Should I buy it?

[matt.garnett]

Okay so I found a guy who will sell a 70-200mm f/2.8 NON-IS to me for $600. It's pretty banged up and won't accept filter, but I've seen several promising tutortials on fixing that. It's got some paint flaking and a couple small scratches on the front element as well as a little dust (which shouldn't affect picture quality). I'm just starting out and this would be my first L lens... I don't have a ton of money, but should I pass this one up and continue to save since this is a lens I will probably use for 6+ years?

 

[SCraig]

I'd have to mount the lens on my camera, shoot some stuff with it, and then decide whether I'd shell out $600 for it or not. With the filter ring damaged it took a pretty good hit somewhere in its history and just because things aren't rattling around doesn't mean they are still in perfect alignment and adjustment.

 

[KmH]

Is it a Canon 70-200 mm f/2.8?

I would use the poor cosmetic condition, the front lens elements scratches, and the filter thread issue to try and drive the price down some more.

Bargain condition Canon 70-200 mm f/2.8 non-IS - 70-79% of original condition. Shows more than average wear for the age of the item. May have dents, dings and/or brassing and finish loss. Glass may have marks, anomalies and/or blemishes that should not affect picture quality, are selling for about $950 to $1000

Is the tripod ring included? How about the end caps and the hood?

Obviously the lens was not very well cared for.

 

[matt.garnett]

Front and back caps included, no hood though I don't think. It does come with the soft case though. And yes it's the 70-200mm f/2.8L non-IS

 

[TheKenTurner]

Front and back caps included, no hood though I don't think. It does come with the soft case though. And yes it's the 70-200mm f/2.8L non-IS

How can you put a front cap on it, if it won't support filters?

 

[SCraig]

Front and back caps included, no hood though I don't think. It does come with the soft case though. And yes it's the 70-200mm f/2.8L non-IS

In other words the lens hood got trashed when the filter ring got bent. My PERSONAL inclination would be to run like hell from that one and let someone else have it.

 

[GeorgieGirl]

This sounds really like its really been abused....

 

[katerolla]

NO!!! I refuse to buy lenses with no uv filter on then.

 

[matt.garnett]

Alright I think I'll take that advice. Also I think I'm going to start looking for the f/4 version of the lens and try and work with that for a little and save up to buy the f/2.8...

Would I be crazy if I thought I could find one under $400?