Where's a good place to sell lenses?

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Amy

Amy

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I bought a used Nikon 180-400mm from my cousin this fall and was diagnosed shortly after with RA. It's affected my wrists and I can barely hold the lens. I have a 500PF and am going to stick with that one for now. I have never sold an expensive lens like this- any advice? Is eBay the best bet or other sites?

Thanks for any info and Happy New Year!
 
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I would not recommended eBay or Craig's List based on the many stories I have read from forum members on other photography boards. There are just too many scammers, and with the value of that lens, I would not chance it. MPB and KEH have reasonably good reputations as do many local camera stores, and you might even find a camera store that would consign it, but they will not give you what you could possibly get if you sold it on your own. Fred Miranda has a reasonable reputation. If you lived in a reasonably populated area, you could see if a board member from here or other reputable forums where you are a member might be interested. Then again, since you bought the lens used, you could break even depending on its condition and if you have all of the boxes and materials originally included.

Good luck,

--Ken

P.S. And most importantly, best of luck with the RA!
 
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Amy said:
I bought a used Nikon 180-400mm from my cousin this fall and was diagnosed shortly after with RA. It's affected my wrists and I can barely hold the lens. I have a 500PF and am going to stick with that one for now. I have never sold an expensive lens like this- any advice? Is eBay the best bet or other sites?

Thanks for any info and Happy New Year!
Click to expand...

I've not had any issues selling on ebay either, but you do pay a lot - about 20% by the time all of the various ebay and PayPal fees are paid - but you do get a huge audience so a lot of potential buyers.

Other than friends/family/people you know, how about local (or nor so local) camera clubs, wildlife groups (like this one - shame there is no for sale/wanted forum Steve) or sporting photgraphers etc. Think abut the kind of people who would use a lens like this or groups/clubs who would have members who might be interested.

Of course you could sell to a dealer, but like anything else you won't get a good price, but the sale will be quicker. How about PXing it? Probably better than selling to a dealer.
 
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Amy said:
I bought a used Nikon 180-400mm from my cousin this fall and was diagnosed shortly after with RA. It's affected my wrists and I can barely hold the lens. I have a 500PF and am going to stick with that one for now. I have never sold an expensive lens like this- any advice? Is eBay the best bet or other sites?

Thanks for any info and Happy New Year!
Click to expand...

Not lens related but I've battled RA most of my life. Explore the biologic drugs. They are a Godsend! I've been on Embrel since 08 after failing off dozens of meds such as Methotrexate. For me after 3 months I was back up to par and able to handle weight. You might find you can shoot again with that lens. Wish you the best.
 
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Wow thanks so much for all the helpful info! I have heard of Fredmiranda but wasn't sure how great it was. Will check it out. Also, not on Nikon Cafe, but it sounds good also. I am going to try a local camera shop also, but he seems to be struggling with covid so not sure he will be helpful.

Terry- thanks for the info. When diagnosed I started the Whole30 diet and have done excellent with that so far. I have a plan for my next step, but hoping to stay off meds for a few more years.

Thanks everyone!
 
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Also look at usedphotopro.com (owned by Roberts). I recently sold some gear to them and felt what I received was fair. You'll always make more selling it to an individual, but there's more risk. Often, people buying used lenses from individuals expect you to take it back if they don't like it, that sort of thing. (I wish I was making that up - I've had people ask if they could buy it, use it for a couple weeks, and return it if they didn't like it!!)
 
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Amy said:
I bought a used Nikon 180-400mm from my cousin this fall and was diagnosed shortly after with RA. It's affected my wrists and I can barely hold the lens. I have a 500PF and am going to stick with that one for now. I have never sold an expensive lens like this- any advice? Is eBay the best bet or other sites?

Thanks for any info and Happy New Year!
Click to expand...

Hi, Amy. Have you tried using it with a monopod? The monopod should take most of the load off of your hands and arms when you're shooting.

W
 
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Thanks - I have and I still have to carry it quite a ways. I think I got too spoiled with the 500PF- wish they'd come out with a 600 PF!
 
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I've done well at Nikonians and Fred Miranda but you do need to be a member at both to buy/sell. Craigslist is fine if you just keep it local pickup/cash. I always include "reply with phone number if interested". I will not respond without it. It weeds out most of the spammers.
 
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Roberts charges state sale tax. Mpb is in New York and doesn't charge sale tax unless it ships tp New York state. I bought my Nikon 600mmF:4G VR off of Fred Miranda and my 200-500 from Roberts. When the first 200-500 had problems it was Roberts who suggested a return.
 
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