How much do used lenses like the 70-200VR typically go for? As I understand it, there is no warranty on second-hand lenses and Nikon service is expensive. That might be a risky proposition with a complex lens like the VR stuff.
What kind of pricing on used lenses would get you to forgo the Nikon warranty?
depends on how bad you want the lens and if you can actually see/use it before you pay for it.
really an open-ended question with no firm answer.
I recently paid $150 for a used 85mm f/2 manual focus/manual aperture lens becuase I could use it first and it was optically sharp, mint condition, and exactly what I wanted. Other folks probably wouldn't touch it for $50, someone (not me) might have paid $200 for it.
I have a 70-200 VR and love it. Paying $1600 new for it choked me, though....to the point where I am very careful about using it, which somewhat obviates the reason for buying it. I have seen these used for $1200 - $1400 and wouldn't touch them, simply too much money to give up the 5 year warranty. For $1000 I might, IF I could use it first to check it out. Problem with this lens (and the 200 f2 and the 300 f2.8) is that it is in such short supply that folks are chasing them regardless of cost.
KEH and others selling used lenses include a 15 day (usually) return policy. Glass does not fail unless it breaks. Other parts, like VR and focus systems are subject to the "fickle finger of fate" in that they may fail anytime, or may go on for a lifetime of flawless service.
Just start watching prices at KEH and ebay (completedlistings) and the buy and sell forum on this site.
Thanks for the replies. So is $1400 for the 70-200VR a good deal if the glass is in pristine condition? How about $1400 for a used, also pristine copy of the 24-70/2.8?
KEH will sell warranty/service agreements with high end equip. Ya gotta ask
about it, but they have a very big repair presence and do a lot in house.
runamuck wrote:
KEH and others selling used lenses include a 15 day (usually) return policy. Glass does not fail unless it breaks. Other parts, like VR and focus systems are subject to the "fickle finger of fate" in that they may fail anytime, or may go on for a lifetime of flawless service.
Just start watching prices at KEH and ebay (completedlistings) and the buy and sell forum on this site.
The only lens I have purchased used is my 600mm and a Micro 105 ....... and both were reallllllllly discounted, but unbelievably they were also in this lil town I live in so I was able to shoot and look at my photos on my computer before buying, so I knew exactly what I was getting.
My opinoin is that folks want dang near what they have paid for the lens when they sell it, and that's their business ..... but I'm haven't been interested in any lens that isn't discounted at least 25% - and now there isn't any lens I need.
I think the warranty of a new lens is a great safety net versus saving 150 bucks ..
Seems photogs are exempt from the economy / housing slump / layoffs / floods / fires ...... everybody seems to be buying buying buying and you don't really see very good / logical prices on used equipment.
cbrandt wrote:
The only lens I have purchased used is my 600mm and a Micro 105 ....... and both were reallllllllly discounted, but unbelievably they were also in this lil town I live in so I was able to shoot and look at my photos on my computer before buying, so I knew exactly what I was getting.
My opinoin is that folks want dang near what they have paid for the lens when they sell it, and that's their business ..... but I'm haven't been interested in any lens that isn't discounted at least 25% - and now there isn't any lens I need.
I think the warranty of a new lens is a great safety net versus saving 150 bucks ..
Seems photogs are exempt from the economy / housing slump / layoffs / floods / fires ...... everybody seems to be buying buying buying and you don't really see very good / logical prices on used equipment.
cbrandt wrote:
I think the warranty of a new lens is a great safety net versus saving 150 bucks ..
+1 Saving $50-150 bucks on a $1k lens isn't worth not getting the warranty, it's silliness but it happens all the time.
$1400 for a pristine 70-200VR is a good price. That saves you almost $500 and gives you a lens you can use now.
I've had great luck with Keh.com and ebay, you just have to be very careful and bargain shop on ebay. Pawn shops used to be awesome, but the internet has spoiled them and the look up all their gear and overprice it.
I agree butchM on the depreciation of the bodies .. I have in fact purchased a used D70 from Cameta, and also one from a guy at work who I work with, so got great prices and the one from a co worker with a 18-70 kit had less than a 1000 shots on it .. These two bodies are like brand new !! My D80 and D300 are both at Nikon in the shop at this moment, so will be going out tomorrow with a D50 on my 600mm and D70 bodies on a 70-200mm VR and 80-400mm VR. They are GREAT cameras !!
JammyS I should clarify that I wasn't thinking of good companies like KEH, Cameta, and others who give like 90 day warranties (?), but of individual photogs when selling gear.
I haven't bought anything I ever plan to sell. All my gear ( insured at cost which is presently 18K ) goes to my grand daughter. Way to much for a hobbyist in 3 years.
I buy manual primes and cheap af-d lenses on ebay and from local stores. On a 1,700 lens though I would want the 5 year warranty more than the couple hundred dollars savings.
I don't buy bodies used either but thats just me...
