As a photographer on a budget, I cannot always afford the latest and greatest equipment. To keep costs down, I frequently buy used equipment. It is natural to be hesitant about buying used equipment. You ask questions such as, “Did the previous owner care for the equipment?” and “Will it be scratched?” Today, a handful of websites make buying used camera equipment both safe and easy. This article will tell you why you should buy used and where to look when you are in the market.  My recommendation is to shop around on the different sites recommended below – do your research and you can come away with a bargain! 

Used Camera Bodies

One major advantage of the digital age is the frequency at which camera bodies are upgraded. Each time an upgrade comes out, prices on the previous models are lowered. I know many photographers that want the new model as soon as it hits the shelves. They frequently sell their old camera bodies after only a year of use. Buying the previous generation in a series of camera bodies could save you a bundle. Now that the standards in digital camera technology are so high, slightly older models will give you all the bells and whistles that you need, while saving you hundreds or thousands of dollars. 

Used Lenses

Lenses retain their value more than cameras because they are less frequently updated. However, buying used lenses will also save you money. For instance, I recently purchased a Canon 180mm lens and saved $350 off the list price. I especially recommend buying used for models that you will use less frequently, like a fisheye lens or a specialty macro lens. It is easy to get excited about a new toy and then to forget about it a few months later. You might as well save money on the specialty items that you do not use everyday.

Where to Buy Used

KEH

There are a number of options for buying used camera equipment, but my personal favorite is KEH (www.keh.com). You can find anything at KEH and the prices are generally comparable to other used sellers. There are two major advantages to buying from KEH. The first is their rating system; each piece of equipment is inspected by the company and given a rating ranging from “Ugly” to “Like New.” The other advantage to KEH is their 6-month warranty on any used equipment. 

This screenshot shows the website www.KEH.com, where you can search for used camera equipment by brand and compare prices. Notice the rating system, which includes ratings such as EX (Excellent) or LK (Like New) beside each piece of equipment.

Fredmiranda.com 

Fredmiranda.com has a section where users can post equipment for sale and I have had some success with buying used directly from other photographers. 

Photo.net

Photo.net is great because it compares prices from a handful of different sellers like B&H, Amazon.com, and smaller camera stores. The website also features helpful equipment reviews. 

This screenshot is from Photo.net. On this website, you can compare prices from multiple sellers for each piece of equipment. 

Craigslist

You can occasionally find good deals on Craigslist. Just search for your local Craigslist website and check out listings. The disadvantage of Craigslist is that you trust the seller’s description without any guarantees or ratings. 

eBay

I’m not a big fan of eBay for used camera equipment. You may find a great deal occasionally, but bids often go over the standard price for used equipment. Buying from eBay does allow you to check the ratings of the person or company selling the equipment. Also, remember to ask if there is a return policy on any equipment you buy.