I found a list of places where to look to purchase used lenses.
I thought I would share.
If you know of any other place beyond the list, maybe you too can share.
B&H Photo Video - Check daily as B&H occasionally has 10-rated reconditioned/refurbished Canon EF lenses.
Adorama - Refurbished Canon Lenses - Many lenses listed as "Refurbished By Canon USA".
Adorama - Online used Canon lens inventory is not always accurate here.
FredMiranda.com - One of the most active camera equipment buy/sell forums on the net and rich in used Canon EF lenses. Reasonable deals on used Canon lenses sell extremely fast here - sometimes in minutes.
Photo.net - A 35mm SLR buy/sell forum that runs a high percentage of used Canon lenses.
eBay - Used Canon EF lenses bring a premium at eBay, but the selection is usually large.
Rob Galbraith - The Trading Post is another buy/sell forum that includes many used Canon EF lenses.
SportsShooters.com - Many used Canon EF lenses show up in the classifieds section.
NaturePhotographers.net - Login required. A buy/sell forum that usually has many used Canon EF lenses.
Midwest Photo Exchange - Used Canon lenses are often mixed with the new lens slistings at this retailer.
KEH - Again, used Canon lenses are often available at this retailer.
Pro Photo Supply - Often has some used Canon EF lenses as well as other accessories.
DPhoto.com - Classifieds ads section.
EP Levine - Boston retailer.
University Camera - A retailer.
Kenmore Camera - Kenmore, Washington retailer with used lenses.
Ken-Mar Camera - This Albertson, NY retailer has used Canon lenses.
Glazer's Camera - A Seattle, WA retailer with used Canon lenses.
Bergen County Camera - Located in Westwood, NJ and often has used Canon Lenses.
Cameta Camera - Located in Amityville, NY and typically has used Canon Lenses.
Photogon - Individuals list used lenses for sale.
Charlotte Camera - Charlotte (as in NC) Camera has used Canon gear.
CameraTechs - Camera repair and testing company in Seattle, WA.
Brooklyn Camera Exchange - Brooklyn Camera Exchange is located in Rockville Centre, NY and has used Canon lenses.
Precision Photo Camera Shop - Located in Boca Raton, Florida and carries used Canon lenses.
Tempe Camera - Tempe, Arizona retailer.
Also in the list was some good advice on what to look out for when purchasing lens sets from unknown sellers.
If you ever opened a photography magazine up to the full-page ads in the back, you have undoubtedly seen some eye-opening deals from some certain retailers. Well, they are likely not as they appear.
The unscrupulous retailers play a large number of games to hook you - and the first game is a very low advertised price. It creates a desire and excitement that some people can't control. And you will most likely not end up with the Canon lens you want for the advertised price.
The games played varies, but a common one is that you get a phone call after you place your order. They will likely try to sell you some overpriced accessories such as filter kits. Or they may inform you that the advertised lens was an imported version and that they are out of stock - BUT they just happen to have the USA version in stock - for more money of course.
If they do sell you the lens, it will likely be missing something that is normally included with that model. This includes lens hoods, pouches, cases ... and likely the warranty. Many of these low-ball retailers sell non-warranted lenses.
Another game played is that the item simply never shows up - but your credit card gets charged. You can spend a huge amount of time getting the situation and your account settled.
Oh - and be sure to find out what they are charging for shipping. It is often more eye-opening than their low-ball prices.
I was going to list some of the worst offenders, but they are continually opening new online and mail order storefronts under new names. I can't keep track of them. So be alert and be aware.
When making a purchase, always use a credit card and don't be afraid to dispute a fraudulent charge - even after the bill is paid. The credit card often has additional benefits such as warranty extensions and some limited-time insurance against theft or breakage.
I generally source my Canon lenses from the retailers listed within the Canon Lens reviews. The retailers listed there have proved to be reliable. No retailer is perfect, but these are some of the best. I recommend that you use these retailers.
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