Nikon USED gear pricing.
What Should You Expect to Pay for used Nikon DSLRs, lenses and flash?
Obviously there are no hard and fast rules, but we can at least make a reasonable list based on what gear costs new and what TYPICAL pricing looks like from a history on sites like Nikonians or Keh.com. The prices I list really should be the MAXIMUM you pay, so always try to do better/offer less.
BEWARE of sellers offering cheap items like a 15 dollar tripod and bag to make a camera seem like a better deal. BEWARE of sellers who claim "they'll take care of you." Only a good retailer can honestly offer you real service on Nikon products and ONLY if they're authorized.
The KIT LENS: Adding a lens to a DSLR body adds value, but there are a LOT of cheap lenses out there. A 18-55 DX lens is worth MAYBE 75 dollars, so don't assume it's a good deal just because of added lenses.
Free programs like Opanda IEXIF can show the shutter count on DSLRs. Anything under 10'000 shutter presses is pretty low. Keep in mind that most people will be buying a new camera long before they wear out a shutter. Even the lower end D40 should handle up to 75'000 or even 100'000 shots!
Places like KEH.COM and Adorama are worth checking out, but KEH HAS GONE OFF THE DEEP END with their pricing. Craigslist may be the best chance of getting a good deal on a used lens or body. Ebay can be used, but be careful. A lot of bad lenses are sold on Ebay.
CLICK ON NIKON GLASS ABOVE TO SEE LENS PRICING-IN PROGRESS/CONSTRUCTION
The KIT LENS: Adding a lens to a DSLR body adds value, but there are a LOT of cheap lenses out there. A 18-55 DX lens is worth MAYBE 75 dollars, so don't assume it's a good deal just because of added lenses.
Free programs like Opanda IEXIF can show the shutter count on DSLRs. Anything under 10'000 shutter presses is pretty low. Keep in mind that most people will be buying a new camera long before they wear out a shutter. Even the lower end D40 should handle up to 75'000 or even 100'000 shots!
Places like KEH.COM and Adorama are worth checking out, but KEH HAS GONE OFF THE DEEP END with their pricing. Craigslist may be the best chance of getting a good deal on a used lens or body. Ebay can be used, but be careful. A lot of bad lenses are sold on Ebay.
CLICK ON NIKON GLASS ABOVE TO SEE LENS PRICING-IN PROGRESS/CONSTRUCTION
DSLR Bodies
Nikon D100
This was an early hit for Nikon and still a viable pick. Look to see how high the shutter count is since some of these could very well be well worn. This may be a good choice for a student on a budget. A reasonable price for the body alone would be 200-225 dollars for a example in very good condition. 275 would be a version with the power grip. This, like the D70, is a pretty old beast and most people should look for a newer camera unless they're getting a great deal.
Nikon D70 and D70s
Nikon's megahit DSLR is still in wide use and slightly improved version of the D100. The S version was a bit more refined, but was essentially the same unit with a tiny increase in rear LCD size. Price for the body alone should be in the 200-225 dollar range.
Nikon D50
This was a smaller D70 in many respects, but some found the controls less professional. The image quality is about the same as a D70, but with better ISO range. Perceived as a newer model you'll find it priced a bit higher at times than the D70s, but paying about 225 would be fare for body alone in mint shape. The D50 is nicer than the D40 series for some folks because it will auto focus non AF-S lenses, like the 50mm AF-D 1.8.
Nikon D40
The major problem with the D40 vs. a D50 or D70 is that it has no auto focus motor and will only auto focus with AF-S lenses or other 3rd party lenses that also have their own focus motors. The good news is that the D40 is very small and has great ISO range which is pretty clean up to about 1600. MOST D40's came with a kit lens 18-55. Since you can buy this camera NEW for under 450 with a kit lens, it's pretty hard to pay more than 275 for a used example. A body alone is worth about 200-225 at the most. NOW DISCONTINUED so some folks will overpay.
Nikon D40x
This is little more than a D40 with higher resolution. On the other hand it falls slightly short in ISO range compared to the regular D40. The D40 also has a faster sync speed. Since the D60 (the newer version of the D40x) is selling for 420.00 NEW for body alone, it makes the D40x body worth about 275 at most. If the 18x55 lens is included you can add 50-60 dollars to the value. If it's the VR version perhaps add 100. Won't focus with non AF-S lenses!
Nikon D60
Replaced the D40x and nearly the same camera. A body alone is worth 300 at most. See D40x. Won't focus with non AF-S lenses!
Nikon D60
Replaced the D40x and nearly the same camera. A body alone is worth 300 at most. See D40x. Won't focus with non AF-S lenses!
Nikon D80
This was Nikon's very good prosumer upgrade from the D70s. It was better in many respects offering higher resolution and less noise at higher ISOs. It's only flaw was somewhat inconsistent metering. The last of these sold new for around 549.00 for the body. Good used examples are worth 325 when lightly used.
Nikon D2H and D2Hs
This is a full fledged FAST professional DX camera. Though lower in resolution than many others, the image quality is stunning. Small file sizes also make this a winner for many shooters. The original D2H in mint shape might command 400-600 dollars, but the D2Hs is still pulling 800 or more in some cases, depending on condition.
D2x
This was once Nikon's pride & joy. It remains a powerful DX tool, but is very weak at higher ISOs. A D300 is basically a better camera and costs under 1700 new. D2x with low shutter counts often sell in the 1300 dollar range. I'd rather have a D300, but some want the D2x body style and claim it's low ISO range is better, which may be true. To me a D2x should be in the 800-1100 range in mint shape, which is about what they bring.
D200
This camera looked great on paper, but fell a bit short due to noise at higher ISO's and a somewhat soft image due to a heavy AA filter. It was a hit for Nikon, but seems to be ancient when compared to the D300. Selling new for 599.00 until the last units are sold, 425-450 is the most anyone should pay.
D300
This, along with the D3 was Nikon's break-out camera. It clobbered Canon's dominance once and for all and NIkon has lead the way ever since. This was done by beating Canon's ISO performance and detail while offering more features and better build quality. 1100-1200 is fair for a mint copy with a few extras. This remains the best DX camera available for any price. NOW REPLACED WITH THE D300s
D90
The replacement for the D80 is better in every way and it does video! Image quality is on par with a D300/D300s and perhaps a bit better above ISO 1600. For many this will be just as good as the D300 and costs much less. Selling for about 870 new, 650-700 seems about right for a nice used one.
D3
Nikon took the lead in low light shooting with this FX (full frame) camera and converted a lot of Canon fans. The D3 sells for about 4800 new, so a mint used copy should be in the 3900-4200 range and that's what they usually bring.
D700
My favorite camera (I have two) has almost all of the features of the D3, the same image quality and it's more flexible! Now selling for 2700 so 1800-2200 would be a fair price.
D3x
8 grand new, so I've seen two sell for 6800 and 7000. Yikes!
D3000
The D40 replacement really is not an improvement and with it's noisier sensor, perhaps a downgrade. Selling new for 530. Buy a used D40 instead.
D5000
A more consumer oriented D90 type sensor with a flip out screen. Selling new at around 730, or about 100 less than the D90. The D90 is a much nicer camera and worth the extra $$$. But if you MUST have a D5000, expect to pay about 600 for a nice one.
FLASHES_________________________________________________________
SB400
Nikon's smallest flash is really more capable than it looks. About 115 new, so expect to pay about 75-85 for a used one. Most people should just get a new one!
SB600
This pay be the best flash around for the money, about 230 new and sometimes on sale for 190 or so. 140-170 is fair for a nice one. Buy it new unless you get a deal.
SB800
A stunningly good flash that offers more power and control than the SB600, but most folks would be served as well by the SB600. Now discontinued and the replacement is the SB-900 for 450 bucks. That means people are trying to sell their SB-800's for what they paid new, which is usually around 325.
Lens prices at link at top of page
Brought to you by Thomas Miller & The Good Captain
E-mail Thomas35s5@aol.com
D2x
This was once Nikon's pride & joy. It remains a powerful DX tool, but is very weak at higher ISOs. A D300 is basically a better camera and costs under 1700 new. D2x with low shutter counts often sell in the 1300 dollar range. I'd rather have a D300, but some want the D2x body style and claim it's low ISO range is better, which may be true. To me a D2x should be in the 800-1100 range in mint shape, which is about what they bring.
D200
This camera looked great on paper, but fell a bit short due to noise at higher ISO's and a somewhat soft image due to a heavy AA filter. It was a hit for Nikon, but seems to be ancient when compared to the D300. Selling new for 599.00 until the last units are sold, 425-450 is the most anyone should pay.
D300
This, along with the D3 was Nikon's break-out camera. It clobbered Canon's dominance once and for all and NIkon has lead the way ever since. This was done by beating Canon's ISO performance and detail while offering more features and better build quality. 1100-1200 is fair for a mint copy with a few extras. This remains the best DX camera available for any price. NOW REPLACED WITH THE D300s
D90
The replacement for the D80 is better in every way and it does video! Image quality is on par with a D300/D300s and perhaps a bit better above ISO 1600. For many this will be just as good as the D300 and costs much less. Selling for about 870 new, 650-700 seems about right for a nice used one.
D3
Nikon took the lead in low light shooting with this FX (full frame) camera and converted a lot of Canon fans. The D3 sells for about 4800 new, so a mint used copy should be in the 3900-4200 range and that's what they usually bring.
D700
My favorite camera (I have two) has almost all of the features of the D3, the same image quality and it's more flexible! Now selling for 2700 so 1800-2200 would be a fair price.
D3x
8 grand new, so I've seen two sell for 6800 and 7000. Yikes!
D3000
The D40 replacement really is not an improvement and with it's noisier sensor, perhaps a downgrade. Selling new for 530. Buy a used D40 instead.
D5000
A more consumer oriented D90 type sensor with a flip out screen. Selling new at around 730, or about 100 less than the D90. The D90 is a much nicer camera and worth the extra $$$. But if you MUST have a D5000, expect to pay about 600 for a nice one.
FLASHES_________________________________________________________
SB400
Nikon's smallest flash is really more capable than it looks. About 115 new, so expect to pay about 75-85 for a used one. Most people should just get a new one!
SB600
This pay be the best flash around for the money, about 230 new and sometimes on sale for 190 or so. 140-170 is fair for a nice one. Buy it new unless you get a deal.
SB800
A stunningly good flash that offers more power and control than the SB600, but most folks would be served as well by the SB600. Now discontinued and the replacement is the SB-900 for 450 bucks. That means people are trying to sell their SB-800's for what they paid new, which is usually around 325.
Lens prices at link at top of page
Brought to you by Thomas Miller & The Good Captain
E-mail Thomas35s5@aol.com
