Since I'm fairly new to the photography game, I was wondering if anyone knew what I should look for when buying used lenses. I've found a lot of sweet deals on Clist and Ebay and Amazon for used lenses but I worry I'm going to get ripped off. Clist I obviously can meet the people, so what would I look for in the lens with those folks.
I bought a used lens off ebay but didn't research it first. The listing said the auto focus didn't work which for the price to me wasn't a problem as I like using manual anyway. Only thing I would say I didn't research compatibilty enough. I stupidly assumed that if it fitted a 400d then it would fit a 450d. It does fit and work on my 450d but I can't make the f stops narrow. I read up on this later on and it's a common problem mainly because the lens is older than the camera. Apart from that it is a great working lens and I love it. I also only buy ffrom people with high feedbacks too.
Sorry not that great info but thought I'd just share anyway. I wouldn't stop buying, I would use ebay again but do more research beforehand next time.
Depends a lot on what you want to use the lens for!
If you're into candid photography you'll want a good telephoto (I have a 70-200 that does well for that). If you have an artistic bent you'll probably want a good amount of background blur (Depth of Field or DoF), so I'd go for a 50mm f1.8 - it's only AU$125 new.
I buy heaps off ebay but big dollar items or anything easily damaged..its a risk..
As Kirsty said...read the sale details really well and dont take the sellers word for it that the lens they are selling will do what you want. Research it yourself.
Also, contact the seller. Ask specific questions about the condition of the lens especially if there is not much detail on the listing...
Make them put in writing / email that there are no scratches anywhere that would be a problem and that everything works smoothly.
You could ask them to email your more photos if they only posted one or if they posted an ad photo on the listing
Confirm with them that something being sold as Canon is authentic and not a knock off
Request that its well packed and delivered registered post. Less chance of getting 'lost in the mail' or damaged.
For alot of electrical and camera type gear, especially if ive paid more than say $100, I try to order within Australia. Makes it easier for returns if needed.
Check it when it arrives and dont be afraid to contact the seller with any issues and you do have some recourse through eBay if you do have a problem.
Most of my lenses were bought used, but I personally wouldn't buy from eBay unless it's an inexpensive lens to begin with. Instead, I joined and always keep an eye out on the photography forums out there where they usually have a for sale section. A lot of times people selling will have been members for years, have a solid reputation, and aren't in the business to try to screw anybody out of a few bucks and put all of that at risk. Plus, that's where a lot of professional photographers hang out and they tend to take care of their gear. And because they are established members on the site you can easily go back and search the forums for how they interact with people, see pictures they have taken with the lens, see if then own a business, etc. So you really get to "know" the person as opposed to some faceless entity on a site like ebay or CL.
The last few lenses I bought this way were from seasoned pros for a good price and the lenses were immaculate. I've spent thousands on gear this way and don't hesitate to keep doing it that way and now don't even bother with other sites. The signal to noise ratio is just too great to waste my time.
It's a huge forum and there are dozens of items being listed for sale every day. There are a few restrictions for the buy/sell forum like being a member of the site for a while, having a certain number of posts, etc. So I'd recommend at least signing up and poking around.
Just have to warn you that the whole site is addicting. I hang out there all day reading up on reviews, chatting with fellow 550D owners, looking at the thousands of photos being posted, etc.
@marubozo awesome thanks. @brumbe yea I ended up seeing people posting things such as "not for large format cameras" and such. I assume that's what you mean?
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Sorry not that great info but thought I'd just share anyway. I wouldn't stop buying, I would use ebay again but do more research beforehand next time.
If you're into candid photography you'll want a good telephoto (I have a 70-200 that does well for that). If you have an artistic bent you'll probably want a good amount of background blur (Depth of Field or DoF), so I'd go for a 50mm f1.8 - it's only AU$125 new.
Are you running Canon or Nikon gear?
As Kirsty said...read the sale details really well and dont take the sellers word for it that the lens they are selling will do what you want. Research it yourself.
Also, contact the seller. Ask specific questions about the condition of the lens especially if there is not much detail on the listing...
Make them put in writing / email that there are no scratches anywhere that would be a problem and that everything works smoothly.
You could ask them to email your more photos if they only posted one or if they posted an ad photo on the listing
Confirm with them that something being sold as Canon is authentic and not a knock off
Request that its well packed and delivered registered post. Less chance of getting 'lost in the mail' or damaged.
For alot of electrical and camera type gear, especially if ive paid more than say $100, I try to order within Australia. Makes it easier for returns if needed.
Check it when it arrives and dont be afraid to contact the seller with any issues and you do have some recourse through eBay if you do have a problem.
The last few lenses I bought this way were from seasoned pros for a good price and the lenses were immaculate. I've spent thousands on gear this way and don't hesitate to keep doing it that way and now don't even bother with other sites. The signal to noise ratio is just too great to waste my time.
@marubozo any forums you can recommend?
It's a huge forum and there are dozens of items being listed for sale every day. There are a few restrictions for the buy/sell forum like being a member of the site for a while, having a certain number of posts, etc. So I'd recommend at least signing up and poking around.
Just have to warn you that the whole site is addicting. I hang out there all day reading up on reviews, chatting with fellow 550D owners, looking at the thousands of photos being posted, etc.
@brumbe yea I ended up seeing people posting things such as "not for large format cameras" and such. I assume that's what you mean?