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The recent thread on 18-200 zooms (and a recet holiday booking) has prompted me to re-investigate a zoom lens I have been after for 5+ years...
[url= http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001044RIQ/ref=s9_simh_gw_p23_d0_g23_i1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=11PTZXRY98KJWFFT8QJ6&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=467128533&pf_rd_i=468294 ]Sigma 70-200 Nikkor fit[/url]
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However, the cost is very hard to justify (reason for not getting one in the past !!)
Does anyone buy S/H photographic gear - would imagine ebay or the like would be very risky for auch a purchase.
any advice welcome
I've hired lenses in the past from [url= http://www.lensesforhire.co.uk ]these guys[/url]
Excellent service, decent prices. I got a top end Canon short range zoom off them when I did my sisters wedding photography. Good as well if you're looking to buy more lenses and want to know what you'll use most.
[url= http://www.ffordes.com/ ]http://www.ffordes.com/[/url]
[url= http://www.bhphotovideo.com/ ]http://www.bhphotovideo.com/[/url] (you might get hit with import taxes though).
For selling, I recently sold a lens on Gumtree without problems. There were quite a few emails before money transferred just to cover backs, but in the end everything was fine.
Not sure I can help with Nikon kit, but i've bought s/h u4/3 kit before online, from a specialist forum ( http://www.mu-43.com/) - it's a bit like buying on here. Get pics, look at posting history etc etc.
Actually, thinking, had one nikkon lens off ebay. There I just looked for someone who's history was mostly camera kit, and had a great feedback score - if that's what they do, they can't afford to sell tat.
Have shied away from s/h, but have had a couple of lenses from kerso who's now set up an online shop
http://www.flashcamera.co.uk/
this is worth a shufty too
http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/
http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/
Some of the photography forums have some well monitored and looked after for sale sections too.
Cameras are like bikes. They're pretty robust and well looked after generally.
It's a friggin' expensive hobby though.
Thanks all.
That hire site looks like a good idea
I just sold a mk1 version of that self same Sigma....
Just as a 'guide' (if you do decide to look at the S/H route) on ebay the earlier versions seem to go for around £350... mine went (private sale) for £360, it was genuinely in mint condition.
and a recet holiday booking
that's a big lump to be packing for hols though I guess it depends on the sort of trip you have planned - I would pack mine for, say, safari... 🙂
I've bought a s/h SLR from [url= http://www.mifsuds.com/ ]Mifsuds[/url] last year and been very happy with the service and quality/description/condition of the item.
I have the Mk 2 version of this lens. I bought it new which at the time was half the price of the equivalent Canon and I've never regretted it.
Second hand lenses are sometimes a returned item which the original purchaser felt was not performing to their expectations. What's often called a 'bad copy'.
JamesM / marsdenman - I'd be interested on your thoughts on the lens...
that's a big lump to be packing for hols though I guess it depends on the sort of trip you have planned - I would pack mine for, say, safari...
IoM TT. After some good in-race shots.
It's the mk2 version i'm after ( I think). from what i've gleaned the latest version has optical stabilisation (?) and is half as much again.
rkk01.
You don't say whether you're using an APS-C or full frame body. If you'll forgive the assumption, I'll go with APS-C reviews.
[url= http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/324-sigma-af-70-200mm-f28-ex-apo-hsm-dg-lab-test-report--review ]This[/url] review sums it up pretty well, and it's of the Sigma AF 70-200mm EX DG HSM APO, Mk2.
By the same guy, [url= http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/325-sigma-af-70-200mm-f28-ex-hsm-apo-dg-macro-nikon-review--test-report ]here's[/url] a review of the Nikon mount, Mk3 (Macro) issue of this lens.
I have to agree with Klaus at Photozone.de. I find him pretty objective. My lens was around £700 new, in 2006.
Yes, the latest version at around £930 has Optical Stabilization.
Much of your success at the IoM TT races will depend on your technique.
I'm no sports photographer but the first time I tried birds-in-flight with my Sigma 70-200 the results were shocking!
You know your requirements better than I do obviously, but do you really need a 200mm zoom for the TT?
You may obviously want some long range shots, but personally I'd want to be close enough to be using an 18-55mm for example. Saying that, I've never been to IOM, so maybe talking out of my arris. 😉
I'd want to be close enough to be using an 18-55mm for example.
😯
I'd be looking for a 300mm+. 😉
+1 for MBP photo, you get a 6 month warranty and prices are not muh more than second hand on eBay.
I may have that very lens for sale, I'll check if its the MKI or MKII version. I know it isn't stabilised, so I think its the MKII. Email in my profile if you are interested.