where to buy used lenses

[stardelta]

hi guys just wondered if there are any good,trustworthy and reasonable priced online stores to purchase second hand lenses.im in the uk but dont mind buying from anywhere in world.

i think i am better buying used lenses ,to get more lens for less money and am presuming most people really look after their lenses,so getting a second hand one will be like buying new anyway.

a list of websites that you guys trust would be much appreciated and also reasons why not to buy a used lens ,and things to watch out for would also be welcome.
many thanks as always for your advice.
glenn.

ps im off to work now so will check up on this thread when i get home tonight.

[russellsnr]

I just asked in a search engine "should I buy a second hand camera lens"?

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/for....php?p=2600418

Russ

[Tringa]

As the condition of a used lens is subjective, I'd definitely rather buy from a dealer than an unknown individual. I'd also rather buy second hand equipment in person than online, but appreciate that is not always possible. Dealers may give some form of warranty even with used equipment.

Use the 'net to find out about the dealer, Just Googling something like, "Is JoeBloggsCameras any good" can bring up quite a bit of info.

The following applies to new equipment more than second hand but if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Run a WHOIS check on the website - http://who.is/

There is nothing wrong with buying from abroad but if the website suggests the dealer is UK based but the WHOIS check shows the website is registered to an address thousands of miles away, perhaps there is reason for concern.

One dealer I have used, though not for second hand, and would recommend is SRS Microsystems -

http://www.srsmicrosystems.co.uk/

Dave

[Shadowman]

The problem with used lenses is you really don't get any discounts "unless it is from an individual seller" so you have to weigh the risk against the benefit. That being said, if you really want to get a lens, hopefully for a lower price, you'll still have the risk factor, I would try a website (such as hirental.co.uk) which rents lenses and see if they have a list of used lenses they want to unload.

[Daisy Mae]

http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/


This place is brilliant and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them

[arith]

Used these but their condition classification is a bit generous.

http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/

Also used these

http://www.dalephotographic.co.uk/

and these

http://www.lcegroup.co.uk/

[stardelta]

thanks guys for the replies i see all your points about maybe not buying from certain people,however i like the look of
http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/ as recommended it looks to have some nice stuff.
regards glenn.

[swanseadave]

One I would recommend not too far from you in Sheffield is http://www.harrisoncameras.net/

I`ve bought from them several times and they actually give 12 month warranty on all S/H lenses,flash and cameras.

Maybe it`s not too far for you to pay them a visit.It`s a friendly family business.

Good luck.

[Derek G]

I too have been hesitant about buying lenses secondhand and of the net but found mpbphotographic to be spot on in their description of goods and will certainly be my first choice in future.

[proseak]

"hi guys just wondered if there are any good,trustworthy and reasonable priced online stores to purchase second hand lenses.im in the uk but dont mind buying from anywhere in world."

I've bought a couple of used cameras from Amazon UK, and been pleased with them.

[thatguyfromvienna]

Been buying from the Bay in US, UK, AT and DE lately and never had any problems.
Just make sure the dealer isn't new to the game and has positive reviews over a longer stretch of time and you're on the safe side normally.

[stardelta]

Thanks david i will give them a try.

[stardelta]

Thanks alexander.