Would you even buy a lense from a pawn shop ... opinions please

[passerby]

When you shop at the pawn shop you need to know the average market prices - as many of their product are ridiculously priced. Not that they overpricing them deliberately for the ininformed customers but they seem not up to date with current prices. Remind the shop owners of the current prices is not bad idea. Otherwise the new one with warranty is always the safest move.

Happy looking.

 

[ThePup]

In any deal with a pawn shop (Not just lenses, anything), someone's going to get the raw end of the deal. You know it's not going to be the shop, so you need to make sure it's the seller, not yourself. Look closely at what you're buying, and don't be afraid to haggle - Having known friends who worked in 2nd hand stores, there's apparently at least a 100% markup on what they actually paid for the goods, sometimes more. Always try and get the price down a chunk.

Also check out similar items on Ebay and the like too.

(Thanks to those with tips above on 2nd hand lenses - I've been eyeing off a Sigma 70-300 DL in my local, now I know what to look for!)