Buying used lens over the Internet at DVinfo.net

Jeff Troiano · January 18th, 2012, 08:15 AM

I'm in the market for a certain lens. But due to circumstances in the country where they make this lens, none are being produced at the moment, and I can't find a shop that has any in stock. This lens retails for about $1400 new. I'm starting to consider buying a used version. This is a good lens, and holds its value well, so even good condition new ones run between $1100 & $1200.

I'm wondering how anyone here has gone about buying such an expensive lens, site unseen? It's not like buying a vintage lens off of eBay for $50, that's a good sum of money. Are there reputable 2nd hand lens dealers online? So far all I've found is Amazon's Marketplace, with people reselling their lens. I haven't looked into Amazons policys yet, but will for sure if I decide to go this route. I don't have a problem paying for a new lens, in fact I prefer it, just none to be had. I've been watching the usual retail sites for a few months, and even inquired at a local camera shop, if they knew when they would have them back in stock. No one seems to know.

Has your experiences been positive going this route? Negative?

Thanks for the feedback

Jeff

Stephen Mick · January 18th, 2012, 08:31 AM

Check out the Fred Miranda Buy/Sell Marketplace…

Buy & Sell Photo-Gear - FM Forums

Dylan Couper · January 18th, 2012, 09:40 AM

keh.com is the best place for used glass. B&H is good but 1/50th the selection of keh. FM is ok, but I hate their email signup policy.

Sareesh Sudhakaran · January 18th, 2012, 09:59 PM

+1 for keh.com

Jim Andrada · January 18th, 2012, 11:02 PM

+2 for KEH

January 18th, 2012, 08:15 AM	#1
Jeff Troiano Major Player Join Date: May 2003 Location: Nashville TN Posts: 480	Buying used lens over the Internet I'm in the market for a certain lens. But due to circumstances in the country where they make this lens, none are being produced at the moment, and I can't find a shop that has any in stock. This lens retails for about $1400 new. I'm starting to consider buying a used version. This is a good lens, and holds its value well, so even good condition new ones run between $1100 & $1200. I'm wondering how anyone here has gone about buying such an expensive lens, site unseen? It's not like buying a vintage lens off of eBay for $50, that's a good sum of money. Are there reputable 2nd hand lens dealers online? So far all I've found is Amazon's Marketplace, with people reselling their lens. I haven't looked into Amazons policys yet, but will for sure if I decide to go this route. I don't have a problem paying for a new lens, in fact I prefer it, just none to be had. I've been watching the usual retail sites for a few months, and even inquired at a local camera shop, if they knew when they would have them back in stock. No one seems to know. Has your experiences been positive going this route? Negative? Thanks for the feedback Jeff

January 18th, 2012, 08:31 AM	#2
Stephen Mick Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 167	Re: Buying used lens over the Internet Check out the Fred Miranda Buy/Sell Marketplace… Buy & Sell Photo-Gear - FM Forums

January 18th, 2012, 09:40 AM	#3
Dylan Couper Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 8,314	Re: Buying used lens over the Internet keh.com is the best place for used glass. B&H is good but 1/50th the selection of keh. FM is ok, but I hate their email signup policy. __________________ Need to rent camera gear in Vancouver BC? Check me out at camerarentalsvancouver.com

January 18th, 2012, 09:59 PM	#4
Sareesh Sudhakaran Trustee Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Mumbai, India Posts: 1,385	Re: Buying used lens over the Internet +1 for keh.com __________________ Get the Free Comprehensive Guide to Rigging ANY Camera - one guide to rig them all - DSLRs to the Arri Alexa.

January 18th, 2012, 11:02 PM	#5
Jim Andrada Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Tucson AZ Posts: 2,211	Re: Buying used lens over the Internet +2 for KEH