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View Full Version : Purchasing a used lens

oogieboogieman
12-15-2010, 06:37 PM
I'm considering buying a used lens from KEH and I need info on their grading policy. Has anyone bought a lens that was graded Bargin? I'm thinking about this but we are talking about $700.00.
Gdad
12-15-2010, 08:19 PM
I bought something from them a few years ago thet was rated BGN and I could not find a mark on it. That's only one example though so probably not a lot to go on. But they do have a return policy if it's more BGN than you expected.
oogieboogieman
12-16-2010, 02:00 PM
I bought something from them a few years ago thet was rated BGN and I could not find a mark on it. That's only one example though so probably not a lot to go on. But they do have a return policy if it's more BGN than you expected.

Thanks! I've heard that they do a pretty good job rating their equipment. I just purchased a used Nikon D200 ( rated Ex+ ) that had only 4500 shutter actuations. Not a scratch on it, just missing the monitor lcd cover. Now just looking for zoom lens.
zackiedawg
12-16-2010, 02:18 PM
If I were to trust any company at all with used equipment rated 'bargain' or 'as is', it would be KEH. They have consistently shown to be very conservative with their ratings and very reliable for used equipment, and back it up with the return policy.

As it happens, I haven't bought anything worse than 'excellent', but not because of any fear of buying lower form them, just because nothing I was looking for happened to be any worse than that. The things I bought rated 'excellent' I would have labeled 'like new'.
photo_chick
12-16-2010, 03:51 PM
I've not purchased a bargain lens from them, but I've found the lenses I've purchased to be rated more than fairly. In fact the EX lenses I've bought I'd have considered LN.
saturndb
12-16-2010, 07:45 PM
I have bought 3 lens listed as bgn and all have been sharp and in great shape. I would recommned buying a bgn lens. Don't forget they have 14 day return policy, i think that starts from when they ship it, so you do not have much to lose.
Groucho
12-20-2010, 11:29 PM
The Online Photographer recently had an article about KEH (http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/2010/12/a-tip-when-buying-used-equipment.html?cid=6a00df351e888f8834013489ad432e9 70c), which included some thoughts on their grading and KEH overall, along with lots of anecdotes in the comments.

I've never bought from them but they do have a very good reputation.
oogieboogieman
12-31-2010, 04:10 PM
Update....

I ended up purchasing a Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 in EX+ and Nikon 180mm f/2.8 in BGN condition. The Tamron looks hardly used. The Nikon has quite a bit of wear but the optics don't have any marks and it is tack sharp shooting wide-open.

I started doing a little research on some lenses that were older and kinda forgotten then I ran across an article on the Nikon 180mm. I will post some photos later.
Gdad
12-31-2010, 06:28 PM
The Nikon 180/2.8 is a great lens. Nice light weight and cost effective option over the 70/80-200 2.8 zooms.

Enjoy your new gear.
annnewjerz
01-01-2011, 10:03 AM
OBM---really looking forward to hearing what you think of the 180. I have been considering purchasing one for a while, but haven't taken the plunge yet. I have been looking at bargain lenses on KEH also and for under $400 I figure it'll be a nice addition to the bag even if it's not always on my camera.
Gdad
01-01-2011, 07:24 PM
OBM---really looking forward to hearing what you think of the 180. I have been considering purchasing one for a while, but haven't taken the plunge yet. I have been looking at bargain lenses on KEH also and for under $400 I figure it'll be a nice addition to the bag even if it's not always on my camera.

Be sure to get the AF-D version- I don't care what KR says- I've had both and it's better.

http://kenrockwell.com/nikon/180mm-history.htm
annnewjerz
01-03-2011, 06:37 PM
Be sure to get the AF-D version- I don't care what KR says- I've had both and it's better.

http://kenrockwell.com/nikon/180mm-history.htm

I did. Should have it by this Friday. If I can't get a new camera, I may as well buy a new lens. That should hold me over for oh I don't know...maybe a month. :thumbsup2
oogieboogieman
01-07-2011, 11:41 AM
http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z168/ejcbrown/NikonD90180mm016-1.jpg

http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z168/ejcbrown/NikonD90180mm020-1.jpg

http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z168/ejcbrown/NikonD200180mm027.jpg

First two w/ D90 handheld, last photo w/ D200. This lens has great potential, and with lots of improvement on my part.

I'm excited about this lens, there is going to be a learning curve.