What happens to returned lenses?

[Hi there]

Is there any industry insider who knows what happens to returned lenses? The reason I am asking is that I plan to buy a 600mm f4, and since it is expensive, I don’ want to get a returned lens.

Sometime ago I bought a mirrorless 70-200 f2.8 and when I compared the image quality of the mirrorless to its DSLR predecessor, it was actually worse. It also made strange noises when focusing. When I did manual focusing, it felt heavy and uneven - all indications that this lens had a fall and although you can’t see outward signs of damage, the internal mechanism and lens alignment were certainly out of wack. I returned it with no questions asked from the retailer.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

[TurtleCat]

I think by law (which doesn’t always mean in practice) in the US a returned item that has been opened is sold as open box unless it is sent back to the manufacturer where it will likely end up refurbished. If it’s unopened then it is still new.

 

[JAJohnson]

From what you’ve written I assume you bought a used lens from a retailer. Reputable retailers will do their best to classify the condition of used gear and will ensure a refund or exchange when there is a problem. Obviously, any classification is subjective.

Open box gear often means the product has been used for demo or advertising purposes in-store and, in cases I’m familiar with, is sold with full manufacturer’s warranty. Gear returned for any reason cannot be sold as new. Refurbished gear from the manufacturer should have been examined, reconditioned, repaired, and tested to meet factory specifications.

 

[Hi there]

From what you’ve written I assume you bought a used lens from a retailer. Reputable retailers will do their best to classify the condition of used gear and will ensure a refund or exchange when there is a problem. Obviously, any classification is subjective.

Open box gear often means the product has been used for demo or advertising purposes in-store and, in cases I’m familiar with, is sold with full manufacturer’s warranty. Gear returned for any reason cannot be sold as new. Refurbished gear from the manufacturer should have been examined, reconditioned, repaired, and tested to meet factory specifications.

It’s actually a new lens. It has to be sold before and then resold as new. That store is one of the major retailers.

 

[Archibald]

I am pretty sure most returned gear is put back on the retailer's shelf if it is not defective.

Most retailers have a 14-day (or other time span) return policy, but they specify the item must have all its paperwork, wrappers, etc. so that the item can be sold as new. It would be uneconomic for the retailer to send each return back to the manufacturer or sell as open-box.

Canon gear is not sealed.

I bought a new camera from a respected retailer. When I unpacked everything at home, I noticed the little orange clip that protects the battery was missing. I mentioned it to the store. They smiled and found one for me.

I bought the Canon 100mm macro non-IS. The box was seriously worn and the wrapping material had obviously been re-wrapped. I was excited to have the lens, and it looked great, so I didn't complain. (I exchanged it a couple days later because I wanted the IS version. Its box was pristine.)

Policy seems to vary. Best Buy does sell open box. And I know of a retailer who won't take returns. That retailer gets bad reviews for that! But that store might be the best.

 

[Hi there]

I am pretty sure most returned gear is put back on the retailer's shelf if it is not defective.

Most retailers have a 14-day (or other time span) return policy, but they specify the item must have all its paperwork, wrappers, etc. so that the item can be sold as new. It would be uneconomic for the retailer to send each return back to the manufacturer or sell as open-box.

Canon gear is not sealed.

I bought a new camera from a respected retailer. When I unpacked everything at home, I noticed the little orange clip that protects the battery was missing. I mentioned it to the store. They smiled and found one for me.

I bought the Canon 100mm macro non-IS. The box was seriously worn and the wrapping material had obviously been re-wrapped. I was excited to have the lens, and it looked great, so I didn't complain. (I exchanged it a couple days later because I wanted the IS version. Its box was pristine.)

Policy seems to vary. Best Buy does sell open box. And I know of a retailer who won't take returns. That retailer gets bad reviews for that! But that store might be the best.

Agreed. Similar experiences here.