Where to buy used Canon Lenses

[tlbradford]

Well, I found out I had been overpaying Uncle Sam and am getting a nice refund check.  Since having another kid, I just didn't expect that much of a tax benefit.  So long story short I have a Canon 50d on the way to the house. 

I know this question is answered somewhere, but where do you guys purchase your used lenses?

[Slider]

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/board/10

[DesertBighorn]

Fred Miranda is a great place to look and learn what the going prices are.  I have also purchased lenses locally by searching Craigslist.

Good luck, what are you looking for?

-Doug

[tlbradford]

Thanks guys.  I am trying to keep an eye out for a dedicated wildlife prime lens.  I think for my budget right now a 300mm F/4 L IS.  I have a 70-200 F/2.8L IS that came with the camera, so if you think I should wait for something 400mm or larger let me know that too.  I am totally new to the game, but have tried to get learned up over the past year and a half while waiting for a good deal.

[javman]

KEH has a good reputation, or so I've heard -- haven't bought anything from them myself, but they have a nice rating scale and good selection.

http://www.keh.com/

[popeshawnpaul]

I think 400mm is the best all around focal length, but it's hard to get to that length in Canon affordably.  I like the 400mm f5.6 but it does not have IS and is a bit slow at f5.6.  I won't buy a lens without IS so that one is out for me.

Your next option is the 300mm f4 IS and you can pair that with a 1.4x.  It's a good combo but one thing I notice about this lens is the IS is fairly outdated.  The new IS is night and day different, although it has it so it's a decent option.  Although it's a bit short, with the 1.4x it can be managed.

The last option is the 100-400mm f5.6 IS.  I can't find a sharp copy of this lens.  Many swear they have sharp ones but I've never seen one.  It really isnt a 400mm either, it tops out at 380mm and the last 50mm on the top end are the worst quality of the whole focal range.  I just can't like this lens no matter how hard I've tried.  It also has the old IS system that the 300mm f4 does.

Those are your 3 best options for about $1000.  One nice thing is that if you buy one of these you can sell them for 80-90% of what you bought them for when it's time to trade up.  I would venture the next step up is the unbelievable 300mm f2.8 IS.  From there you can keep that with a 1.4x or step up to the 400mm f4 DO when you get a few extra bucks.  If you don't leave the road often the next logical step may be the 500mm f4 IS.  Give me a 400mm F4 DO and I'm happy if you can find a nice sharp copy.  The 400mm F4 DO is the only lens I use that makes the Nikon guys have lens envy... 

[boneaddict]

I think the words affordable and Canon are oxymorons.     I bought m,ine new from B&H.  Damn that warranty is nice.

[tlbradford]

I am thinking that my stalking abilities will just need to get a whole lot better.   

[huntnphool]

The other "must have" TL is a good photo program, you can clean up average picks that at first glance you might think about deleting, with family shots its a life savor since you cant go back and reshoot. PShop CS series works well for me as does Lightroom, I think Pope leans towards lightroom,

http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshoplightroom/?sdid=EFWEH&ysmwa=oHI2OjBakVIa7vDRE3W69mAS9kVtINzXaZZ0E0jxu0cE67gDRdzE9iVgr2mHpULx

http://tryit.adobe.com/us/cs4/photoshop/?sdid=EFWFH&ysmwa=Ra2ah22MDy22TWbM9n_GwY0wOOLAUBG_OSWeCiMZ7WgBHk2buoAguyQ8sHksYcha

either one will work very well and if you have questions there are plenty of guys on here that can help you out. Have fun, you're going to love that new camera