p.1 #1 · Good Experience with KEH "Bargain" graded lens
I just wanted to share my experience with buying a "Bargain" graded lens through KEH.
The lens is the Canon 200mm 2.8 II prime.
Retails for $799 usually. Used copies range from $509-$599. $599 is the Canon Refurbished Price.
As this is a fixed focal length lens which I will be using as a compact telephoto (fits in the small part of a sling bag), I didn't want to blow tons of money on it and not have any left over for a future purchase so I saw a listing for a "Bargain" version at $418 including tax and shipping so I pulled the trigger.
The lens performs flawlessy. It has one coating scratch on the front element, but the rest of the glass is perfect. The scratch does not affect picture quality at all. There is another scratch on the barrel about the size of a pencil eraser where some of the black is worn off. That is is.
I checked for decentering. Checked for mincroadjustment. None required. I tested it thoroughly and found no flaws in autofocus performance or image.
I just wanted to relay this experience as I feel like KEH bargain rated equpment is a good deal. I had my worries. Keep in mind, this is one experience with one lens so your experience may have been different.
p.1 #2 · Good Experience with KEH "Bargain" graded lens
There a point I was always hunting KEH for bargain lenses. I've gotten some gems for "bargain" quality.
One day I ordered an "ugly" grade lens for the hell of it, and the optics were clean, it worked perfectly, the body just looked used. I probably ordered 3 other "ugly" lenses after that. The last one I got was sticky, truly ugly, haze in the glass - That stopped my buying spree.
I'd buy bargain grade KEH stuff all day long, no hesitation. I haven't bought any ugly grade stuff in a while, but I still would... Only for cheapie stuff though.
