Camera Labs

Hi,

I am a beginner in dslr photography and do far I found that its better to buy a new camera, as opposed to used, due to "limited" amount of photo takings.

However, I was wondering whether if lenses have a limited lifetime and if it is worth to buy them used.

Also I didn't see much of them on eBay or local Craigslist, so I was wondering if maybe there is a website that sells them used.

I am actually considering whether it's gonna be cheaper to buy a new body camera and a used lens.

Thanks

Need to know more about what brand body and lens are you looking to buy,can make a big difference witch models you are looking at used or new.

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Wake up canon or throw the towel in!!

I'm looking to get canon t3i and don't know about lenses yet. I was talking about lenses in general. Would appreciate any comments.

It helps to know which country you're in to guide on buying.

As for lens lifetimes, last year I picked up one lens that was made in 1987. One of the first Canon EF mount lenses. Still worked, although definitely rough in places and I believe no longer supported for repair. But more recent ones are no problem. Just make sure they're working fine when you get them and they should remain so as long as you don't abuse them.

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Canon DSLRs: 7D, 5D2, 1D, 600D, 450D full spectrum, 300D IR mod
Lenses: EF 35/2, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 135/2+SF, 28-80 V, 70-300L, 100-400L, TS-E 24/3.5L, MP-E 65, EF-S 15-85 IS
3rd party: Zeiss 2/50 makro, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300 f/2.8 OS, Celestron 1325/13
Tinies: Sony HX9V.

I didn't have any problemy with used EF lenses and I'm still planning to buy at least one more used lens that's not produced any more.

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Canon EOS 500D + Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Canon EF 24-105mm 4L IS USM + EF 100-400mm 4.5-5.6L IS USM + EF 100mm 2.8L Macro IS USM + Sigma 12-24mm 4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM + Canon Speedlite 580 EX II + Nissin Speedlite Di 466

I live in US (NYC area). I looked all over Craigslist and eBay and can't seem to find that many used lenses for sale.

Anybody have any comments or suggestions regarding buying a new T3i Body and used (but better) lens? -will it be cheaper?

If you are unsure of what lens you would want, you could try to rent some lenses to ensure you get exactly what you want.

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Canon Rebel XTi, BG-E3 Grip
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II, 24-105mm f/4L, 50mm f/1.4, 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DO, 85mm f/1.8
Sigma 150mm F2.8 EX Macro
Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX, Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II
Canon 430EX II
Opteka 13mm, 21mm, and 31mm extension tubes

Lots of used Canon lenses on ebay USA.

Lots of 70-200mm lenses and lots of 100mm f2.8 IS lenses and even more zoom lenses, like 15-85 and a plethora of kit lenses.

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1) Olympus OM1 [Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.8]
2) Pentax MZ-60 [Sigma 28-90 & 100-300]
3) Canon 7D [EF-S 15-85 & 70-200mm f/4 IS]

Leo's Flickr Page

you might look at the Canon EF 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 USM is was the first len i bought when i first got into camera's with a rebel xt .had a lot of fun with that lens, very nice image quality for the price. you can pick 1 of on ebay for $200 mint.

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Wake up canon or throw the towel in!!

I was lucky with several pre-owned lenses obtained through on-line auctions, then got a hazy one with misaligned aperture blades. Since then, I have only bought pre-owned lenses from a local camera store, which does often have a quite good selection.

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Canon 7D/5D/40D/1D2N; Nikon F6, FM3A, & Coolpix A; Canon 40mm Pancake, 135L, 50L, 35L, pre-II 50mm 1.8, 100mm 2.8L Macro, 10-22mm EF-S, 28-135 EF, 400mm 5.6L; Nikkor 50mm 1.2 AI-S, 50mm 1.4G, 50mm 1.8D, 16mm 2.8D Fisheye, 180mm 2.8D, 100-300mm 5.6 AI-S; Tokina 17mm & 100mm 2.8 Macro

I bought almost every camera and lens used. All in almost-new condition.

Recommended, as most of them were about half the price they cost(ed) new, and they looked like new.

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Ruben

Panasonic DMC-FZ18, Panasonic DMC-FZ28, Canon G5, Canon 350D, Canon 50D + BG-E2N
Tamron 17-50 2.8, Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM,
Canon 18-55 II plus lots of Minolta MD/M42 lenses and bodies

As a new T3i/600D owner I was wanting more distance than the 18-55mm kit lens offered. Camera kit was new, never really considered a used body but might if I personally knew the seller. Lenses however are a different story in my book. There are internals and such but for my price point (aka low budget) as long as the glass was clean and the specs weren't too horrible then I was willing to give a used lens a go.

I picked up the Canon 55-250mm lens on craigslist for around $120. The previous owner was the original owner and allowed me to try the lens on my camera before buying. I feel I got a good deal, though there have been some that go for less on eBay. This isn't the best lens but it has IS and for my needs it seems ok so far.

My suggestion is to set a price point you are willing to pay and stick with it. If you are like me, a 2nd hand lens can be a great buy and a better way to learn how to use your camera and post editing software.

Good luck,
-Kirk

If you live in NYC area, there are a couple of HUGE photography stores there (not sure if I'm permitted to name the names). They both have used equipment they offer for sale and it might be worth checking their site occasionally to see what's been added.

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/nursediesel
Canon EOS 5D & 5D2 | EF 70-200 f2.8 L IS | EF 100-400 f4.5-5.6 L IS | EF 24-105 f4 L IS | EF 17-40 F4 L | 580 EX II | Fujifilm X10