Buying used lenses from eBay?

5 years 2 months ago #626037 by Barbara Fite
Anyone buy used lenses or any camera gear from people on Ebay?  I found some deals that I'm interested in, just not sure as I've not bought anything from ebay relating to camera gear.  

Thanks for your input 


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5 years 2 months ago #626042 by Screamin Scott
I’ve bought lots of used gear off of eBay. Only a couple of problems but they were mostly my fault. Just do due diligence and ask questions and look at the sellers pics and rating.

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

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5 years 2 months ago #626045 by garyrhook
The only new lens I've purchased was a LensBaby Velvet 85 because you can't find them used. Otherwise, I love eBay, and it's possible to find great deals.

You have to be smart. There are plenty of folks that use eBay for business, and they're not out to screw someone out of a few hundred dollars. One major negative mark and their reputation would be sorely tarnished. So buy from folks with a long, proven transaction history. Either business or personal, doesn't matter. Look closely at the offered lens, especially the condition of the exterior and the coatings. That will tell you a lot about how it was (ab)used. Look at completed sales to get an idea of prices.

I've had good luck, with only one failure. A 20mm lens looked fantastic in the photos, and bought it. It came from Japan, and when I tried it, I found it was hazy. That's a problem you can't fix without taking the lens apart, so I contacted the seller, who took it back (paid for shipping) no problem. Didn't have another one, so I decided to try again later.

Another transaction resulted in my being sent the wrong lens (was supposed to include the original box). I got a $50 rebate, and the lens is great.

So: think, pay attention, when in doubt, move on to the next offer.


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5 years 2 months ago #626047 by Screamin Scott
Pay close attention to negative feedback. I have found that some wasn't warranted. For instance, claiming that a lens didn't have a certain feature when a check of the lens features on review sites notes that it didn't come with that feature...

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

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5 years 2 months ago #626065 by Barbara Fite
Now do all purchases have buyer protection part from eBay? 

BTW thank you!


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5 years 2 months ago #626067 by garyrhook

Barbara Fite wrote: Now do all purchases have buyer protection part from eBay? 

BTW thank you!


You'd have to check with eBay on that. I have no idea, and enter into auctions with an "as-is" attitude. I think if anyone needs guarantees, they should buy new/refurb or through a more traditional used product reseller like KEH.


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5 years 2 months ago #626172 by fmw
I would suggest that you limit your Ebay lens purchases to American sellers.  You are likely to be pleased with the results.  I can't tell you how many used pieces of gear I've bought on Ebay that looked and performed like brand new.  I got a bad lens from a seller in Spain once and I got a zoom lens with a broken aperture ring from a dealer on ebay.  Otherwise, the results have been excellent.


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5 years 2 months ago #627152 by Nikon Shooter
I will be working with any chosen lens for years and rely 
on its performance. That makes any investments in this
direction a very pointy and intimate thing that I can take
to proper end in a very personal way. I only do "hands on
eye in" appreciations and purchases.

Light is free… capturing it is not!
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5 years 2 months ago #627253 by Kelly Lambert
Just make sure the seller has good reputation.  Simple as that. 

Nikon D700: 50mm, 14-24mm, 85mm, 105mm 70-200mm, 150-500mm (Sigma), SB-900
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