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09/05/2008 03:15:12 PM · #1 |
| Hey I'm new here, this is my first post. I might be buying a lens from a guy I found on cragslist its not a super nice lens (Canon 75-300mm f/4 III USM) but he's selling it for $100, and so far all I have is the kit lens. I definitely want to get it so I can have something other than the kit lens, but I don't want to buy it if its bad. Obviously I can bring my camera and take a few test pictures if he lets me. Are there anythings to look for specifically, or certain shots I can take to test its condition? Thanks! |
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09/05/2008 04:05:00 PM · #2 |
| Maybe nobody can help me, but can I at least have a "Welcome" for my first post? I feel unwanted :( |
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09/05/2008 04:08:45 PM · #3 |
| Welcome to DPC Jonathon =, About the lens, I don't know what to recommend, I have a similar lens, but I'm also trying to upgrade, good luck anyways =) |
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09/05/2008 04:09:54 PM · #4 |
Welcome my man! Enjoy this site but beware we are all kinda nuts!
Make sure you test the lens on your body. Check it at all apertures and make sure the zoom is smooth and completes the full zoom range. Check both elements for scratches and if you can stop down the lens and look through it to make sure the shutter blades are in good order. $100 sounds like a deal, good luck and welcome again!
wazz
Message edited by author 2008-09-05 16:11:54. |
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09/05/2008 04:10:32 PM · #5 |
Hi, I brought one of my lenses of craigslist before, just make sure you talk with the person well see if they are not selling you crap or if they are crazy....lol after that take your camera and test the lens out zooming in and out and see if it focuses well. Also while looking through the view finder check to see if you see any dust or dirt in the lens.....
thats all I can think of right now
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09/05/2008 04:12:49 PM · #6 |
Hey, Jonathon, welcome to DPC.
I know what to avoid when selling via Craigslist - but I don't know the pitfalls of buying outside of what thegrandwazoo is advising.
Good luck.
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09/05/2008 04:14:32 PM · #7 |
| Awesome, thanks for the suggestions guys. I realize that I will want to upgrade someday, but this is the first DSLR my wife and I have ever owned. A friend let me borrow his Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 lens which was phenomenal, but as a new photographer its way out of my price range. When it comes time to upgrade to a $1,000+ lens I'll probably want to upgrade the body as well. |
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09/05/2008 04:54:20 PM · #8 |
| you're not in middle tn, are you? |
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09/05/2008 05:13:59 PM · #9 |
| No, I'm in Minneapolis, Minn. |
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09/05/2008 05:19:02 PM · #10 |
I always like to know why someone is selling something.
Also ask if there are ANY problems (scratches, soft, etc) with it of course.
The more the person is willing to communicate, the more chance you have the he/she is honest (IMO).
t8 |
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09/05/2008 05:36:20 PM · #11 |
The above advice is great. Playing with it is the best thing to do.
That particular Lens isn't THAT expensive, and frankly, I have the II version, it's not that great either. You can get a Tamron Equivalent for a very reasonable price and Brand New. You might consider that, as I believe that Tamron lens has a macro setting too. I bought my sister the Tamron lens a while back for her birthday, and played with it a bit. It's as good as my Canon one at any rate.
Just my thoughts. |
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09/05/2008 06:22:27 PM · #12 |
| "will trade for drugs" is usually a red flag I watch out for... |
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09/05/2008 08:10:32 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by DrAchoo:
"will trade for drugs" is usually a red flag I watch out for... |
Easy for you to say. You've got the prescription pad.
Message edited by author 2008-09-05 20:11:50. |
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