Refurb or new

[Phillip Lynn]

I am looking at a refurbished lens or a new one. Can anyone give me advice?

 

[KmH]

What make of lens, and what country are you in?

Here in the US, when I buy a new Nikon lens and register it online with Nikon, at no charge Nikon extends the warranty from 1 year to 5 years.
Nikon only warranties their refurbished lenses for 90 days.

However, I have long been more of a used lens buyer than a new or refurbished lens buyer, because I know it's actually pretty rare to have an issue with a new or refurbished lens during the time a warranty is in effect.

So I would suggest also considering used lenses.

 

[Designer]

I am looking at a refurbished lens or a new one. Can anyone give me advice?

What specific lens are you looking for? I have bought lenses on e-bay and Amazon, and have had good success. There are other places as well, that offer used or refurbished lenses. Adorama, B&H, KEH, and others.

 

[Phillip Lynn]

The lens is a Nikon 70-300 mm on Amazon. The cost if 119.00 refurbished or 169.00 brand new. Not much of a savings I know.

 

[Phillip Lynn]

I am looking at 70-300 mm nikon lens. I have a Nikon D7100 with the kit lens it came with. I am in the US. I am looking at Amazon , the price refurbished is 119.00 and the new price is 169.00. Not much difference in price.

 

[Designer]

I am looking at 70-300 mm nikon lens. I have a Nikon D7100 with the kit lens it came with. I am in the US. I am looking at Amazon , the price refurbished is 119.00 and the new price is 169.00. Not much difference in price.

Since there are, I think, 4 different 70-300 lenses, it might be important to know exactly which one. IMO, you should settle for no less than the VR G version.

This is the one:

https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-70-300mm-4-5-5-6G-Digital-Cameras/dp/B000HJPK2C

 

[dennybeall]

Since I have never had a lens not function after the initial first use tests, I would save 50 bucks and get refurbished and test it carefully when I got it.

 

[KmH]

The lens you're considering (the $169 new 70-300 f/4-5.6G lens) is one of the worst lenses, value wise, Nikon has ever made, even though it is an FX lens.

There's a reason the next one the AF-S 70-300 f/4.5-5.6 G ED (a DX lens) costs some $350 new. Indeed the 70-300 f/4.5-5.6 ED is one of Nikon's best values.
Look for a used 70-300 f/4.5-5.6G ED that is in good shape.

 

[Phillip Lynn]

Thanks for the info, I am going to wait and buy new.

 

[Designer]

Thanks for the info, I am going to wait and buy new.

It might be tough to find a new one.

Meanwhile, there are many used ones on good condition.

And you'll get it cheaper.

 

[jcdeboever]

I would look into the af-s 70-300 P providing it can be used on your camera. From what I read, it's far superior to the the older versions. Here is one such article.

Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 AF-P VR | DSLRBodies | Thom Hogan

If that's out of your price range, you might consider this...
Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD Lens Review

 

[keen.observer]

I have purchased refurbished cameras / lenses / speedlights from: Nikon.com, B&H photovideo, Adorama.com, with no problems, or regrets.

 

[shane.haumpton]

If the savings over a brand new lens is important to you, and you're buying from a reputable source then it may be worth it to buy refurbished. Besides, I agree to what keen.observer says, those camera stores offer quality refurbished lenses. I once bought a refurbished lens also in Adorama. Had no issues.

 

[Jeff15]

One golden rule in Photography is, always buy the best you can afford...