Reading mode: Light Dark

Used or New 200-500?

Go to last post
C

cyuill2007

Senior Member
Messages
2,105
Solutions
1
Reaction score
1,707
Location
Vancouver BC, CA
I am interested in purchasing a Nikon 200-500mm lens. A new Nikon 200-500mm lens is currently selling in my area for approximately $1200 US. A trusted store is selling a used copy for approximately $900 US. The used products I have purchased from this store have worked very well for me, but only come with a 90-day store warranty.

I am interested in what members here would do if given a similar choice. The used copy better fits my budget, but the new copy comes with a full warranty. Any thoughts?
 
I bought a Nikon-certified refurb 200-500 and after a few uses ran into an intermittent issue of the lens not focusing properly. For certain reasons I was unable to simply return the lens, so I had it checked by a Nikon service and ended up paying myself for a $300 repair. The lens apparently had some mechanical damage in the contact area that we difficult to find.

My lesson learned: while I am still comfortable buying used bodies, the lenses I'll buy will be new only.
 
Last edited:
Your experience reflects the main concern I have. Is the current price reduction going to equal a repair cost later? I have purchased a number of camera bodies, lenses, and accessories from reputable stores over the years. I have had problems with one film SLR and one lens, both requiring repairs - but only after I had been using them for a number of years.

It's too bad you experienced this problem with your 200-500mm Nikkor. I hope that you are having a more satisfactory experience from your Sigma 100-400mm lens.

Thank you for your response.
 
Get new to have the warranty and piece of mind.
 
Thanks. After the repair, I'm now happy with of of these lenses.
 
$300.00 savings isn't enough. With new at least in the USA you get an extended warranty. Your savings only covers a single repair if needed. I would chance used on an expensive lens if the savings was about $500.00
 
My thoughts are going in that direction. Thanks for your input.
 
I don't really disagree with the other responders, but my rationale for buying used is as follows:

For the $300 savings I too would have bought new. But I normally buy used equipment, both cameras and lenses. Nikon equipment is well made and probably the most likely cause of malfunctions is dropping or some other kind of impact. Nikon, like all the other manufacturers, will not repair impact damage under a warranty. So, for the bulk of likely malfunctions, the warranty is not in effect. If one is careful and only buys used equipment that was originally purchased as official Nikon USA, then getting it repaired would not be an issue.
 
johnchap2 said:
I don't really disagree with the other responders, but my rationale for buying used is as follows:

For the $300 savings I too would have bought new. But I normally buy used equipment, both cameras and lenses. Nikon equipment is well made and probably the most likely cause of malfunctions is dropping or some other kind of impact. Nikon, like all the other manufacturers, will not repair impact damage under a warranty. So, for the bulk of likely malfunctions, the warranty is not in effect. If one is careful and only buys used equipment that was originally purchased as official Nikon USA, then getting it repaired would not be an issue.
Click to expand...
I purchased a new USA 60mm macro G series from Newegg (on sale 15% off), It stopped working at 92 days. No impact damage. If it was either used or refurb it would have been a paid repair. Nikon repaired it no charge. Any manufactured item can fail for any reason.
 
One repair or one incident to send in your lens to Nikon and there goes your advantage to buying used.

Nikon here in Canada charges $150cdn an hour just to look at your lens if it's out of warranty. It can quickly add up.

Buy new for the warranty.
 
The consensus seems to be "New". I suspect that, by the time I can get to the store and actually try it out, it will be sold anyway. That said, I have been leaning towards "New" since shortly after I first saw the lens being listed on the company's website.

I thank everyone for their input.
 
No,

Never used, I like feel the smell of new in my camera & lens

buy new believe me!
 
I've had my 200-500mm for close to three years when the VR suddenly began to act erratically over all shutter speeds.

Sent it off to Nikon and they found something wrong with it and will be repairing it under warranty. Not bad for a three year old purchase now a days.

Bill F
 
Cariboou said:
No,

Never used, I like feel the smell of new in my camera & lens

buy new believe me!
Click to expand...
Plus you don't risk buying a lens that's been possibly thrown down the stairs. I am shocked just how many people throw their lenses down the stairs.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Keyboard shortcuts

f
Forum
m
My threads
Mobile site
About
Editorial content
Cameras & Lenses
Community
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998–2025 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
©GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services.
Back
Top