I want to buy a lens on ebay and I have a question for those of you who have more experience with purchasing photography gear there or on similar sites:
What do I need to watch out for to make sure I get what I think I'm getting (besides the seller's reviews)?
Are there details of the lens or the box or the wording that can indicate an off-quality item?
I'm just after a cheap zoom this time, but I'd like to feel confident about it, and to use your tips in the future as well.
Thanks!
A safer route to be might be going to a camera store and buying used...then you can try it out for a week and take it back if it's faulty. Just bought a used lens that way.
@bsheppard check out camera shop websites and online stores used equipment. Loads of good quality stuff out there to be had at sensible money without the risk, if your not fully confident of what your buying. A lot of equipment especially lenses have very similar sounding specs but there is a world of difference in quality. I bought my camera and lenses second hand for half the price of new.
@bsheppard For what its worth, I bought my D3100 on ebay. It does need a proper internal clean which I still haven't got round to doing, but the seller was upfront about that. he had a good feedback record, and was a private individual selling because he was upgrading. I got a bargain, with a macro lens, bag and tripod thrown in; all arrived as expected. There would have been protection from my card and from ebay itself if there had been a problem. I'd say check the seller out carefully as far as possible, even try and email them or speak to them before bidding. If you are nervous about ebay per se then look elsewhere. I don't think you necessarily get good value from the trade sellers on ebay!
I bought my current camera (Sony A-65) and a couple lens (50mm prime, an 18-250mm) all on eBay. I'm 100% satisfied with all transactions. I definitely looked at the sellers' reviews and feedback, and I also looked for sellers who offered that merchandise could be returned if not satisfied. I also looked for sellers who posted photos of the actual items they were selling, not catalog shots that they grabbed from a camera store's or camera company's website.
The only thing I found annoying at all, and it didn't matter, really, was that the camera (body only) was sent packed in bubble wrap and padded envelope, no original box or cardboard carton. But it was fine and works perfectly, no worse for the questionable packing material.
Look for the star rating, and buy only from those with a high (98%?) favorable rating, and a high number of transactions. I have only had good experiences on eBay for photo items. Look at the return policy too. Good luck. amazon.com too has excellent support, return policies, vendor support and prices. Look for used and refurbished there too.
I bought a 1970s/80s film camera (Nikon EM) on there... I own one just like it and wanted one for my niece who is obsessed with shooting film....like the "old days." The seller lied about the state of the camera. Said it worked fine but he just got a new one and was selling this one. The strap was this cool 1970s retro strap and she loves it, but it had rust on it...and that is never a good sign. The shutter button was "frozen" with rust. I got it working but then it wanted to come off... I think a spring got busted when I freed the button. The focus screen was covered in black foam that was shredding,but I opened it up, cleaned it, and closed it again. She has shot with it ...finally lost the shutter button. But she did not want to return it. So...buyer beware. People do lie on there!
I've purchased camera equipment from ebay and rely on ratings, reviews, and the ability to return a faulty product. I've been pleased with everything from the (relatively) inexpensive 70-300mm purchased as gifts to the (not-so) inexpensive 70-200L I use on my current camera as well as some other accessories. I've not had any "bad" luck.
Before I purchase, I also do a quick browser search to make sure I have a good understanding of pricing, in general. Sometimes, those searches lead me to other sites - camera shops - that have refurbished equipment they sell. Adorama and B&H, for example, both have used equipment. I've had good luck with both of those, too.
I've had two friends buy from online private sources. Both got screaming good deals on very expensive equipment, such as a Canon lens worth 10 thousand dollars new for almost half price in pristine condition. Formerly owned by famous photographer who took excellent care of it, or else hardly used it. Good luck
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Ooh that's a great idea, Amanda!
Might have to live in a larger town, though... I'll look into it.
thanks :-)
The only thing I found annoying at all, and it didn't matter, really, was that the camera (body only) was sent packed in bubble wrap and padded envelope, no original box or cardboard carton. But it was fine and works perfectly, no worse for the questionable packing material.
Before I purchase, I also do a quick browser search to make sure I have a good understanding of pricing, in general. Sometimes, those searches lead me to other sites - camera shops - that have refurbished equipment they sell. Adorama and B&H, for example, both have used equipment. I've had good luck with both of those, too.