Whether you are just starting out or a seasoned pro, most photographers should consider ONLY buying used camera gear. Here are 5 reasons why buying used is the way to go.
1. Cost Savings
When you buy used, you save ton of money. Most used cameras and lenses can cost anywhere between 50-75% of what they would be if they were bought new. Here is an example:
New Camera Kit | Used Camera Kit |
 |  |
New Nikon Z6II with 24-70 f4 Kit | Used Nikon Z6II and Used Nikon 24-70 f4 (separate listings) |
Price: $2,596 - BH Photo | Z6II Price: $1,400 24-70 Price: $250 Total: $1,650 - Fred Miranda |
Buying Used Savings: $946
2. Get More for Less.
As you can see in the comparison above, by assembling a used kit, you can potentially save up to $1000 over buying new! Lets take the example one step further. Let's say, in addition to a zoom lens, you want to buy a 50mm 1.8 prime for portraits or low light. We can take the money we saved by buying used and put that towards another new or used lens.
New Lens | Used Lens |
 |  |
New Nikon 50mm 1.8 S | Used Nikon 50mm 1.8 S |
Price: $627 - BH Photo | Price: $430 - Fred Miranda |
Buying Used Savings: $197
Once again, we see significant savings when buying used. When we put it all together:
New Kit | Used Kit |
 |  |
Total Cost New: $3,223 | Total Cost Used: $2,080 |
Total Used Savings: $1,143
When we take a step back and look at the big picture, we see significant savings when buying used gear versus new gear.
3. This Year's Latest and Greatest at Last Years Price?
This is one of my favorite reasons to buy used. We all want the latest and greatest technology. Newly released cameras and lenses pack the latest technology major brands have to offer. However, that technology comes at at cost. Often newly released camera models are significantly more expensive than the model from the previous generation. However, if we were to shop the used market, the difference in price between generations can be close to $0.
Let's say you were trying to decide between a Sony A7III and a Sony A7IV (latest model). You want the latest and greatest camera with the longest potential for support. In this case, the A7IV would be the clear winner. As of this writing, a new A7IV ($2,500) costs about $500 more than a new A7III ($2,000). If our budget was around $2000, then we would be limited to the A7III only. However, if we jumped on the used market, we could find potential savings:
New A7III | Used A7IV (1,400 shutter count) |
 |  |
Price New: $1,998 - BH Photo | Price Used: $2,025 - Fred Miranda |
As we can see above, the difference between buying an A7III New and a A7IV Used is minimal. In the case of the used A7IV, we get the latest and greatest A7 that Sony has to offer. Also, depending on how the A7IV is purchased, it may be cheaper than a new A7III when taxes and shipping costs are taken into consideration.
4. Buyers Remorse? Resell For What You Paid!
Another great benefit of buying used is you are almost completely eliminating the potential financial loss when reselling. Let's say you bought that Nikon Z6II brand new for $2000 at BH Photo. You use it for a couple months and eventually decide to get another camera. If you are outside the return policy window for BH Photo, you will be forced to sell it on the used market in order to recoup your money. When selling on the used market, you are exposing yourself to the going used rate for that particular camera. If, at the time, a used Z6II in 10/9+/9 range condition was around $1,600, you would be loosing out on $400. However, let's say you purchased that Z6II used for around $1,600 and then turned around to resell a few months later at the same price, you would be at a wash. Of course you would need to factor in shipping and taxes (if applicable). But, overall, reselling used will expose you to a lot less potential financial loss compared to reselling new.
5. Used Warranties and Returns
When buying used most, if not all, corporate resellers provide some sort of limited warranty and return policy. For example Adorama offers the following on items listed as Used:
Used items rated D, E+, E, E-, V, and G conditions have a 180 Day Warranty.
Used items rated N come are covered by the manufacturer's Warranty.
Used items come with a 30 Day Return Policy.
So, while in some cases, used equipment is no longer covered by the manufacturer, resellers do offer some form or protection and return policy if you were to change your mind or have issues with your gear.
Conclusion
If you are looking to save money, get more for less, avoid reselling at a loss or want additional coverage or protection for your investment, buying used is the way to go.
.jpg)
Commentaires