Used and Refurbished Lenses and Cameras

[twistedphrame]

Hey all,


This is mostly for my information once I get around to having money again (just bought my first 'big boy' lens and wont be working till august since I'm at college and then in Russia for 2 months) but I've been looking around at the next few upgrades I want, a few new L lenses, new body etc. What I wanted to know what sort of quality/reliability are you getting with the average used or refurbished gear?


What it comes down to if I'm still spending thousands of dollars on equipment either way I'd be more comfortable spending the extra few hundred or a thousand bucks for something that I know will work for quite some time.


~Jordan

[Justin Stone]

I've never bought refurbished, but most of my lenses I've bought used. Why? Because lenses retain their value remarkably well unlike most other consumer goods like cars and computers etc. But like a new car off the lot, lenses do lose 10-15% of their value immediately. I don't like the idea of losing that much right away. I trust in Canon's quality and product.


Here is my process: I generally decide what lens I want. Decide on a price range, then hunt buy/sell forums for a few days (sometimes weeks) looking for a lens from an a) reputable seller with feedback, b) that is relatively new like less than 1 year old, c) that has been photographed well by the seller and shows no wear, d) that includes all the packaging materials, e) that may come with a few freebies like hoods and filter, f) when less than a year old I ask for the sales receipt and warranty card and the word of the seller that if the lens should have troubles he or she will help me with the warranty information, g) that has only had one owner. That's a lot I know, but I find that sellers who are conscientious enough to be able to provide all those things are remarkably good at taking care of their gear and honest people who want to maintain their investment and help another hobbiest like myself.

[Justin Stone]

One other thing, in case you hadn't noticed, this process takes some time. I however enjoy it. You may not enjoy hunting and find that your time is worth 10-15%, as well as the peace of mind you get with a full 1 year warranty. For me it allows me to communicate with sellers about what it is they used the lens for and what they feel the strengths and weaknsesses of the lens are. But, again, that may be just me.

[Ozimax]

I bought a new 70-200 F2.8 IS lens, found it wasn't sharp and sold it. I then purchased a refurbished 70-200 F2.8 non IS from Adorama, and it was perfect in every respect. Saved some dough too. Thoroughly recommended.

[HelenOster]

<span style="font-size: 11pt; color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"]Thank you for the recommendation for buying refurbished from Adorama Camera - very much appreciated.<o></o>


<span style="font-size: 11pt; color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"]Sincerely<span style="font-size: 11pt; color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"]<o></o>


<span style="font-size: 11pt; color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"]Helen Oster
Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador<o></o>


<st1ersonname w:st="on"]<span style="font-size: 11pt; color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"]helen.oster@adoramacamera.com</st1ersonname><span style="font-size: 11pt; color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"]<o></o>


<span style="font-size: 11pt; color: blue; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"]www.adoramacamera.com<o></o>

[Ehcalum]

KEH, Adorama are good choices. Both will also buy your gear and offer trade-ins.

[Kyle Webb]

Helen,


I just bought a new 1D Mark III from Adorama, recieved it 2 days ago. The camera is wonderful, thank you for your price and service. I have had nothing but good experiences over the years with Adorama.


Kyle

[HelenOster]

I bought a new 70-200 F2.8 IS lens, found it wasn't sharp and sold it. I then purchased a refurbished 70-200 F2.8 non IS from Adorama, and it was perfect in every respect. Saved some dough too. Thoroughly recommended.
<div style="CLEAR: both"]</div>

<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"]<span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;"]Many thanks for the recommendation for Adorama - very much appreciated.
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"]<o><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;"]</o>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"]<span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;"]I do hope we can continue to offer you great service - but do let us know if there is anything we at Adorama Camera or at AdoramaPix could do to make your shopping experience even better!
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"]<o><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;"]</o>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"]<span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;"]Sincerely
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"]<o><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;"]</o>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"]<span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;"]Helen Oster
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"]<span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;"]Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"]<st1ersonname w:st="on"]<span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;"]helen.oster@adoramacamera.com</st1ersonname>
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"]<span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;"]www.adorama.com
<p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"]<o><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;"]</o>

[Ifmracing]

I've purchased both my bodies used.


My 20D I got when it was still quite new, from the local camera store. This one I was able to see, hear the story, etc.
My 1DmkII I just purchsed off eBay. It had a very thorough description and lots of pictures and turned out just as good as expected.


As far as lenses, I usually browse the forums for stuff, but so far have ended up buying new, usually on Canon's rebate list. In this way the prices sometimes are so close to what they sell for used that it's just not worth it in my mind to buy a used one.


But, I did just pick up a refurb 50 1.8 from Adorama, it's currently in transit. I generally wouldnt be afraid ofa refurb product as like mentioned, they are quality tested before being re-sold.


Heck, the laptop that I'm using is a Dell factory refurb, works like new, looks like new, saved big $$.

[HelenOster]

I bought a new 70-200 F2.8 IS lens, found it wasn't sharp and sold it. I then purchased a refurbished 70-200 F2.8 non IS from Adorama, and it was perfect in every respect. Saved some dough too. Thoroughly recommended.
<div style="CLEAR: both"]</div>

Thanks so much for posting about your recent excellent experience purchasing refurbished (recertified) from Adorama Camera.


At Adorama we aim to provide competive pricing andthe highest qualityproducts alongside excellence in customer service; nevertheless,it is really appreciated when our customers can spare the time to let us (and others) know that we are getting it right!





<span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"]Sincerely


<span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"]Helen <span class="goog-spellcheck-word"]Oster
<span class="goog-spellcheck-word"]Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador


<span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"]helen.oster@adoramacamera.com<span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"]


<span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"]www.adorama.com