11 replies to this topic

[Shadillac]

Where do you guys buy your lenses from? Im looking to purchase a couple and was going to go look see if I could find a good used one first.  I have been searching Ebay but did not know who to trust.

[Merco_61]

Keh and B&H both have a stellar reputation. Keh tend to estimate condition conservatively, so their EX is equal to EX+ from most other dealers.

[Shadillac]

Keh and B&H both have a stellar reputation. Keh tend to estimate condition conservatively, so their EX is equal to EX+ from most other dealers.

Merco, Do you recommend having a lens with vibration control on it?

[Merco_61]

That depends... If you shoot mainly fast-moving sports etc, VR won't help as you will get motion blur at exposure times where the VR is useful. On the other hand, VR can make some difficult shots easier to achieve.

[Shadillac]

That depends... If you shoot mainly fast-moving sports etc, VR won't help as you will get motion blur at exposure times where the VR is useful. On the other hand, VR can make some difficult shots easier to achieve.

Gotcha,  I just didn't know if the price difference in the 70-200/2.8 VR was worth it or not.  I have found some Tamron lenses for around $900 for the 70-200/2.8 lens.  I do shoot some indoor sports but mainly just mess around with snap shots and portraits

[Merco_61]

The old Tamron without VC is one of the last before they started doing things right and compete on quality with the camera manufacturers. It is a much worse lens than the VC version.

[Wayben]

I would list Roberts Camera as a place for used equipment.  They don't grade as conservatively as KEH, but I've gotten some nice equipment from them.

[Dogbytes]

I tend to buy from ebay and just rely on feedback scores, the info provided and common sense. I find most people very reasonable . If I'm selling a lens I try to be completely honest and treat others as I would expect to be treated. Never had a problem yet.

[Brian]

I've bought from KEH without hesitation since 1990. They have a no-nonsense return policy.

 

Ebay: I tend to buy manual focus lenses, Roberts and Joshua Cohen have been good. The latter: I've bought mostly 1950s RF lenses, even some 1940s from him: all better than described. I figure if someone can sell something 60 years old, they can probably be trusted for newer stuff as well.

[nikdood17]

I recently bought a used Sigma macro lens from KEH marked UG (ugly). I was astounded at the fine condition the lens was in. There was one little piece of dirt or something in one spot. I flicked it off with my fingernail and then I had a lens that looked pretty much brand new.

[Tony]

Have you thought about giving Amazon.com a try?  I have never had any problems with anything I've purchased there.

 

Tony

[Del g]

I only use B and H, I just got a used D7200 from them, and it is great.