Sites like Amazon and e-bay have a lot of refurbished lenses for sale. What are your thoughts on refurbished lenses? Is it worth saving a few hundred bucks? Has anyone bought a refurbished lens?
I have purchased refurbished bodies in the past. If the lenses are as good as the bodies, go for it. Watch for warrtanties. Many retailers, most notably Cameta and Adorama are including 1 year warranties on refurbished bodies. Will they do the same on lenses?
I have more confidence in purchasing refurbished lenses rather than camera bodies.
Focusing motors (at least with my experience) tend to last longer than shutters.
I have never had any issues with purchasing refurbed lenses.
I do agree that getting used lenses on here is going to be in many cases a lot better than Refurbs.
But the main advantages also with Refurbs. is they at least come with warranties no matter how short they might be (plus you can return the refurbs if you don't like them).
Several photo equipment stores like B&H, Adorama, Roberts and Cameta all offer Nikon refurbed equipment. Most stores offer from six months to a year warranty ( versus Nikons 90 day warranty) and decent return privileges. You can buy a new Mack 3 yr warranty for a refurb lens for $40 if you want that piece of mind.
I buy used lenses and I have bought refurbed lenses. Most recently I bought a refurb 14-24mm/2.8 from Adorama. I had one years back with my D300 and it didn't work for me. On my D700 and D800 this refurbed lens is scary sharp and it works beautifully. I cant tell it from new. Definite keeper. I don't think buying refurbished is a problem if you choose sellers wisely, much like buying used too I guess.
Waki wrote:
Several photo equipment stores like B&H, Adorama, Roberts and Cameta all offer Nikon refurbed equipment. Most stores offer from six months to a year warranty ( versus Nikons 90 day warranty) and decent return privileges. You can buy a new Mack 3 yr warranty for a refurb lens for $40 if you want that piece of mind.
I buy used lenses and I have bought refurbed lenses. Most recently I bought a refurb 14-24mm/2.8 from Adorama. I had one years back with my D300 and it didn't work for me. On my D700 and D800 this refurbed lens is scary sharp and it works beautifully. I cant tell it from new. Definite keeper. I don't think buying refurbished is a problem if you choose sellers wisely, much like buying used too I guess. ...Show more →
Just to clarify; for refurbs purchased from Adorama, there is only a 90-day return-to-Nikon warranty (which includes a 30-day returns period to Adorama)
For the additional 12 month warranty - on a refurb or anything else - you need to take out Adorama VIP membership (which is free) http://www.adorama.com/pages/vip to be eligible to buy the VIP 12-month warranty for $7.95.
However, it does then cover you for all your subsequent Adorama purchases for 12 months.
Helen Oster
Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador [email protected]
I bought my kid a refurbished D5000 and lens a year or so ago. More recently I traded that lens for a different refurb with a longer zoom range. The camera and both lenses appeared brand new when we received them and have performed flawlessly.
