How much to pay for a second hand lens?

[uncletall]

I am looking around for second hand lenses and am often suprised at the very high, near retail prices that people are asking and maybe even are paying.

My question is how much are you will to pay for a second hand lens?

For me, I would expect to pay 20-30% less or else I would rather buy a new one.
But then again, I read some where that for example a 70-200L series lens keep there value so well that it is like you are borrowing the lens.. but then, why not buy it new if the second hand price holds so well...?

 

[Shahlan]

I guess it is all due to buyers that are willing to pay the asking price requested by the seller..if there are no buyers to purchase the items at such a high price, I guess the prices will eventually drop....

As to why they are willing to meet the price...I have no clue..

 

[SkyPipe]

Recently I was looking for a 85mm f1.8, the 2nd hand price for a 1+ yrs lens is less than 10% off from a new grey set. And less than 15% off from a warranty set.

I bought a brand new grey set instead.

Not worth to get 2nd hand if the difference is so little.

 

[Shahlan]

Maybe some people just don't mind as long as item in good condition and they are able save a couple of dollars...

 

[edsonchan]

I just feel that there are a lot of sellers who are trying their luck.

Electronic do not hold their value.. all of us know here...

I, for one will not buy a used lens if the price is not significantly lesser.

 

[uncletall]

Ok, thanks. I guess it is not just me that thinks that prices are a bit on the high side..:dunno:

 

[CS TAN]

2nd hand lens price is dictated by how much the buyer is willing to pay. Enough said...

 

[diver-hloc]

Paid $1.9K for a 100-400mm L.... consider myself lucky as this lens isn't let go so offen. :thumbsup:

 

[pattanct]

how about look at this way, some lens hold its value, even you buy at that price for 2nd hand, you can probably sell at similar price without loosing much, however, does not apply to value of camera.

 

[diver-hloc]

how about look at this way, some lens hold its value, even you buy at that price for 2nd hand, you can probably sell at similar price without loosing much, however, does not apply to value of camera.

Which is why buying good/popular lenses are more worthwhile.... :bsmilie:

 

[rgy1993]

bodies depreciate worse then lenses do

 

[diver-hloc]

bodies depreciate worse then lenses do

Always..... :sweat:

 

[pokiemon]

my rule of thumb.

under one year (if under warranty and exterior in mint condition/no scratches) - up to 10% discount, if no warranty, 10-15%.
2nd, 3rd and 4th year - take about 15% off a year for depreciation.

 

[engrmariano]

just want to share... i bought a 2yrs old sigma 150 macro for just $100 less than the current price. the lens and every thing is still sealed and its really mint, then sold it more than what i payed for.

 

[bullseyez]

bodies depreciate worse then lenses do

Totally agree with hands n legs up!

 

[ice2big]

my rule of thumb.

under one year (if under warranty and exterior in mint condition/no scratches) - up to 10% discount, if no warranty, 10-15%.
2nd, 3rd and 4th year - take about 15% off a year for depreciation.

This will be ideal case

now am eyeing for 135 f2L but in B n S lowest i seen was i think 1250 without warranty one.. and bnew one with warranty (MS AMK) selling 1330 cash. 80 sgd diff only so i think ill be better off with buying a bnew one.. I think it depends on the seller and buyer also.. Just like last week a 180 mm macro was sold @ 699 but was late now one is selling at 900 So I think depends also on luck sometimes.

 

[leschua75]

I am looking around for second hand lenses and am often suprised at the very high, near retail prices that people are asking and maybe even are paying.

My question is how much are you will to pay for a second hand lens?

For me, I would expect to pay 20-30% less or else I would rather buy a new one.
But then again, I read some where that for example a 70-200L series lens keep there value so well that it is like you are borrowing the lens.. but then, why not buy it new if the second hand price holds so well...?

I was looking at the 2nd hand lenses in this forum and found that some of the lenses are even price higher than brand new? custom made one?

 

[Jeremy1]

How true lens can hold their value nowadays ?
I always read people always saying that it's worth to invest in lenses than body.

My friend also tell me that manual lens can hold better value as compared to auto as there is no electronic inside ?

And prime lens hold better value compared to zoom lens ?

Maybe just wanted to know what are the current lenses in the market that is worth investing ? Maybe NO.....:nono:

 

[Jeremy1]

I was looking at the 2nd hand lenses in this forum and found that some of the lenses are even price higher than brand new? custom made one?

Just know the brand new price of the lens before buying.
Some sellers in the B&S are sometimes just trying their luck to make profit from it.

 

[giantcanopy]

Unless it is some rare collector's item that appreciates, at least make sure it is cheaper than the selling price brand new. check out the recent second hand selling price on forum, also factor in condition, warranty etc ..

any other amount is a compromise bet what u r willing to buy vs how much the seller is willing to let.

ryan