Craigslist!!!

[iShootYou]

To craigslist or not to craigslist for lenses? I've seen great Nikon lenses for sale on CL and I'm wondering what you all suggest as far as buying them from there.

Yes no? What should I pay attention to? How much lower should it be on CL as far as price?

Or is it better in the long run to pay more and buy the lenses from a camera store e.g Calumet, Hendrix, etc. And why?

Thanks!
Zoe

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[shootermcgavin]

CL seems high to me, I always just end up getting new as the difference is minimal. I figure used at 50% ballpark, seems more like 75% on CL.

 

[sm4him]

CL is great...IF you have the time and patience for it. But it's like shopping at thrift stores; a HUGE majority of the time, all you find is overpriced junk. But if you visit often enough, once in a while you come across those deals that make it all worthwhile.

I haven't yet found any lenses on CL, but I've "only" been watching for them for about 3 months, when I got my DSLR.
But a couple of years ago, I bought a laptop with Adobe CS4 Master Collection already installed for $250.
Just last night, I bought a Macbook Pro for $350, with Office Suite 2011 on it. Cheapest I've seen the exact same model anywhere else is $650.

So yeah, it's worth it in the long run. But if you want a lens by next week...go to the camera store websites. KEH is especially good.

 

[2WheelPhoto]

I've got D80 backup body, lights, pocketwizards, light stands, umbrella's, etc crackhead cheap off craigslist compared to "what I should've paid", not even considering retail

 

[KmH]

It take many years for lenses to depreciate by 50%, but not camera bodies.

Be aware that selling price is affected by the relative negotiating skills of the seller and the buyer, and that selling price of used gear is often different from the asking price.

How quickly a seller wants a used item to move can affect the selling price.

For the best deals I look for a 'distressed sale', or a situation where the seller needs to move an item quickly.

 

[bazooka]

I love CL for camera gear, including lenses. I've purchased 3 of my lenses, two flashes, and two of my camera bodies on CL and haven't had any issues with any of them... actually, I take that back. One of the flashes, a 550EX was questionable. But you do have to keep a constant eye on it if you want to get the better deals because they go fast.

 

[memento]

I bought a Canon 70-200 IS 2.8 for $900 from CL.
My girlfriend just got a T3i with 18-55 & 75-300 for $670.
I bought a $2,500 racing bicycle off CL for $800
I bought a '74 CB750 motorcycle not too long ago.
I MADE $500 selling a Triumph Sprint motorcycle.
sold a R1 motor for $800 and the frame for $600. wheels are still availible..
I currently have a ton of '99-'02 R6 parts if your interested...

You have to use common sense.
Meet in a public place.
bring a friend.
thoroughly inspect what ever you're buying.
most of my 'transactions' have been at the sellers house or they come to mine. it may seem a little shady to have strangers come to your house but i've never had any problems. i feel reassured meeting at the sellers house.. i know where you live

IMO - It is an awesome place to find great deals.

 

[tirediron]

Craig's List: :thumbup:

I've bought many lenses, a fist-full of PWs, lights, a bunch of flashes, light-stands, tripods, brackets, etc from Craig's List. The best deals seem to be on bodies and tripods. Lenses are hit and miss, and the higher the quality the lens the less it will depreciate. Finding deals takes patience and perserverance. I check it almost every day. I recently picked up a like new set of pipe dies ($200 retail) for $30!

 

[orb9220]

Yep 90% of my gear is from craigslist. Last 2 months 55-200vr for $80 a Kiron 105mm f2.8 Ai manual 1:1 macro for $260. D90 last year with 17k clicks for $650 and still running strong passing 46k clicks. D200 for $450. 70-300vr for $325. Also sell no longer needed. Have used last 4 yrs. with great buying with zero problems. And Selling usually get asking price.

Check daily for specific item and eventually will find one in your price range.
.

 

[Foxx]

Not much to add but reiterate that CL is great you just need the patience to sift through the crap. There are real gems out there -- I bought a Canon 75-300 USM for $80. You just have to be persistent with looking

 

[Dao]

There are pros and cons. If you know what you are doing, you may be able to get some good deals. Or similar price as ebay. The main difference is you can check the item out before purchasing it.

 

[2WheelPhoto]

There are pros and cons. If you know what you are doing, you may be able to get some good deals. Or similar price as ebay. The main difference is you can check the item out before purchasing it.

+1, thats one of the main reasons I use it over fleabay

 

[molested_cow]

great thing about cl is you can see and inspect the lens before you decide to pay. otherwise, its not worth the risk.

 

[2WheelPhoto]

Got my eye peeled for a light meter

 

[Trever1t]

I surf CL hard. Scored my 17-35 among lots of peripherals from CL. As mentioned, NIKON lenses (Nikkor) do not depreciate. Actually some lenses can be sold for more than originally purchased but a 75% drop on a modern lens is about as much as you'll find.

I just scored a Pelican 1500 for $50 whoop!