Used lens advice

[viewfinder]

I have an opportunity to buy a "open box" Canon 70-200mm non IS version at a pretty good price from a store that is part of a National chain of stores and I'm just wondering if there are things I should be looking for to indicate if there is something defective regarding the operation of the lens.


I checked the front of the lens for scratches and didn't notice any but, there were some pretty good smudge marks on the glass and that's got me wondering how well this lens was looked after.
The sales guy told me that the customer returned the lens because he(customer) thought he was buying the IS version.
Either that's not the real reason or the person buying the lens thought he must have been getting one heck of a deal regarding the cost difference between the IS and non IS version.

Sales guy couldn't offer any more history of the lens but, tells me that it would be sold with full warranty.
He will sell it for $90 less than the current sale price.

[D Thompson]

...there were some pretty good smudge marks on the glass
Probably just fingerprints, will they clean up?

....tells me that it would be sold with full warranty.
Then there shouldn't be anything to worry about.

[TenD]

B&H has that lens for $1220, if the price is around that, I would go with the new one from B&H. Used is a great option, though, and if the price is right, and they offer a return policy, I would have no problem with buying the lens. Every lens in my bag is used, I have no problem buying used. I've also bought every one of my used lenses online. I've yet to have a problem.

[Mark_48]

Or a refurb from Adorama with a 1 year warranty through Adorama...

70-200 f/2.8 $1099.95 Free shipping
http://www.adorama.com/CA70200AFLR.html?searchinfo=refurbished

70-200 f/4 $589.95 Free shipping
http://www.adorama.com/CA702004AFUR.html?searchinfo=refurbished

You didn't say which lens it was or the price. Presuming your not in a state where Adorama operates, you save sales tax as well.

I've bought several refurbs that look like new and worked great.

[photograham]

http://www.adsoluble.com/user/2/N.gifI'd agree with Mark 48 adorama is the best for this kind of stuff

[HelenOster]

http://www.adsoluble.com/user/2/N.gifI'd agree with Mark 48 adorama is the best for this kind of stuff

Thank you!:)

[michaelb]

Or a refurb from Adorama with a 1 year warranty through Adorama...

70-200 f/2.8 $1099.95 Free shipping
http://www.adorama.com/CA70200AFLR.html?searchinfo=refurbished

70-200 f/4 $589.95 Free shipping
http://www.adorama.com/CA702004AFUR.html?searchinfo=refurbished

You didn't say which lens it was or the price. Presuming your not in a state where Adorama operates, you save sales tax as well.

I've bought several refurbs that look like new and worked great.

Ditto. Refurbs are a great deal and come with a 1yr warranty from Adorama.

For used stuff I buy almost all my gear on FM or POTN. FM is really nice because there is an easy to understand feedback rating system and I trust buying from members in good standing there much more than somewhere like ebay.

[viewfinder]

You didn't say which lens it was or the price.

The lens is the f/4 non IS version.
It was returned by a customer that bought the wrong version of what he meant to buy.

Decided to take a chance and bought the lens yesterday.
Other than the kit lens that came with my camera, this is only the second DSLR lens I have so, I assume it's working as it should.
Smudge marks were cleaned off and the lens appears to be scratch free.

Now, just need some nice weather to get outside to take some pictures.