70-200 2.8 IS from 2003

Looking to buy a 70-200 2.8 IS. The price seems to have gone up quite a bit recently, making me look to Ebay. A person has one on auction for buy it now price of $1599.95. Not a bad price, right? then he says it's in pristine condition...cool! The only thing is this...it has a date code of UR, which means it was manufactured in 2003!!! He bought it in 2004. Is he smoking crack, or am I?? Does this lens hold its value that well? Have the optics changed at all in the last 5-6 yrs? Please let me know your knowledge or opinions. thanks very much in advance, Gregg.

Something like that I'd want to take a few shots on a FF body before spending that much sight unseen.


Nnew glass price should drop to ~$1650 come September ( canonrumors.com ).

15% off for a 5-year old lens? I wouldn't pay that much for a 5 *month* old lens. (Unless it was a manual focus only lens.) As for value, a thing is worth whatever someone will pay for it.

that's what I thought too. thanks for the input, gentlemen.

What would be a fair price for this lens in "excellent" condition?

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Originally Posted by Triple Black 88

What would be a fair price for this lens in "excellent" condition?
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It's different for everyone. On e-bay, they sell for more than they cost brand new. On Craigslist, usually ~10% off. For you, a fair price is whatever you are willing to pay for it.


Personally, I would want 30-40% off to persuade me from just buying new. The I.S. will start to die eventually. With a heavily used lens it will be sooner than one that is only seeing action for a few hours a week. If I knew for certain (somehow) that the lens was well cared for (perfect collimation), and used only lightly, then I would buy it for 15-20% off.

I think the person is asking too much if the lens is 6 years old. Most of the camera shops in Asia would take 20% off the original price if you trade a one - two year old lens then purchase a new one. The lens does hold it's value.

The best way to find out what You should pay is to find out, what others got for their lenses at eBay. If the price is not higher than what You can get if You resale the lens (and the lens is in good condition), I would have no problem to buy it!