I was just wondering if anyone has had experience on purchasing lenses on eBay? I've seen some good prices on there but I'm kind of scared to buy. I guess I'm not all that familiar with eBay ever, but I want to see good products for my money! Thoughts?

-Greg

hey Greg...

If you care to go to this thread HERE ...Lyn had the same thoughts as you...

Bob

careful, Lyn hasn't posted to that thread since her lenses arrived

while that could mean she is happily out putting them to the test .. it could also mean that what ever was in the box ..

ate her


just be careful, is all I am saying ... and google the news channels in New Zealand for a story on a huge, carnivorous lens, slithering from town to town .. an aperture with an appetite ..

I have bought several items on E-Bay. Got a 100-400 canon lens and Lee filters and holder there also. Just keep an eye on your sellers rating and comments from buyers. If you see any legitimate negative feedback, don't buy!

I was very pleased with the price, the service and the product arrived intact, well packed and by registered post. The seller (a shop) also replied swiftly to a query I had. As it was my first eBay purchase I have nothing to compare with but the seller had a 99.9 rating.
As for the lenses - I have not used them yet - but they LOOK ok :) and they even sent me a free gift - a UV filter lens.The shop I dealt with was fotobestbuy.
Of course the proof of the pudding is in the eating - but having had no expeience wih additional lenses I probably won't know even after I get arround to experimenting with them

you're FIRED as a lens reviewer !!!

I appreciate the input guys...I too just started as an eBayer. I'm just keeping my eyes peeled for any sweet new deals. I'm still stuck with the stock lens on my D40x :(. Sad...

I've been buying and selling on Ebay for a few years now. My advice is to really read through the feedback of the seller. Always pay by paypal - do not send cheques or money. I would avoid sellers from Hong Kong, although I do know a lot of them are reputable dealers, but there is always a risk.

There are shops on Ebay that sell good quality cameras and lenses so they are a good option. However, I did buy my Tamron 18-200 from a private dealer, he had a very high score and excellent feedback. I did not have a problem at all - the lens was/is very good quality.

Also, send questions to the seller before you bid. If they are quick with communication that is a good sign. In my experience, the worst Ebayers are the ones that do not respond to your emails or questions. If they respond quickly and are polite then this at least gives you confidence that you are buying from someone who is reputable.

Lastly, if you are bidding for an item, decide on the maximum price you are willing to pay and bid that amount in the last 20 seconds. It does not mean you will pay that amount. It will just override the highest bid by a small amount and it stops you from bidding much higher than you intended to in the first place. Also, it does not give anyone any time to override your bid.

...now you all know what my other addiction is! oops!

ps my feedback is over 300! lol!

Thanks for all the helpful tips Patti!
Much appreciated :=)

Yes, thank you very much. It helps us new people out there! I don't want to get cheated :) I really appreciate the advice.

Likewise I buy and sell on eBay quite a lot, and I've had a generally good experience. I just check out the epinions on the sellers before I buy.