In this season of buying and giving, I have noticed there are a few photography websites promoting good deals from specific camera merchants. One look around these sites reveal they are also taking paid advertisement from the same merchants. Fortunately, with comparison shopping and open auction sites all over the internet, one can determine good deals without much difficulties.
Hard to believe but the world of DSLR cameras is only about 12 years old. I still have my treasured Canon EOS-1 V film camera. Once in a while, I will take it out on a nice day and bring a few rolls of slide film to do some photography the old fashion way. The photography industry is so technology driven now one can mistake it for the Computer or Smart Phone market these days. It seems every few months there is something 'faster and better' coming out to tempt consumers to trade up.
In general, Canon prices have kept up with inflation but their high end cameras and lenses retain their value well so there is a robust market for used equipment. For those who want to trade up but not spend too much to chase the latest technology, there is always the used equipment market. The danger here is buying from someone you don't know is a big risk on something that may not have an obvious flaw until you take the equipment out for a photo session.
Is the seller providing a warranty? The original Canon EF lens warranty indicates that it is non-transferable. However, Canon's practice has been to honor an EF lens warranty if they are provided with a valid receipt from a Canon authorized dealer. So, you just may get warranty coverage on a Canon EF lens you purchase used if you have a valid receipt. Some commercial retailers provide their own used equipment warranty.
Is there a return policy if you are not satisfied with your purchase? Most commercial retailers do not allow returns on used Canon lenses if you changed your mind, but transactions with an individual depends on whatever is negotiated. I am not affiliated with any camera retailers and do not take advertisement from them on my website. This gives me the independence and freedom to describe any company that I find reputable and trustworthy.
Over the years, I have purchased lightly used equipment from individuals and found the experience spotty. Camera stores rarely have the used equipment I was looking for at a good price but surprisingly I found the answer right under my nose. As it turns out, Canon USA runs a thriving Refurbished Equipment Store. These are cameras and lenses that retailers return to them with minor 'problems' or open box items. They are generally indistinguishable from new equipment, carries a one year warranty from Canon and ships in factory packaging to the consumers.
The only drawback is their refurbished inventory is mostly consumer items. Once in a while, they do have professional equipment for sale but they get snapped up quickly. I have bought a few pieces of equipment from them over the years, including an EOS-1 camera that I used as backup equipment. They look just like new gear and performed flawlessly for me. If there is any problem, Canon USA stands behind it with either an exchange or repair, whichever the customer prefers.
There are stores that sell refurbished Canon equipment as well but their prices are generally higher and they do not carry the factory warranty. I am not recommending Canon USA or any other company, just sharing my experience with buying refurbished Canon equipment and saving some money while doing it. Visit my website MichaelDanielHo.com to see Travel and Wildlife photos taken around the world, some with the refurbished equipment I bought.
No comments:
Post a Comment