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Should I buy used? Possibly, to save some dollars but, I'd suggest you be very careful when dealing with private parties or even at the camera stores. On-line auctions, well that is a toss-up! Perhaps an option, but I wouldn't buy a lens or camera myself -- good luck returning it if it turns out that is not as advertised, pictures can be deceptive! Also keep mind the following, camera stores will rarely give a good trade in value. You'll be lucky if you get 40-50% of what you paid, even if your equipment is mint, like new condition and less than a year old. Generally they only pay about 30%, but then, they will try to sell it for about 90% of the retail! So with used camera bodies and lenses, you can bargain more! If you buy privately, most private sellers will want 90% too, but keep it mind that they will get significantly less as a trade in. As far as warranties, forget it, they are NOT transferable!!!! Check the item out in person and offer a fair price without insulting them but point out that they cannot get 90% of the list price!!! 60-75% is a fair price, depending on age, and condition, and your offer is probably 20-40% higher than they can get as a trade in, if they truly want to sell it they will! Personally I would limit my "used" purchase to lenses alone. Camera bodies can have more malfunctions and harder to test. As for warranty; you have none from a private party, and not much more from a store apart from a 10 to 30 days exchange for something else. Be informed, patient and remember the golden rule "one who holds the cash makes the rules!" It is always a buyers market!!!
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László Nyáry: Artist, Designer and Photographer. 