Where do people buy their used lenses online?
I am in the EU, and I am aware of MPB and Ebay (but never got a lens from the latter, maybe I will try). Anything else I missed? What’s you experience?
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My only experience is with buying a Sigma 105 macro (demonstration model) from a local online shop (hama.sk). It was almost brand new and it was pretty much like buying a new lens.
I noticed some online shops here have a second hand section with used stuff, you could try looking for those.
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just got the M.Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ pancake lens a few hours ago from eBay that I referred to here. In this case, it seems I lucked out with a bargain price and no compromise apart from lack of warranty.
The only other lens I ever bought online was not used but possibly a display or demo model, because it was sold in “New” condition at half retail price - a Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC (for Nikon F-mount). That was through amazon.
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The only other one that comes to mind for me (which is in the US, FWIW) is keh.com. They’ve always had a good reputation but lately I prefer MPB for their larger inventory and “actual items” product photos. Still, I always check KEH anyway if I’m looking to buy …just in case.
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Local ebay equivalents and specialised web forums.
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I’ve bought used lenses from local stores, Kleinanzeigen (German equivalent of Craigslist, roughly), Ebay, and MPB.
I’ve been scammed on Kleinanzeigen before (not camera related), so these days I try to avoid it. Ebay from non-commercial individuals can be similarly risky. Camera gear in general is usually relatively safe, though, especially if it’s not the latest model. After all, why would a scammer pretend to sell an old Nikon if they could just as well offer a brand new iPhone? That said, buying in-person, and being able to inspect the item, is still a safe alternative even on these stores.
These days, I tend to buy used gear exclusively from commercial Ebay sellers that offer returns, or MPB. Dealing with scammers or ill-described items is just not worth the trouble (any more, for me, at this point in my life). My local camera stores also carry used gear, but they only offer returns for online purchases; so I buy online even from my local camera store down the street.
I’ve gotten the odd questionable lens from MPB as well, but it was no hassle to return, so that’s not an issue.
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I’m interested in answers to this as well but for Canada. MPB and KEH ship to Canada, but the shipping costs often negate the used-price savings. Other than that, it seems we only have the used section of specialist camera stores, and the usual online marketplace sites (FB, eBay, etc.)
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Try catawiki, I purchased some lenses there
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All used lenses, all Olympus mount, (except one Zeiss for Sony E) came via eBay. Most from Japan. It takes one or two days from Tokyo to Boston and the seller usually pays the shipping. Is Japan to EU shipping different?
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I thought Ebay had buyer protection, but never had to invoke it personally.
I like MPB, and had good experience with them so far, but for lenses I am looking at on Ebay usually the prices are around 30% less than MPB.
It does, but it’s always a judgement call. What if the buttons on a used camera are sticky, or the rubber is tacky, and that wasn’t mentioned in the description? Then you have to argue back and forth, and it’s just a huge waste of time for everybody.
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www.kleinanzeigen.de
bought 3 lenses from private sellers without any troubles in the last 2 years:
- fuji 16 mm f1.4
- moment for iphone 58 mm
- moment for iphone macro
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@Tamas_Papp - Here in France there’s an interesting site called “leboncoin”. I’ve bought/sold a lot of gear through them. I like using it because I can filter to things that are just local to me and make arrangements to see/test what I’m buying in person.
I’ve found Craigslist to be a disaster here in Europe. eBay can be OK but the prices can be ridiculous so shop carefully. MPB has been mentioned and I’ve had excellent service, but at a price.
Also, search out local camera swaps. We have several around where I live and it’s been very interesting attending them. I’ve found very good things for excellent prices. Again, it’s all stuff I can see/test in person before spending anything.
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All my used purchases of late have been from Map Camera on e-bay. They aren’t the cheapest thing in the world, but their products are consistently under rated (in better condition than indicated), and their shipping is amazing. Typically I get stuff in 3 days from them half way round the world.
I’ve bought at least one camera and prolly 4 lenses from them now. If you watch they will have store wide sales.
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Hi, another Canadian here. 
I am also interested in any information related to the sale of used cameras in Canada. It seems like used camera prices are high in Canada when compared to other countries. I have seen some camera stores listing used cameras at a higher price than they are for the new ones. It is very frustrating.
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From Kamerastore(.com) in Finland (but they ship everywhere). They have really good detailed descriptions of the items and any possible flaws, with plenty of photos. I’ve never had to return anything, the descriptions have always been accurate (but they have a return window (a month?) and usually also a warranty (six months or more?).
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I bought a Canon EF-S 60mm Macro from LeBonCoin (French Craigslist). I was initially going to find one new, but its is possibly EOL, so couldn’t find it in stock anywhere. No problem with it.
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I have bought used from both MPB and KEH (keh.com), my experiences have been good with both, lenses arrived in the condition advertised and worked perfectly. I have not bought any photo gear from ebay, my personal experience with ebay has been that every single purchase I have ever made from ebay was either not as advertised or an outright scam. I no longer consider ebay for any purchases
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