My question is basically:  Is there such a thing? 

A separate post I was looking at mentioned Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L lens and how it was so well liked.  Curious, I looked it up at a couple of places online and asking price (without doing extensive price comparison) was about $1000, plus or minus 10% -- close to the price of my 20D.

I know that L-series lenses are heralded as being of exceptional quality, but do you think, perhaps, used L-series lenses are a viable option?  And are there suggestions on online stores that sell them?

Thanks in advance,

TomG

ToreadorT:

My question is basically:  Is there such a thing? 

A separate post I was looking at mentioned Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L lens and how it was so well liked.  Curious, I looked it up at a couple of places online and asking price (without doing extensive price comparison) was about $1000, plus or minus 10% -- close to the price of my 20D.

I know that L-series lenses are heralded as being of exceptional quality, but do you think, perhaps, used L-series lenses are a viable option?  And are there suggestions on online stores that sell them?

Thanks in advance,

TomG

Absolutely! L-Series lenses hold their value in a fantastic way. Both of the L's I have owned were purchased used... in fact, I LOVE the 24-70mm  f2.8L I got just before Christmas... New at ~$1150 (after Canon's Rebate), I got it for $900.

Go to http://www.KEH.com for used stuff. They have a good inspection/rating program. Also http://www.fredmiranda.com and look in the Buy & Sell forum.

Dan

P.S. You seem surprised that the lenses cost as much as your 20D... Turn your thinking over and look at it like this: Your 20D (or any body for that matter) will come and go, the lenses will be here for the next body, ...and the one after that. The lens is where the best money goes!

 

Also, read a lot, you will find that there are non L lenses in canon lineup, that can sure match L quality glass. The 100mm f/2.8 macro being the example.
Tomas

ToreadorT:

My question is basically:  Is there such a thing? 

A separate post I was looking at mentioned Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L lens and how it was so well liked.  Curious, I looked it up at a couple of places online and asking price (without doing extensive price comparison) was about $1000, plus or minus 10% -- close to the price of my 20D.

I know that L-series lenses are heralded as being of exceptional quality, but do you think, perhaps, used L-series lenses are a viable option?  And are there suggestions on online stores that sell them?

I'm going to agree AND disagree with dgrits.  YES there are used and refurbished L series lenses out there like crazy.  For lots of reasons, and most of them good for you.  Probably the most common is lens lust, which is where those of us with money burning a hole in our pocket MUST HAVE that next lens.  Eventually the person realizes they have dozens of lenses and they only use 2 or 3.  So they sell the old ones.  So they can buy new ones! 

Anyway, here's the part where I will disagree.  They aren't cheap.  L glass holds its value almost TOO WELL.  You don't save much money buying used.

Still, that said, if you consider saving a hundred dollars or so and free shipping good on a $1k lens, there are deals to be had.

Another interesting perspective was told to me by someone who said they only buy refurbished Canon lenses.  The theory is that Canon has had a human being look at them and the optics are set up ideally as a result.  Personally, I don't know about that, but he saves money and beleives his lenses are properly adjusted so it works for him.  Personally, I bet the new ones are misadjusted FAR LESS than you would believe from people complaining.

So, in short.  Yes, by all means, buy used L lenses at Fred Miranda, Ebay and other sites.  Buy refurbs at places like adorama.com.  But they won't be a lot cheaper - just a little cheaper.

P.S.  Tomas is right, there are some bargain lenses out there from Canon that don't cost nearly what an L lens costs.

P.P.S.  The 70-200 L f/4 (non IS) is a BARGAIN PRICED L lens that is very useful.  Consider it as one to put on your wish list if cash is tight.

The 17-40 f/4L and the 70-200 f/4L are both bargains compared to their f/2.8 siblings - both are less than $700 for great, sharp L glass. You give up one f/ stop, but if you aren't shooting weddings or have a need for fast glass in low light situations, you may never miss it. They are both lighter than the f/2.8 versions. The 17-40 was my first L lens and, when I sell it, I expect to get nearly what I pad 18 months ago. I've bought several used L lenses from keh.com. They are a very reputable place to shop - they grade their used equipment fairly and describe it accurately. Those f/4 lenses are a great, reasonably priced entry into the world of L glass. And, Tomas is right too - the 100 f/2.8 macro is a very sharp, non-L lens for less than $500 (or around there). Same with the 50 1.4! Can't beat either of those lenses.