KEH.com - "Bargain"

[annnewjerz]

Anyone ever purchased a "bargain" lens from KEH? One thing I am considering is picking up some "fun" lenses that I wouldn't normally spend the money on and I see that KEH has a Fisheye and a 105mm f/2.8 Micro (both bargain) for decent prices.

I know they will not be pretty looking, but can I still expect good quality pictures? It says that there may be dust and marks on the glass but that it won't affect picture quality.

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks!
Ann

 

[Groucho]

I haven't bought anything from KEH but if the price is right, I wouldn't worry too much. Lenses are for looking through, not looking at.

The common problems seem to be dented filter rings, scratched on the body, rough action on the focus/zoom rings, sticky aperture blades (just noticed yesterday that my Zeiss 135mm is a little sticky from F11-F22 ), etc... the optics themselves seem to hold up pretty well. Dust inside usually won't show. Fungus is a potential danger but again, it generally won't affect IQ unless it's really bad.

I'm also a big fan of trying different and oddball lenses (that's a big part of the reason to use a DSLR in my opinion!), so I say go for it.

 

[annnewjerz]

I haven't bought anything from KEH but if the price is right, I wouldn't worry too much. Lenses are for looking through, not looking at.

The common problems seem to be dented filter rings, scratched on the body, rough action on the focus/zoom rings, sticky aperture blades (just noticed yesterday that my Zeiss 135mm is a little sticky from F11-F22 ), etc... the optics themselves seem to hold up pretty well. Dust inside usually won't show. Fungus is a potential danger but again, it generally won't affect IQ unless it's really bad.

I'm also a big fan of trying different and oddball lenses (that's a big part of the reason to use a DSLR in my opinion!), so I say go for it.

Your fisheye photos are actually what got me looking at Nikon's fisheye lenses. In a lot of your shots the fisheye seems to add a lot of interest to the photo, but it seems like it could also be something fun to just play around with taking funny pictures of the pets and family with the fisheye on.

That was extremely reassuring. I purchased my 50 f/1.8 used, but it was in person and I was able to see what the lens looked like. According to Kyle (Handicap) and Jeff (GDad) they have both told me that their experiences with "bargain" lenses on KEH have been great. The description is ""Bargain" 70-79% of original condition. Shows more than average wear. May have dents, dings and a goodly amount of brassing and finish loss. Glass may have marks that should not affect picture quality." Jeff had told me that a "bargain" lens he purchased seemed in almost perfect condition, so I guess it's all luck of the draw.

I believe they have a 30 day return policy, so what's the worst that could happen, right???

 

[ukcatfan]

I have two used lenses from KEH and I have been very happy with them. I do not use them anymore, but they were worth the money.

 

[annnewjerz]

I have two used lenses from KEH and I have been very happy with them. I do not use them anymore, but they were worth the money.

Great! Sounds like it'll be a safe bet then.

 

[Groucho]

Your fisheye photos are actually what got me looking at Nikon's fisheye lenses. In a lot of your shots the fisheye seems to add a lot of interest to the photo, but it seems like it could also be something fun to just play around with taking funny pictures of the pets and family with the fisheye on.
...
I believe they have a 30 day return policy, so what's the worst that could happen, right???

Glad you liked the fisheye photos! Look for a lot more in a little over a month.

With the return policy, the only risk is the cost of shipping.

 

[handicap18]

I've bought 2 lenses from KEH. One was an EX and one was a BGN. The EX lens was in like new condition. The "Bargain" lens is in very good contition, didn't come with caps though and it did have a few minor wear scratches on the body, but other than that its in great shape. I would have no issues buying another "Bargain" lens from keh again.

 

[annnewjerz]

I've bought 2 lenses from KEH. One was an EX and one was a BGN. The EX lens was in like new condition. The "Bargain" lens is in very good contition, didn't come with caps though and it did have a few minor wear scratches on the body, but other than that its in great shape. I would have no issues buying another "Bargain" lens from keh again.

I'm glad to hear it. I have to wait until next weekend to make the purchases, but I think I have decided on two bargain lenses from KEH, one fisheye and one micro...so I hope I'm not disappointed!