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Has anybody bought second hand lenses from these companies? If so what has the experience been with the lens. Did the lens live upto the expectation that the advert description gave for the item?

Having had the pleasure of visiting both companies' second hand departments in person, buying from half way around the world sight unseen does not seem optimal IMO. Unless you were after a specialty or very rare lens which one of them have to offer, you're taking a risk especially with regard to condition descriptions and personal expectations and the two not meeting.

I thought they were both extremely conservative to the point of misleading when it came to stated lens conditions. What I would classify as 'excellent' for example, would not have anodising scratched off in multiple places on the lens barrel, YMMV.

They are both reputable companies and will no doubt stand by their products with money back guarantees IIRC, but postage costs will probably not be refunded and the hassles and time involved in obtaining RMA authorisations for return.... Are the potential savings really worth it?

unfortunately their (used) lenses are rated by various peolpe with various opinions about quality. However, both are VERY reputable companies and you can be assured they will treat you well. If buying second hand, I would be sure it is an extremely good deal and know the return poilcy beforehand. You may also try KEH (keh.com) for a good selection.

My dealings with all three, while limited to new stock, have been pleasant to say the least.

Andy

As Onyx mentioned, buying used lens overseas like spend your hard earned cash at the poker machine.
Adorama & B&H are reputable sellers but shipping & handling charges same as GST on your purchases should read as NO NO. Returning and shipping/ handling charges are at your expenses.

I have purchased the bulk of my euipment from the USofA and England - just about all of it new. There is one second-hand lens which I purchased from a crowd called Mid-West Photo and both the service and the lens were top notch.

I have also had interstate dealings with John at Camera Exchange and there has never been even the hint of disappointment there either.

With second-hand kit the risk is not with the dealer as much as with the previous owner. A quick phone call is generally the best insurance, I have found. Once these people get a call from down-under they realise that you are keen and will advise you of all you wish to know. Keep in mnd, though, they can only answer the questions that you can ask.

I am not over familiar with the Nikon or Canon serial number system but with the large format lenses that I buy the manufacturers publish lists of manufacturing dates in relation to serial numbers. Of course, Hasselblad have their famous alpha-numeric system which dates bodies and magazine.

I don't think Adorama/ B&H have time or willing to chat with you over the phone about the used lens(es) which you want to purchase. Unless you call into their stores and see them at the counter.

I'm only relating what I have actually done.

heheh,
only reason why i purchased my 300 from Adorama was because camera exchance kept changing their prices on their 300 orginally quoted 1400$(lenses only) then when i had the money a few days later i was quoted 1800$.
but for 1200$~940usd+plus 40 shipping i got a filter,two filter holders, case, hood(hood is about 300 by itself). and the lenses itself is in reasonable quoted in good condition.

i reckon camera exchange has the most reasonable s/h price if you taken into account peace of mind and p2p serivce. but this was probaby the worst this that happen to me there, but i forgive them.