I see people selling lenses on ebay and craigslist within 10% of the B&H price all the time (sometimes 10% over). Personally, I
I see people selling lenses on ebay and craigslist within 10% of the B&H price all the time (sometimes 10% over). Personally, I
Originally Posted by ddt0725
I've had pretty good luck with Tamron. I sold one for $80 more than I bought it for in less than a year. The more expensive Canon lens...not so good luck.
Words get in the way of what I meant to say.
Another way to look at it, even if I take a hit ...it still is much, much cheaper than if I would have rented the lenses!
That's why I never rent, and I really don't see the point of doing so just to try out a lens (although something like renting a supertele for a trip, or an MP-E 65mm for a specific project, etc., makes a lot of sense). Personally, if I want to try out a lens, I buy a used copy. Like Daniel, I never pay more than 70% of the cost of a new copy, that way if it's not the lens I want long-term, I essentially break even on the re-sale (I've resold some for a profit, others for a loss, but it has pretty much balanced out). Renting for 4 days or a week may not enough time to thoroughly evaluate a lens, anyway.
That's why I never rent, and I really don't see the point of doing so just to try out a lens (although something like renting a supertele for a trip, or an MP-E 65mm for a specific project, etc., makes a lot of sense).
I still think this is a theory for wealthy people and so I cannot take the same conclusion. I think renting sometimes is the best option you have. Else...just deal with the lenses you have. However I must also say that I never rented longer than a weekend.
Anyway, it's normal to lose 25-30 percent of the new-price. And if you sell it to a store it might be even worse. I have sold my 17-55 back then with 25% loss exactly. Lens was only a half year old or so. If I had sold it 3 years later, it would probably be about as much loss. So I guess that's where the statement: glass holds value comes from. Long-term value... And honestly on a camera body you could take a much bigger hit than 30 percent...
One more thing though. If you don't really need to sell the lens right away. Wait for spring/summer. Lens-prices in stores go up then and you could also expect a better salevalue then. However buying something obviously would also cost more [:P]
Oh before I forget, I think all lenses go up in price in februari? Wait for that to happen and then try to sell your lens. It might be worth the wait.
Good luck!
Jan
That's why I never rent, and I really don't see the point of doing so just to try out a lens (although something like renting a supertele for a trip, or an MP-E 65mm for a specific project, etc., makes a lot of sense).
I still think this is a theory for wealthy people and so I cannot take the same conclusion. I think renting sometimes is the best option you have. Else...just deal with the lenses you have. However I must also say that I never rented longer than a weekend.
This is why I love the Bill Me Later gig. I buy a lens use it for 5 1/2 months, if I find I use it a lot, I keep it. If I don't think it is worthwhile I sell it before the interest free period is up. Like now my 6 months is up on my 50L but I love it and it has replaced my 35L in function. So the 35 will go to cover most of the price of the 50 and all will be right in my universe.
I just checked completed listings on ebay for the 17-55 and prices ranged from $700 to $1300, but I
Now THAT'S what I'm talking about! [] Granted, you subtract ebay & paypal fees and your getting down there but at least still ahead of what some other alternatives are.
I sold my 3 year old 17-55mm on ebay for $900 on ebay. If I were to take it to a camera store, I
I watch three local Craiglists pretty regularly, and it
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