I have the opportunuity to buy a 400 mm 2.8 Series II Canon lens....perfect glass and good body with some marks around the mount. I haven't seen anything but pictures but I am driving to see it tomorrow. I've never had a long telephoto lens like this. It doesn't say IS in the ad so I am assuming it is an older model. Will Canon still work on this and given the condition, what do you think it is worth. I'm guessing an 8 out of 10 condition wise. He is asking $2000 for it. Is this a good deal?
WestFalcon wrote:
I have the opportunuity to buy a 400 mm 2.8 Series II Canon lens....perfect glass and good body with some marks around the mount. I haven't seen anything but pictures but I am driving to see it tomorrow. I've never had a long telephoto lens like this. It doesn't say IS in the ad so I am assuming it is an older model. Will Canon still work on this and given the condition, what do you think it is worth. I'm guessing an 8 out of 10 condition wise. He is asking $2000 for it. Is this a good deal?
As far as I know there are 3 different versions of the Canon 400 2.8 lens. First is version 1.By my research not the best performer. Second is version 2, better performer. Third one is version 3 and is the only one with IS. It sounds like you are looking at version 2, non IS. I do not believe Canon will work on it. However, there are some smaller independents that will repair it. As for the $2,000 price, that sounds very low. I have seen two different ones that are going for $3,899 and $3,999. The version 1 may go that low, but again that is also somewhat low for that lens and condition. Do your homework.
You can check www.keh.com for prices on used 400 lens, but I'm thinking $2,000 is almost to good to be true. Here is a thread from sports shooters about the difference between the different 400 lens and others, http://www.sportsshooter.com/message_display.html?tid=35356
WestFalcon wrote:
...He is asking $2000 for it. Is this a good deal?
It sounds like a great deal, assuming everything works right and the glass is clear, clean (except for light dust), and unmarked. Current eBay prices for the 400/2.8L II are about $3650 [E] to [E+] and $4530 [M-], and only $400 to $600 less for the Mark I version. The www.keh.com current listings go from $3650 for [BGN] $4650 for [E]. I suspect the one you're describing has some cosmetic issues (like a BGN from KEH), but if that's all, then you're in a good position to get a fantastic deal.
OTOH, I agree that the price may be too low. Be cautious. It could be a hot lens, or a setup to get you with a ton of cash in your pocket.
Remember, if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Either way, my guess is that Canon won't work on it. I sent in my 600/4 (non IS) and had it returned, untouched, with a note explaining that parts were no longer available. I had to claim on the insurance for a new one.
