Do you buy USED lenses?

Used Lenses, do you trust them and buy them?
I have never bought a used lens; they've always been new.
I'm looking at a lens for my Fuji X-T1, and see that there's a bunch of them availble in various places for 1/2 price.

What think ye?

Hi Genny,

I do buy used lenses.  If the mechanics and glass are rated very high by the seller, then I will purchase the item.  I will not purchase a used lens if the optics and mechanical features have been damaged through a fall.   It is also based on what I can afford.  For bird photography, my 600mm is a used manual focus beast that was rated an 8 by B&H.  I called them and asked them about the condition of the glass and how mechanically sound was the item.  I'm glad that I bought it and most of my recent bird photos were taken with this lens.  Some companies like B&H also will also take back used equipment that does not work even if cosmetically perfect.  I purchased a very nice Sigma wide angle zoom for taking pictures of the dogs and landscapes.  The autofocus was sloppy and would never work for dog photography. I returned the item and they gave me a full refund.  So yes, used lenses will work and can save you some money.  Do your homework and make sure that the seller guarantees the item and provide you with the means to return the item if it does not work to your specifications.  Happy hunting.....................................Jim

Genny,
I've bought used lenses from LensAuthority (the used/for sale branch of LensRentals) -- I figure that even if they have more clicks on them than from an individual, they've also been serviced, scrutinized & checked out much more.  They give a rating & explain why it got that particular rating.  They even have sales on their used gear 1 or 2x/year.

Thanks for the info. I've never done it before, so am a bit uncertain. I have spent untold amounts of $ on new lenses from Adorama and B&H over the years, but I guess used ones need to be considered too.
Thanks.

I purchased a used lens here on NPN from a fellow NPN member and it is my favorite lens.  I've also purchased used lenses from KEH and have never had any problems whatsoever with them, except that I had more $$ in my pocket than buying new   So long as you are buying from a reputable company that rates the equipment, you should be fine.

Probably most of the lenses and cameras I own (i.e., more than half) were purchased used from individuals/strangers via ebay or classified forums on photo websites. This was particularly true when I was just starting out and trying to expand my equipment. I still keep my eye on the classified forums for lenses I want to own or might want to try out but do not want to buy new. With the exception of one minor issue with a Nikon F100 bought years ago, I've never had a problem, and everything I bought has generally been as represented.  If the seller is an individual, I would consider the seller's rating, if available, and be sure you get a legit address and phone number and even employment information. I've even purchased used lenses, used them for a while, and then sold them the same way. When I sell a lens, I always give the buyer the right to return it within an agreed period of time (in the same condition) for any reason. This way, they can be sure there is nothing wrong with it. When I buy a lens, I ask for this. 

Another vote for used, Genny.  Most of mine were bought new, but I've purchased three used from a combination of individuals and large stores and I've never had an issue with them.  Another good source is the manufacturers' refurbished stores.  I bought my 5D3 from Canon's and the price was very good.

 

I've purchased several from Lens Rentals and had great luck with those.  I review the listing on the different copies of a lens & want & pick the sharpest one.  They used to display lines/resolution test results on each such as 18/18, 20/20, and occassionally a really sharp lens at 22/22.  This pretty much insures that I get a great copy of the lens.  They also have a guarantee, so if I go shoot the lens for a few days & don't like it, I can send it back for a refund.

I would buy (have bought) used lenses from KEH, whom I trust.  Don't think I would buy one from eBay, etc. though.

Genny, I also have purchased lenses from KEH in the past  (and have sold a few to them as well).  The rating system that KEH uses seems to under-rate the condition of a lens; ie a lens is in better shape than the rating reflects.  Their returns policy is great as well.  Definitely a good way to save some money given some of the crazy prices of new lenses.

Genny, I agree with those who recommend KEH. I've bought used lenses from them in the past, and agree that their ratings are conservative. When I was looking for MF and LF lenses, I always looked at those with Excellent or Excellent + ratings.

--P

I have bought used lenses from B&H, KEH and eBay.  With ebay, make sure the seller accepts returns, has a good rating, and posts a lot of high Quality images of the lens.  Never had a problem with B&H, KEH, or eBay.  eBay may have better deals but needs a little more caution.

Wow, thanks for all the great info!
It was nice to see how many have bought used.
I bought a used camera (my Canon 1Ds mkii) from an individual, but I know him; he's a local pro.  But I'd never bought a used lens.
OK, I'm checking into the used ones!  Thanks, all!

I'll add on to this as well - have bought two lenses used through NPN (thanks guys!) and one from Adorama and have 0 regrets.  Also bought a tripod used via NPN 

I too have bought a lens from a fellow NPN member.  Great lens & fair pricing.
 

I've always bought new bodies and used- like new lenses from Amazon.  I've had terrific luck!