New Vs Used Lenses

[lightinsky]

One quick question: What's the take on new vs used lens??? I've heard that used lens are as good as new ones as long as the optical elements are ok...

Would a used lens or a REFURBISHED one sold by reputable stores like B&H be trustworthy?? comes with 90 days warranty.

And what are the common failure of lenses??? talking about zoom lens here. Would the likelihood of failure be higher after being refurbished??:confused: :confused: :confused:

[Kellie]

I hate to see threads disappear into cyberspace without a reply. LOL

My only experience with a used lens wasn't so great. I had a used 18-70mm and it worked well for a little while and then seemed to have issues focusing. I bought it from a reputable local dealer, so it was easy to return. I would buy used again from that dealer because of their satisfaction guarantee and wonderful return policy.

I know nothing about the life of a lens after being refurbished, but I probably wouldn't hesitate to buy one from a reputable place like B&H if it meant a significant savings.

My advice is to study the return/exchange policy and if you feel that it is acceptable, go ahead and buy used or refurbished. :)

[wh0128]

I'd say if you were to buy it from B&H keep an eye on the Item Condition and read what the numbers mean for that rating. For me I wouldn't buy anything lower than an 8.

Usually if a lens breaks, you can send it into the camera company factory to have it repaired if it is under warranty. IF that is the case, you shouldn't be so skeptical.

[shoeytennis]

ive bought nikkors from the early 80's and there still amazing, depend son where you get them from.

[T06]

:( ..... fungus. With a return policy no worries. Lenses with the old fungi in them don't do too good.:(

[Daubs]

Anyone every buy lens off ebay?

[lightinsky]

Kellie, thanks for your support!!! thought I was talking nonsense for a while... when no one responded... :D :D :D

T06, how do you tell if there's fungus??? look at it under the light??? and if you were online, you couldn't possibly check it right???

Sorry, Daubs... never bought one from ebay... but I wouldn't want to risk a couple of hundred of dollars on something I don;t feel confident about... its hit or miss... I've gotten some great stuff... (though no camera/lenses) from ebay... but the uncertainty is always there...

[britkev]

Having made the mistake of buying my D50 as the cheap kit with 28-80mm lens (nothing horribly wrong with it for the price, but 28mm is just not wide enough on a digital body) I bought a refurb 18-55mm from Cameta on eBay and have been very happy with it.

[LR Max]

I have bought used lenses from other photographers. They want to sell because they've moved up to better equipment (fair enough). So I picked up their equipment at fair market price which was good for them and good for me.

Everytime I got a good piece of equipment. Everything worked perfectly with no regrets.

The MAIN killer of lenses is external forces. I.E. getting dropped, run over, kicked, thrown off cliff, etc. So a refurb lense is most likely a lense that got dropped or something along those lines.

Refurb equipment can be just as excellent as new equipment. My D70s is a refurb and it works flawlessly.

I think buying used equipment is great. Its cheaper and works just as good.