Buying used lenses from eBay

[SJD]

Just a thought. Wondering whether this is something that others do too. I totally understand the risks. But if the prices are right and you can find what you are looking for, probably one of the easiest way to get what you want at a good price.

Please let me know if this is advisable.

 

[RockyNH_RIP]

Just a thought. Wondering whether this is something that others do too. I totally understand the risks. But if the prices are right and you can find what you are looking for, probably one of the easiest way to get what you want at a good price.

Please let me know if this is advisable.

I have not bought lens from Ebay... I prefer touchie feelie or from a reliable source such as adorma where it is graded and you can return it...

Would I?? If the deal was really good enough and the seller appeared reliable (based on feedback ratings both quantity, quality and preferably same caliber of merchandise) I would surely consider it...

Others can add in as I know some here have bought lens with good results.

Pat in NH

 

[Fred Kingston_RIP]

I've bought several lenses from eBay... and I've sold several there also... all with no problems... eBay's Buyer Protection program protects buyers...

You just have to understand all the rules.... and understand that you're not gonna get something for nothing there...

Although... looking at your profile, I will add, I block all foreign buyers/sellers... and only deal with domestic buyers/sellers... :redface-new:

 

[WileyCoyote]

I bought my Nikkor 70-300mm AF lens off of eBay for $75.00 and was/am very happy with the transaction, The main thing I was told was to go with a seller who had a fantastic positive feedback reputation, the higher the % the better. Plus I was told to pay with Pay-Pal as they basically insure that you will be satisfied with the transaction, if not you can get your money back with a valid complaint.

 

[crycocyon]

Every single one of my lenses came from Ebay (or went through an Ebay sale). The amount of money you can save is second to no other source. You just have to shop intelligently and understand the fine print when it comes to buyer protection. And many sellers offer refunds because although they might not be Adorama or B&H Photo, they are small businesses. Private sellers are more risky, but again if there is enough in the description to go on then you have the buyer's protection to fall back on if the item was not as described or faulty.

 

[nickt]

I have bought and sold camera equipment on ebay. Some very reputable stores also sell on ebay. I have bought lenses from individuals. I look at feedback. I look at pictures. Pictures of cameras and lenses with no dust cap in sight disturb me. I look at other items the seller might be selling. Does he look like a pawn shop or is he a fellow hobbyist who is making changes? Did he write an extended description or just go with the ebay provided description? I like a personal item description telling what it is and why he is selling it. This shows that the seller knows what he is selling and most likely owns and has used it. No extra description: red flag. Maybe a scam or maybe just some guy selling something he bought in hopes of reselling at a profit with no knowledge if it works or if it has been cared for.

 

[carguy]

First off, nobody buys anything from ebay, they don't sell or ship anything

When it comes to expensive electronics, I have never bought sight unseen from a seller I did not know personally or though someone. For me that rules out ebay. The prices for warrantied refurbished units are often close enough to used resale that I'd go that route first.

 

[jwstl]

First off, nobody buys anything from ebay, they don't sell or ship anything

When it comes to expensive electronics, I have never bought sight unseen from a seller I did not know personally or though someone. For me that rules out ebay. The prices for warrantied refurbished units are often close enough to used resale that I'd go that route first.

That's how I typically feel but I did buy a used lens on Ebay for the first time last year. It was from a reputable camera store, came with a return policy should it not function, and was at a very, very good price. My timing was good...I bought it within an hour of being posted. And it turned out fine. The lens was in fantastic shape and works perfectly.

 

[crycocyon]

Yes, if you take the time and if you are experienced in looking at Ebay adverts for lenses (or anything for that matter on ebay) then you know what to look for and what the red flags are. The only time I didn't go to ebay was when I wanted an authentic grip for my D800 and was tired of looking through hundreds of ebay ads for grips claiming to be genuine Nikon grips (even with fake Nikon boxes, etc.). At that point I'd rather pay extra for the real thing. Otherwise, if I can save literally hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars on slightly used equipment, why not? Imagine what more then you can buy with that money you save? More lenses? Or even to trade up later. I bought my D700 on Ebay and saved hundreds off new and it was literally like new. I even sold it for more than I paid for it, again on Ebay.

There's always risk when you buy something, but that can be said even when you buy something new under warranty. If one doesn't want to spend the time to research the possibilities for good deals, and is happy with new or refurbished, then I can understand that. Personally, I enjoy shopping for camera stuff and part of that enjoyment is doing the research into what is the best deal for the best item with the best value. I've even waited for prices to come down on things second hand just to be able to afford the kinds of things I like to try out. It is incredible these days the resources we have available to us online. I remember when I shopped for cameras back in the early 80s and then I was just visiting the local camera supplier in a department store (remember that? Certain department stores used to have full camera outlets with specialists on hand to help you choose the right equipment), and took home all the brochures/catalogs I could carry to study the specs. In another 30 years I'll be sending out orders for camera equipment directly from my brain to a mainframe computer LOL.

 

[evan447]

i have only bought two lenses from e-bay.the first, a micro-nikkor 105 af-d was as described; unmarked in perfect working order. the drawback was i paid the same amount as i would have for the same used item (with warranty) from a dealer, although none were available at the time.
the second was from a "100% reputable" e bayer. it was a nikon 300 f4. the lens was a nightmare! also, due to poor weather conditions, lack of spare time and the fact that it took a few tries with the lens before the faults became apparent it took a whole month for me to complain. however the guy did cooperate and refund me in full. i did open a case with e bay as i used pay pal and they did their utmost to help.
so, at the end of the day there are both good and bad items out there but you need to be careful, use pay pal and only correspond with the seller via e bay messaging if you have a complaint. e bay customer protection is very good if you need it.
having said all this i do not think i would buy another high value product from a private e bay seller unless i could pick it up in person and have a good try out. caveat emptor!

 

[SJD]

Just to be clear with everyone who replied. You are referring to buying USED lenses from eBay right ?

 

[Fred Kingston_RIP]

Just to be clear with everyone who replied. You are referring to buying USED lenses from eBay right ?

No... I have bought New lenses off eBay... Many of the regular camera shops (Adorama for example) have an eBay store presence... and use eBay as an outlet... some times they'll heavily discount products there that have a torn box, or were opened as a demo in their store, and will sell products that have been superseded by a newer model... They'll include a full regular Nikon warranty...