Can I even afford a wildlife lens

[Raw photographer]

I am an amateur photographer and I love wildlife photography, I have a camera a kit lens and a canon 75-300mm f4 -5.6 lens that my neighbor has borrowed me, I use that lens for my wildlife photos. It is supposedly Canon's worst lens, and I believe it, I mean don't get me wrong this is the lens that I have learned all my photography on. And it's not horrible but it does have some major setbacks and problems as ever lens does, but this lens is pretty bad in terms of image quality. Anyway let's not get into that as this post is already getting long. I feel as if I am improving in my photos and I feel like my neighbors lens is holding me back from getting good images. I have had great filling frame shots only to realise that th a chromatic aberration is horrible or that it was out of focus as the auto focus is very slow. I also realise that the lenses and equipment are not as important as the photographer behind it but I really feel the lens is holding me back. Besides maybe my neighbor will want his lens back soon. Who knows. I would like a longer better image quality lens and I feel that that would improve my image quality and allow me to experiment more and open up my opportunities. But like most of us our budget does not always allow us to get what we want. I would be fine with a used lens of some sort or a new lens of course but I can't seem to find any used lenses in my area that fit my budget. If anyone her knows of some place where there are somewhat affordable lenses, that would be great. I really like the sigma 100-400mm lens but is still pricy. There is also the tamron 100-400 for about the same price. These lenses seem to be well built and have great image quality. There just not in the buget. For me used is the way to go. If anyone her knows wher I could get a good used lens that would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Derrel]

Four letters. U_s_E_d.

Craigslist. e-Bay, Local "nickle ads".

 

[dxqcanada]

KEH ?
https://www.keh.com/shop/lenses/slr...mm--500mm.html?dir=asc&multi=true&order=price

 

[Raw photographer]

Thanks is ebay safe, I mean I know alot of people use it. Its probably some research I have to do.
Thanks.

 

[dxqcanada]

Thanks is ebay safe, I mean I know alot of people use it. Its probably some research I have to do.
Thanks.

Yes, and No.
Read the sellers feedback even if they have 100%

 

[Designer]

Thanks is ebay safe, I mean I know alot of people use it. Its probably some research I have to do.
Thanks.

I think it is safe, but that doesn't preclude getting a bad deal. You have to become educated about what you wish to acquire, and shop around to know if the price is reasonable.

Over the past 1-1/2 years I have purchased over a dozen used lenses on E-bay.

If you have not yet purchased anything on E-bay, you should read the rules, and just watch for a while. Learn how it all works while you're learning about the prices.

 

[Derrel]

Is e-Bay safe? Mostly, I think. Some really good deals can be obtained there . At the largest web retailers, the price is the very highest typically, since they are so well-known, and have such a large audience to draw from. On eBay you might be competing with two or three serious bidders , whereas at B&H photo or KEH.com there can be many,many people who are interested in buying the same thing.

 

[Soocom1]

I am more inclined to use KEH myself.

The ratings are pretty decedent you wind up with very good quality stuff, even the bargain stuff is good.
The AS-IS really is only for parts.

 

[JoeW]

One possibility is to rent a lens first. This gives you an idea of what it's like to shoot with a fast 500mm zoom. It also can temper your expectations. And it can give you practical experience with a lens before you decide to invest in it.

Also, with really big bazooka-sized glass, you'll find that a tripod truly does make a big difference.

 

[smoke665]

IMO, safer then Amazon and their "partners". You'll find sellers like KEH, Adorama, and others on EBay, mixed in with individuals and internet shops. Just be sure to read the description carefully, and check the "item location", there's been a few times when Chinese sellers have pretended to be based in the US. Then you place your order and it takes forever. EBay has an excellent buyer protection, and will refund your money quickly if a seller is being fraudulent in any way, but thats a two way street. You have to read exactly what you're buying.

 

[OldManJim]

I agree with what's been said about eBay. I've bought and sold photo equipment on that site with good results. However - it is important to know what you're getting. Look at the "sold" listings for the item you want - that will give you a better idea on prices. Be suspicious of "great deals" - often they aren't.

I've also have good results with KEH and Roberts Camera but as with all things, "Buyer Beware".

 

[Raw photographer]

Thanks for all the tips guys. I will look more into eBay. I also like the idea of renting a lens to try, where might I do so and what might happen if something we're to happen to the lens, would I be a fault.

Thanks.

 

[RVT1K]

You've gotten some good advice here.

I would just add keeping a close watch on Craigslist in your area. I've had very good experiences and found some amazing bargains. And keep on the lookout for estate sales in your area as well, there's a good chance the sellers may not know full values.

You can always save money by going with a third-party lens. I have a Tamron 300/f2.8 and a 2x tele-converter that I found on Craigslist and works great.

My experience with eBay is mixed. I bought my Nikon 70-200/f2.8 and it went very well. When I bought a used D3, the seller lied about the shutter count.

 

[Dao]

I purchased a used Tamron fast standard zoom lens with VR earlier this year from mpb.com via ebay and ran into compatibility issue with my 6D mk2 (known issue with the early batch after searching online) after using it for couple month. Since the lens came with 6 months warranty, so mpb gave me full refund with prepaid shipping to send the lens back.

With that experience, I will buy stuff from mpb again. (which I did, just got a Sigma f/2 full frame zoom lens from them about a month ago)

 

[smoke665]

I've looked at the lens rental route and found it equally expensive. IE just checked a site, a Canon 600mm f/4 IS II, rents for $494 for 8 days plus shipping both ways. Found a used one online at $3900. So the rental is going to cost you roughly 15% (or more depending on what you find to buy). Buying a good quality lens new/used will have residual value if you decide to sell it. Plus with a rental you have limited time to use it - What if it's raining the whole 8 days? Not saying rental is out the picture, just saying you need to consider your costs carefully.