Buying Used Photo Equipment Tips
So you need that 500mm?
As your photo passion grows so will your camera equipment desires. With your current 70-200, 300mm, 100-400mm lens or others do have a lot to offer but for those looking for a higher picture quality with more megapixels and a longer range might mean your current lens library may need to grow. Before you take the big leap we must mention there are extenders to give you 2x more focal length while still giving you great quality. If that doesn’t do it and you need more direct focal length and megapixels than the bigger lens may be the answer.
Price Comparison:
Price: A NEW Canon or Nikon 500mm or 800mm lens could range from $10,000 to $15,000.
Price: A USED Canon or Nikon 500mm or 800mm could range from $5000-$8000.
If your current new lenses are out of your budget and you need another camera lens ASAP then buying a used lens may be an option you may want to consider. With new heavier equipment you might also have to invest in a new tripod to support the weight of the new lens. Purchasing the Right Tripod -article
One option to consider is buying an older model as the manufacturers are constantly upgrading and releasing new models to keep those avid photographers interested. A used Canon or Nikon 500mm lens could be purchased for $5000-6000 compared to the newly released 500mm at $10,000 + taxes. Although it seems be a great deal there are risks when buying used equipment. You might want to consider renting the lens to see if it gives you the experience you are looking for before making the big purchase. Another idea is to consider borrowing a friend’s lens. This would have to be a special friend to lend you their equipment.
Northern Gannet -Newfoundland Photography Workshop
When you join one Natures Photo Adventures workshops our leaders are equipped with top of the line photo lenses. We often give our clients the opportunity to shoot with the 500mm enriching their photographic experience. The only risk is….. you most likely will fall in love with the 500! On some Bird-in-Flight workshops such as Newfoundland, Birds of Churchill we give you the opportunity to try the BushHawk camera support ideal for bird in flight photography.
Buying used equipment over the internet or online can be risky. Unfortunately you don’t know how the lens was treated or if it has any war wounds from being dropped or mistreated. Try to buy from a person you know or ask around for others experience with the seller. If you see a special deal that look’s too good, most likely it is.
Buying online should be from a well- known retailer or a well-known online camera equipment website posting on sites such as Fred Miranda, E-Bay, Kijiji.ca or Craigslist. Is the listing from a camera store or from a person selling individually? If an individual do you know them or anyone you know heard of them? Ask for references from the seller. You can also see some of these online of other people’s experience. We all wish everyone was 100% honest on the internet but there are scams out there.
Photo Clubs: Ask photo club members if anyone is open to selling the lens you are looking for. Buying from someone you know or see on a regular basis. You will be able to touch and feel the item before the purchase.
Retailers: Buying a used lens or a refurbished lens from a retail company such as Vistek (Canada) or BNH (USA) is less risky. Most likely they have a certified technician inspect the lens and will let you know if there are any issues upfront. Retailers have a reputation to protect so it is unlikely they will be untruthful about a lens’s condition. Consider a lease rather an outright purchase. There are of financing options available from these retailers.
Ask the Sales Representative who initially assisted you with your camera purchase if they know anyone. Photo Sales Professionals have a great network of photographers.
Keep in mind when buying used lens there are risks, and come with an unknown history. However, there are some great deals for used equipment out there as the obsessed, avid and professional photographer continue to upgrade to the next new lens and equipment and need to sell off the older photo equipment. Contacting professional photographers is another way to find a used lens. The majority of professional photographers will treat their equipment with due care.
Determine your risk level. If you decide you are risk adverse then buying is probably your best option. Remember if it seems too good to be true it probably is. Buyer Beware!
If you are looking for to buy or sell a lens feel free to contact us. We will reach out to our network and ask if anyone has your type of lens available. We do not get involved in the purchase process or are not liable for the outcome but provide the contact information to assist. info@naturesphotoadventures.com
When buying used equipment some questions to ask:
Why are you selling the lens?
How long have you had it?
Has there been more than one owner?
Do you have the original receipt?
Is there any warranty time left?
Are there any issues with it?
Has it been serviced? New parts or fixes?
Ask for references
Test the equipment or if you are not too knowledgeable then ask an experienced photographer to try it out for you.
Happy Shooting and Best of Luck!