Refurbished?

[MAJPLO]

What is the general consensus on buying refurbished... Bodies, lenses, etc.?

I am getting increasingly annoyed that I ordered a new camera and two lenses with the claim that it would arrive within 5-7 business days. That was almost two weeks ago. I can't get the same new for as good a price but I'm considering refurbished. Even if it's not for this same set but for additional equipment later on down the road. So.... What's your advice on buying refurbished?

 

[cjstarr]

What is the general consensus on buying refurbished... Bodies, lenses, etc.?

I am getting increasingly annoyed that I ordered a new camera and two lenses with the claim that it would arrive within 5-7 business days. That was almost two weeks ago. I can't get the same new for as good a price but I'm considering refurbished. Even if it's not for this same set but for additional equipment later on down the road. So.... What's your advice on buying refurbished?

If it's factory refurbished I'm sure it would be alright. I would think twice if it was refurbished at a repair center though as the standard might not be as good.

 

[2Tiggies]

I have bought a refurbished camera in the past and it was great - no problems at all.

I agree though, check that it is manufacturer refurbished and not seller/retailer refurbished and also, I expect a properly refurbed item to come with a full guarantee, which IMO should be at least 3 months but preferably a year.

I also expect to save around 20% on a refurb vs the cost of the same item brand new.

List your criteria and stick with it.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I have bought several used lenses and have been very happy. I look for sellers that offer return policies so I have the chance to verify the condition. It's a win IMO!

 

[mssong85]

I just recently snagged a factory refurbished Panasonic Linux G5 with a 14-42mm lens off of Groupon, and if I didn't order it myself I would swear it was new, both in condition and performance. I agree with sticking with factory refurbs, because typically you get the same manufacturer warranty as if the item was new. That part is key.

 

[JillShari]

A few years ago I purchased a Canon refurb through their loyalty program and I never had any issues with it at all. It was a great camera until I decided to upgrade to my current body.

As far as lenses, I think you'd be safe going with big companies such as B&H or adorama.....and I've looked at used lenses from companies that rent cameras and lenses....like borrowlenses.com, or lensrental.com. I've heard good things.

 

[2Tiggies]

Do your homework with used lenses, especially with prices if you are buying on eBay or an auction site. I have intended to save some bucks by buying used with every lens I have looked at. With the exception of one, I have ended up getting them all new because people pay silly money for used gear. Seriously, I watched Tokina 11-16 UWA lenses for about a month before I bought and decided to buy new with a warranty, not because there was anything that bugged me about used and refurbed items, but because bidders were paying the same or even more than the item cost new. If you go that route, you're better buying from a store or a fixed price than going the auction route. I'm sure some have got lucky, but I do my homework before I hand out cash for anything and my experience h

 

[mom2rtk]

Do your homework with used lenses, especially with prices if you are buying on eBay or an auction site. I have intended to save some bucks by buying used with every lens I have looked at. With the exception of one, I have ended up getting them all new because people pay silly money for used gear. Seriously, I watched Tokina 11-16 UWA lenses for about a month before I bought and decided to buy new with a warranty, not because there was anything that bugged me about used and refurbed items, but because bidders were paying the same or even more than the item cost new. If you go that route, you're better buying from a store or a fixed price than going the auction route. I'm sure some have got lucky, but I do my homework before I hand out cash for anything and my experience h

I'm not surprised about that with the Tokina. For a long time they remained backordered everywhere so they were hard to come by. When I sold mine a couple years ago I got pretty close to the cost of a new one. I changed my mind though and decided I wanted one again, and just bought one on Ebay last night for $455.

 

[bob100]

A few years ago I purchased a Canon refurb through their loyalty program and I never had any issues with it at all.

I would also recommend Canon refurbished

 

[henryp]

What is the general consensus on buying refurbished... Bodies, lenses, etc.?

I bought my kid a Nikon D5000 and lens a couple of years ago both refurbished by Nikon USA. Other than the color of the box they were indistinguishable from new and performed flawlessly. More recently I traded that lens in for another, also refurbished by Nikon USA, with a longer zoom range. Same results -- indistinguishable from new and working flawlessly.

 

[wiigirl]

I have bought several used lenses and have been very happy. I look for sellers that offer return policies so I have the chance to verify the condition. It's a win IMO!

Same here...never had an issue.