

Thank you all for the responses. I was hoping for some magic web site that everyone knows where to get great used lenses, but it seems I already knew about all the good ones.

I recently purchased a backup camera from KEH and was very happy with my purchase. A camera that I spend $500 on I was able to get for $140 with less than 1200 shutter actuations. Mine has over 64,000 on it. :eek: I watch all the used areas pretty closely, but it seems that finding a "cheap" used lens is going to be next to impossible. :cry

HelenOster · August 31, 2010

SamirD wrote: »

Looks like after years of using high-end consumer cameras that I will need to step up to a quality dslr setup. But like most, I can't afford it, so I'll have to buy it piecemeal. I'm going to start with quality lenses that I hope to pick up used. So besides the marketplace here, where are some of the best places to find such bargins?

Any guidance appreciated.

I've got a really handy guide to selecting used lenses, that I think a customer passed onto me ages ago (nothing to do with Adorama).

If you'd like me to forward a copy on to you, you can drop me an email: HelenO@adorama.com

HelenOster · August 31, 2010

20DNoob wrote: »

....

I've tried buying used with Adorama on three different occasions and been let down all three times ....

That doesn't sound good, not good at all....

If you can spare the time to drop me an email with a bit more detail, I'd be really grateful: HelenO@adorama.com

20DNoob · August 31, 2010

HelenOster wrote: »

That doesn't sound good, not good at all....

If you can spare the time to drop me an email with a bit more detail, I'd be really grateful: HelenO@adorama.com

No worries Helen it happened about 2½ years ago and I had sworn off ever spending any more money there. The only reason I decided to give Adorama another chance(last month) is solely due to your efforts here and elsewhere.

What I really wish for from Adorama and others would be to implement a dynamic inventory system. Amazon does it, big box stores do it down to small mom and pop establishments. I know I'm weary of the "sorry it's out of stock" speech when I call a day or two after it's supposed to ship. As for costs just add a 1% increase to the price of everything and it'll be paid for in no time.

HelenOster · September 1, 2010

20DNoob wrote: »

........ The only reason I decided to give Adorama another chance(last month) is solely due to your efforts here and elsewhere.

Thank you for the vote of confidence; I hope I deserve it.......

20DNoob wrote: »

What I really wish for from Adorama and others would be to implement a dynamic inventory system. Amazon does it, big box stores do it down to small mom and pop establishments. I know I'm weary of the "sorry it's out of stock" speech when I call a day or two after it's supposed to ship. As for costs just add a 1% increase to the price of everything and it'll be paid for in no time.

20DNoob · September 1, 2010

HelenOster wrote: »

Thank you for the vote of confidence; I hope I deserve it.......

You wholeheartedly deserve it, whatever your salary is it should be doubled at the very least. You are the online, ever present face of Adorama and I can't imagine the barrage of emails/PMs' you must get daily from people whining about this or that.

About the other thing, completely unnecessary but thank you anyhow.

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HelenOster · September 1, 2010

20DNoob wrote: »

You wholeheartedly deserve it, whatever your salary is it should be doubled at the very least....
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:saurora

Best Place to Find Used Lenses?

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