Dilemma: Buy Scratched Glass to Save $200?

[WDWFigment]

That's my dilemma. The seller wants $1400 for it, which is about $200 more than used ones in good condition cost. She says the scratch does not affect images. I tend to believe this, as that's not uncommon. (Of course, I'd verify for myself, too.)

However, I shoot a lot into the sun and other bright points of light, and lens imperfections seem amplified when shooting into the sun. Would a scratch like this also pose problems?

Normally, if the seller were local, I would just meet the seller and test it out myself. If it didn't perform as expected, I simply wouldn't make the purchase. I'd be out my time and gas, but it wouldn't be a huge loss.

**However** here the lens is in Michigan, up by where my parents live. I would have to drive 5 hours each way to inspect it. While it would be good to see my parents (so it wouldn't just be a 10 hour trip for a lens...that wouldn't be economical), I wouldn't make a trip up right now just to see them.

So, what are your thoughts? Money is a consideration here (mostly because I'm frugal--I can afford either). Should I just bite the bullet and pay a couple hundred more for a 9+ used lens? Is this lens even worth messing with? Should I try to get them down to $1,300?

Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

 

[photo_chick]

That's a decent sized scratch. If it were a low end, sub $300 lens I wouldn't think twice about purchasing it with the scratch. But in that price range I'd probably pass on that lens. I'd also wonder if she let it get scratched what else did she do to it? Is there gunk inside, how smooth is the focus, etc...

I've got a lens that has had the snot beat out of it (my walkaround since the mid 90's). It's scratched and dinged and well used. There are two really good scratches on it and those do affect things if you pixel peep. I can find where they are in my images when I'm editing at the pixel level. But the spots very difficult to find and you have to know where to look. And in a standard sized print or on a monitor at a normal size they are undetectable. So it's subjective as to how much a scratch will bother you.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Tom - If there is one thing that I've learnt from the esteemed Disboard photo regulars, it would be buy the BEST glass you can afford.

Given your level of photography, you might want to consider spending the extra $200 to get the best glass possible. Afterall, it is likely that you'll have the lens for at least 5 - 10 years. That's an extra $20 - $40 per year for the lens.

 

[KCmike]

That's too much money for imperfections like that. Spend the extra and "feel good" about the decision. Good luck Sir.

Are you heading out to Disneyland this summer?

 

[WDWFigment]

Alright, you guys (and the folks on Google+) convinced me that I'm not going to get it. Thanks for the feedback. I think I would've purchased it otherwise.

That's too much money for imperfections like that. Spend the extra and "feel good" about the decision. Good luck Sir.

Are you heading out to Disneyland this summer?

Yep! We're flying out for the media preview of Cars Land/BVS and DCA's grand reopening on June 14th.

 

[KCmike]

Alright, you guys (and the folks on Google+) convinced me that I'm not going to get it. Thanks for the feedback. I think I would've purchased it otherwise.



Yep! We're flying out for the media preview of Cars Land/BVS and DCA's grand reopening on June 14th.

Oh you lucky man. We'll be right behind you as we plan to be there during the last week of June into July. Congrats on the full frame.