Selling Used Equipment!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I am interested in knowing what is the best way to sell used camera equipment?

I recently sent two lenses to a large company located in New York City (not B&H) to get the value of some used equipment. Specifically, I want to sell my Canon 18-200 mm lens and my 50 1.8 lens. I know I am not going to get what I paid for, but here is what happened and I want to know what others think.

I bought the 18-200 from this same company refurbished for $399.00. I bought it in April, 2013. I was told they gave it an E rating (for excellence) and valued it at $200.00.  The guy also told me Canon had dropped the price of this lens new to $473.00 and that is why they had to give me so much less. On their website this camera is still selling new for $699 and used for $359. The 50 mm was valued at $50. He also talked about 70% the value, but I misunderstood what he was saying.

I decided not to sell the 18-200 mm for that price and was still willing to sell the 50 mm.  I also offered to trade both for a used 50 1.4 lens for $299.00.  When I called back, he was not willing to do the trade and then said I would only be getting $10-$15 for the 50 mm. Apparently, it was a package deal. In addition, the 70% he was referring to is, if I sold both lenses, I would only be getting 70% of the $250. This all seems a little dishonest to me.

I am new to all this, so it may be how things are done, but I am curious to know how others sell their used equipment. Luckily, it was free shipping to and from, so this experience cost me nothing. Live and learn.

[PJ and Zach]

I haven't sold camera equipment before. But I have sold furniture, gym equipment, and just this week a car, all on Craigslist. It was easy to do, and so far all parties were happy with the transactions.

Why are you selling your Canon 18-200? I have considered that lens, since I need one for my old Rebel. (After I win tomorrow's mega millions, of course). Is there a reason to not consider that lens?

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

PJ, We bought two refurbished 18-200 mm lenses and we no longer need both. I am mainly interested in action photography and my 70-200 mm works better for that. I used the lens a lot and really liked it. We still have the one, so I will continue to use it. Let me know if you are interested. You are more than welcome to borrow it, too. However, if you win the Mega Millions, I want $700 for it :) LOL

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Also experienced something similar but in an email.
Another idea Laurie is go to Amazon and do a search for the specific lens as if you are looking to buy.
Usually in the right had corner it asks you, " Do you have this lens? Do you want to sell?"

See what Amazon is willing to buy it for?

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Thanks, Joanne. Great idea!!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Or eBay. And try the buy , sell whatever group here. Personally, I would not buy a used lens unless it was a significant discount from a new one. Before lenses had motors it seems to me they could theoretically last forever but now I think that lenses with motors make things dicier. And for $50 bucks or less, it makes sense to keep any lens or give it away : (

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

my zoom lens no longer zooms ( I am so technical haha).  Is it worth fixing or should Santa look into a new one?  Canon 75-300 1:4-4.6 III  i know its not the camera itself.  i tried cleaning the contact.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I guess you need to find an estimate on the repair and compare it with the price of a new one. If it's an expensive lens I'd consider a repair. But no repair is likely to be very cheap so if it's a cheap lens.....

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I agree!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I think the best price you'll get I'd on Ebay

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Thanks, Joanne!

[Lori, Daphne, Lucy & Pippa]

I have bought and sold camera lenses on Ebay and have always been happy. I have also sold a camera on craigslist. Sold within hours and everything went smoothly. We met in a public place.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I never even think of Craigslist. Thank you! I sold a dog crate on there once.