Refurbished lenses OK? - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

08/08/2005 08:42:09 PM · #1

Hey,
If you could save 10% by buying a manufacturer refurbished lens (in this case Canon) would you? Or go for new?

Pros: It's cheaper. It's been checked over and fixed.

Cons: It was "broken" at one time, what else might be wrong?

Any opinions welcome.

Doug

brianlh

Canon EOS-450D Rebel XSi

08/08/2005 08:51:20 PM · #2

If it was only a 10% reduction in price, I'd just spring for the new one. If it's a $400 lens (which many seem to be, til you take the jump to the $1000+ ones), that's only a $40 difference.

kyebosh

Canon EF 80-200mm f/2.8L

08/08/2005 09:06:21 PM · #3

yeah, depends on the lens! A $5000 lens saves you 500...

08/08/2005 09:36:57 PM · #4

Well, if it makes a difference, it's a $1400 lens, so $140 difference. Does that change anyones opinion? I'm still up in the air...

I'd really like to know just WHAT it was that needed fixing. For some reason if they had to fix some electronic do-dad that isn't nearly as bad as if they had to fix something optical. But I have no basis for that feeling, it's just a first thought gut-reacion...

Doug

kyebosh

Canon EF 80-200mm f/2.8L

08/08/2005 09:38:15 PM · #5

I think if it's fixed then it's fixed. What's the warrenty? 30 days or something?

08/08/2005 09:39:06 PM · #6

Says it's still a 1 yr warranty.

Doug

kyebosh

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

Canon EF 80-200mm f/2.8L

08/08/2005 09:39:41 PM · #7

I would so jump on it (says the guy that buys used stuff with no warrenty)!!!

deapee

Kodak V803

08/08/2005 09:41:06 PM · #8

for 10%, no I wouldn't.

I wouldn't buy a lens I could touch before I finalized on the deal. I was actually really impressed with the build quality of my 80-200 for example. I was used to the cheaper glass, the plasticy stuff that felt like if it was mistreated, it would break or not function properly. After picking the lens up and giving it a once over, I knew it would work properly...it's built like a tank.

So depending on the lens, I would buy used or refurbished, but certainly not for 90% of the original cost.