New or refurbished??

[dicklaxt]

I have a friend who owns and operates an auto repair shop. He claims that rebuilt auto equip with warranty is often a better deal, as Quality Control is much more stringent because of the wary eye.

I wonder if this might hold true for lens too and I guess cameras for that matter.

dick

[coffee]

If money isn't an object Dick, I would always buy new from a place you can trust like B&H or Amazon. They also sell used and refurbished equipement. However, you always take a bigger chance when you buy used and refurbished I feel. But I know there are many happy photographers that buy this way and have very little problems. make sure you get a warrenty iin any regard though, that way you are covered if you aren't happy.

[jerryph]

Like my cars, I prefer new over buying someone else's issues. Even refurbed equipment means that it is normally well used.

If money is an issue, it is a way that someone could get access to a higher end camera than without it... but when anything is bought used, it is difficult to see how hard. If I had to, I would tend to suggest that if used/refurb is your only discourse, make sure of shutter action counts. You want a camera with under 5000 shutter counts if at all possible. Think of a camera with 5000 shutter counts like a car with 50,000 miles... its drivable, but has some significant use on it.

[reval8r]

I'm one that almost always buys new, but I have a friend who never buys new photo equipment. He's got some great deals buying used cameras, lenses and studio equipment. He's a professional wedding photographer and books a wedding every weekend and has never had a problem with his used equipment. I guess it all boils down to your comfort level with the purchase and how much money you save.

[LensBaby]

I only buy new, because I hate to end up with somebody's problems.

[nancie]

I purchased a refurbished Nikkor 55-200 on Ebay, and am very happy with it. It had a 90 day warranty. My advise if you are buying used, just make sure it comes from a reputable camera shop with a warranty.

Nancie