400 2.8 Lens...need help.. I bought it

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Archive 2010 · 400 2.8 Lens...need help.. I bought it

WestFalcon
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p.1 #1 · 400 2.8 Lens...need help.. I bought it

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?

Edited on Feb 10, 2010 at 10:58 PM · View previous versions

Feb 10, 2010 at 12:17 AM

Grantland
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p.1 #2 · 400 2.8 Lens...need help.. I bought it

yes. i would happily buy it

Feb 10, 2010 at 12:23 AM

PetKal
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p.1 #3 · 400 2.8 Lens...need help.. I bought it

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?

Could be too much of a good deal. Be careful.

Feb 10, 2010 at 12:24 AM

J4644
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p.1 #4 · 400 2.8 Lens...need help.. I bought it

Hi WestFalcon,

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.

Jim

Feb 10, 2010 at 12:28 AM

Philip Johnson
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p.1 #5 · 400 2.8 Lens...need help.. I bought it

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

Feb 10, 2010 at 12:28 AM

sivrajbm
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p.1 #6 · 400 2.8 Lens...need help.. I bought it

PetKal wrote:

Could be too much of a good deal. Be careful.

+2

Feb 10, 2010 at 12:28 AM

shadowcat
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p.1 #7 · 400 2.8 Lens...need help.. I bought it

B&H has one for $3999 here is the link to see for your self so you might be getting a raw deal careful http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?ci=10209&N=4294182646+4291570227

Feb 10, 2010 at 12:28 AM

fraga
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p.1 #8 · 400 2.8 Lens...need help.. I bought it

Couldn't agree more.
That price is really really low.
Looks suspicious.

Feb 10, 2010 at 12:34 AM

jcolwell
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p.1 #9 · 400 2.8 Lens...need help.. I bought it

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.

Feb 10, 2010 at 12:34 AM

WestFalcon
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p.1 #10 · 400 2.8 Lens...need help.. I bought it

Thanks for the replies ......this forum is such a great resource

Check this thread tomorrow and I'll tell you how my meeting came out and if I made the purchase.

Edited on Feb 10, 2010 at 12:38 AM · View previous versions

Feb 10, 2010 at 12:36 AM

Will Patterson
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p.1 #11 · 400 2.8 Lens...need help.. I bought it

I sold my beat to hell Mark 1 with no hood for $2800. I'd be careful with a mark 2 for $2k.

Feb 10, 2010 at 12:38 AM

PierreB
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p.1 #12 · 400 2.8 Lens...need help.. I bought it

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.

Feb 10, 2010 at 12:44 AM

WestFalcon
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p.1 #13 · 400 2.8 Lens...need help.. I bought it

Well....I had a flawless transaction and the lens is sharp and very heavy. I'm happy with it. Thanks for all of the input for this deal....Brian

Feb 10, 2010 at 10:57 PM

jcolwell
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p.1 #14 · 400 2.8 Lens...need help.. I bought it

Feb 10, 2010 at 11:24 PM

ragebot
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p.1 #15 · 400 2.8 Lens...need help.. I bought it

Gratz on what seems like a good deal. It may be time for you to hit the weight room and buy a monopod.

Feb 10, 2010 at 11:26 PM

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