Buying Used Gear
For those on a budget it seems like an easy question. Buying a used Nikon camera or lens can be a bargain, but a lot of newer glass still commands as much as 90% of it's original cost, even on venues like Craigslist. You must be aware of the risks. Why is the camera for sale? Does it have a problem? Does that pretty lens have a back focus issue? Calculate the savings including tax and shipping of a new product and factor in a shorter or non-existent warranty.
Tips for Lens Buying
Look for any obvious signs of damage. Look for dings, cracks and abrasions on softer sections. Look inside the lens and examine the iris/aperature blades. They should be clean and oil free. Check to see if there is debris inside the lens, such as large dust particles. All glass elements should be completely clear. Lenses have coatings. Hold the lens off to the side and you can see if the coating is damaged. Move all rings and switches and check for smooth operation. If possible MOUNT the lens on your camera and check it's FULL operation. Does it focus? Does it meter? Click off a few shots wide open. Use the LCD or a computer to view the photo. Is the lens focused where you intended? If all of the points look good and the price is right, you may have yourself a great deal. A used 70-200 should be every bit as good as a new one for example, so saving 3-4 hundred it nice.
Tips for Camera Buying
This is FAR more complex than buying a lens. DSLRs are very advanced and multi-featured hunks of technology. Testing one thoroughly is less than practical and little issues may not be readily apparent to even a professional. What is on your side is that DSLRs are generally pretty rugged and usually work. When buying a used one, test it as much as possible. Look for hot pixels and focus errors for starters. Make sure the flash and displays work correctly and look for any physical signs of damage. Beyond that, just as with a lens, you're on a bit of a gamble.
CraigsList
Perhaps the best way to buy. These are usually local sales. You can bargain with the seller and usually test the lens. Be careful of kooks though. There's always some danger when meeting a stranger in a strange place. Try to meet in a public area. If possible, get their contact info. You have little recourse if the item is bad, but not giving you a phone # may be an indicator that they are selling something stolen or damaged.
Ebay
It's rare to get a good deal on ebay on lenses, unless they're older models with less demand. You also have far less recourse if there's a problem. I'm not a fan of buying lenses on Ebay, though it's great for selling and getting top dollar at times.
KEH
Hands down they are the biggest used camera/lens seller around. They are also hilariously overpriced. From a quality standpoint they are generally pretty good. I just don't see enough of a savings in many cases to make it worth the effort. Still, they do have some good deals at times and they will take back a lens if it's defective. Their grading system is very friendly and conservative. They are just always seeking the last penny out of every sale, so I tend to do better anywhere else.
For those on a budget it seems like an easy question. Buying a used Nikon camera or lens can be a bargain, but a lot of newer glass still commands as much as 90% of it's original cost, even on venues like Craigslist. You must be aware of the risks. Why is the camera for sale? Does it have a problem? Does that pretty lens have a back focus issue? Calculate the savings including tax and shipping of a new product and factor in a shorter or non-existent warranty.
Tips for Lens Buying
Look for any obvious signs of damage. Look for dings, cracks and abrasions on softer sections. Look inside the lens and examine the iris/aperature blades. They should be clean and oil free. Check to see if there is debris inside the lens, such as large dust particles. All glass elements should be completely clear. Lenses have coatings. Hold the lens off to the side and you can see if the coating is damaged. Move all rings and switches and check for smooth operation. If possible MOUNT the lens on your camera and check it's FULL operation. Does it focus? Does it meter? Click off a few shots wide open. Use the LCD or a computer to view the photo. Is the lens focused where you intended? If all of the points look good and the price is right, you may have yourself a great deal. A used 70-200 should be every bit as good as a new one for example, so saving 3-4 hundred it nice.
Tips for Camera Buying
This is FAR more complex than buying a lens. DSLRs are very advanced and multi-featured hunks of technology. Testing one thoroughly is less than practical and little issues may not be readily apparent to even a professional. What is on your side is that DSLRs are generally pretty rugged and usually work. When buying a used one, test it as much as possible. Look for hot pixels and focus errors for starters. Make sure the flash and displays work correctly and look for any physical signs of damage. Beyond that, just as with a lens, you're on a bit of a gamble.
CraigsList
Perhaps the best way to buy. These are usually local sales. You can bargain with the seller and usually test the lens. Be careful of kooks though. There's always some danger when meeting a stranger in a strange place. Try to meet in a public area. If possible, get their contact info. You have little recourse if the item is bad, but not giving you a phone # may be an indicator that they are selling something stolen or damaged.
Ebay
It's rare to get a good deal on ebay on lenses, unless they're older models with less demand. You also have far less recourse if there's a problem. I'm not a fan of buying lenses on Ebay, though it's great for selling and getting top dollar at times.
KEH
Hands down they are the biggest used camera/lens seller around. They are also hilariously overpriced. From a quality standpoint they are generally pretty good. I just don't see enough of a savings in many cases to make it worth the effort. Still, they do have some good deals at times and they will take back a lens if it's defective. Their grading system is very friendly and conservative. They are just always seeking the last penny out of every sale, so I tend to do better anywhere else.
