Tips for those looking to buy a used lens?

[annnewjerz]

Just when I thought I had made up my mind to purchase the 80-200 f/2.8 I found a used copy of the 70-200 f/2.8 VR for $1200! Needless to say, for only $100 more than the 80-200 new, I'm considering the used lens now.

The only time I've purchased used was from a local camera store that I frequent and after giving the lens a once over I just decided to take their word for the condition and buy.

This time, if I'm spending so much money I want to make sure I'm getting a quality lens.

So---when buying a lens used from an individual, what are some things to look for/ask?

I would obviously ask how old the lens is, where it was stored, if they are the original owner and look for any visible marks on the glass and barrel of the lens, as well as testing to make sure the lens works and the VR functions, but what else should I do? If I bring a flashlight and the lens looks clean, nicely kept and after slapping it on my camera the pictures look dreamy on my LCD, should that be enough reassurance?

I'm nervous about spending so much money on something that really had no return policy and just want to make sure I'm as best prepared as possible when I meet up with the seller.

Thanks!
Ann

 

[WDWFigment]

Buy from eBay; use Paypal funded by your credit card (using your credit card with the most liberal buyer protection; AMEX if you have one). Regardless of a seller's stated return policy, if there is so much as a minor and even an inconsequential issue with the lens, you'll be able to return it (you will have to pay return shipping, though). Beyond that, look for the basics: a respected seller (positive feedback), one who takes several pictures (I prefer ones that are well-taken, too--why would someone with expensive gear have to take cell phone camera images or use stock photos), and writes a good description are all pluses. Honestly though, if it's a good enough deal, I'll just chance it and deal with Paypal or doing a charge back later.

Ebay/Paypal (they're both owned by eBay, so they're one in the same in my book) are very biased in favor of buyer protection. This is good for buyers. Whenever I sell something big on eBay, though, I am honestly nervous about the transaction until I receive positive feedback. I have only ever lost one Paypal challenge, and that has been as a seller (and I definitely shouldn't have lost it!).

Hope that helps.

 

[mom2rtk]

Buy from eBay; use Paypal funded by your credit card (using your credit card with the most liberal buyer protection; AMEX if you have one). Regardless of a seller's stated return policy, if there is so much as a minor and even an inconsequential issue with the lens, you'll be able to return it (you will have to pay return shipping, though). Beyond that, look for the basics: a respected seller (positive feedback), one who takes several pictures (I prefer ones that are well-taken, too--why would someone with expensive gear have to take cell phone camera images or use stock photos), and writes a good description are all pluses. Honestly though, if it's a good enough deal, I'll just chance it and deal with Paypal or doing a charge back later.

Ebay/Paypal (they're both owned by eBay, so they're one in the same in my book) are very biased in favor of buyer protection. This is good for buyers. Whenever I sell something big on eBay, though, I am honestly nervous about the transaction until I receive positive feedback. I have only ever lost one Paypal challenge, and that has been as a seller (and I definitely shouldn't have lost it!).

Hope that helps.

I'll second the recommendations on Paypal. I'm primarily a seller on Ebay, and am about to ditch them after many years of success. The deck has been INSANELY stacked against sellers.

On the flip side, I am totally comfortable BUYING there for that very reason.

 

[Gdad]

The 70-200vr was introduced in 2003 so I would not worry too much if it is an 'old' '03 or a 'new' '09. For that price I would expect it to show some normal wear and tear but so what- as long as the af/vr works and the glass is clean I would probably call it a fantastic deal. Since you mentioned "meeting up" with the seller I assume this is not an Ebay thing. Just be careful since it really seems to be borderline of one of those too-good-to-be-true deals.

 

[annnewjerz]

Thanks for the info everyone. As Jeff mentioned, this will be an in-person meeting for the lens and I was more concerned with what (in the lens) I should look for if it is used---such as functional VR, dust, fungus, etc.

Jeff---I hear you about this being borderline too good to be true, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it works out. The man that PM'd me has been a member of Nikonians for something like 5 years and has about 1700 posts. I have seen some of his portraits on their photo threads and he seems to be legit. He even works at Hasselblad in Parsippany, NJ.

I think the reason that he offered me the price he did was because I would be meeting up with him in NJ (he is from here also) and paying cash---so I believe he subtracted the PayPal and shipping fees from the normal selling price. Most of the used 70-200's that I have been looking at on Nikonians go from $1350 to $1450, which would be in line with what I'd be paying minus the additional fees. The lens also has a few outside markings, which may have contributed to the lower price. Who knows!

 

[WDWFigment]

Thanks for the info everyone. As Jeff mentioned, this will be an in-person meeting for the lens and I was more concerned with what (in the lens) I should look for if it is used---such as functional VR, dust, fungus, etc.

Jeff---I hear you about this being borderline too good to be true, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it works out. The man that PM'd me has been a member of Nikonians for something like 5 years and has about 1700 posts. I have seen some of his portraits on their photo threads and he seems to be legit. He even works at Hasselblad in Parsippany, NJ.

I think the reason that he offered me the price he did was because I would be meeting up with him in NJ (he is from here also) and paying cash---so I believe he subtracted the PayPal and shipping fees from the normal selling price. Most of the used 70-200's that I have been looking at on Nikonians go from $1350 to $1450, which would be in line with what I'd be paying minus the additional fees. The lens also has a few outside markings, which may have contributed to the lower price. Who knows!

I wouldn't consider that too good to be true. There have been a number of times where I could have gotten this lens for about $1,050-1,100 after BCB. Still well out of my range, but the lens comes up in my search result updates for the Tamron and Sigma.

I wouldn't worry too much about it.