Sellers selling 2nd hand lenses...

[tijuana taxi]

The way I look at is is this: If the person can look after an empty box and keep all the bits that go with it safe, then they probably look after their kit. This is obviously not always the case of course, but that is just my feeling.

The other reason I personally keep boxes is that if something goes wrong with it, and it still looks like it is in pristine condition, the retailer can't say that I haven't looked after it.

Sorry to disagree, but even if you kept the box why would you look after it? Likely to get bunged away in a cupboard or under the bed

Retailer won't care whether you have the box or not, its no guide to how you care for things, not as though you transport it everywhere in its original packaging

These things are made to be used, not kept as display case queens or maybe I have it all wrong

 

[Nifkin]

The way I look at is is this: If the person can look after an empty box and keep all the bits that go with it safe, then they probably look after their kit. This is obviously not always the case of course, but that is just my feeling.

The other reason I personally keep boxes is that if something goes wrong with it, and it still looks like it is in pristine condition, the retailer can't say that I haven't looked after it.

Nonsense! The lens could've been dropped in a river/ashtray/toilet during it's working life whilst the box just sits on top of a wardrobe.

What's more, just because someone has kept the box, it doesn't mean they necessarily look after the actual equipment the box contained. Maybe they're simply a completist. Maybe they buy stuff with a view to selling it in the future; keeping the box says nothing about the quality and condition of the lens or body being sold.

 

[Spiritflier]

...Retailer won't care whether you have the box or not, its no guide to how you care for things, not as though you transport it everywhere in its original packaging...

Unfortunately, you're quite wrong there! Whilst I completely agree that having the box makes no difference to the actual quality of the lens, it can and does make a difference to the resale value.

I have friends who own a camera shop and prospective customers will invariably look for a boxed item over an unboxed one. I've also found from experience that a shop will tend to consider offering a higher price for an item if it comes complete.

Si

 

[tijuana taxi]

The other reason I personally keep boxes is that if something goes wrong with it, and it still looks like it is in pristine condition, the retailer can't say that I haven't looked after it

I was answering that particular point which mentioned returning for repair/refund whatever

Do agree that with box commands a higher price both from a buying and selling point of view though

 

[SLRUser]

Most of the types of photos I take will benefit from having fast focus and obviously a sharp image, both of which could be affected by (ab)use, it would just be nice to have a photo that the lens had recently taken to show what it can (still) do. Preferably a full sized image, not a resized for web shot.

Perhaps the main reason that people get rid of lenses is that they are not happy with them and there are no stellar photos to show...the other reasons may be lack of use due to similar (better) lenses covering that focal length or needing the cash to fund a better lens etc. most of which the seller isn't going to admit to.

With regards the box, people may disagree, but I for one will pay extra for a complete lens that is in good boxed condition, that is just my personal preference, your's may differ.

I agree that lenses are to be used, I take my main one with me to work and back every day, but it is in a well padded backpack and even though the lens is > 4 years old, it is still in near mint condition (it was bought 2nd hand fully boxed and in near mint condition).

 

[HoppyUK]

Most of the types of photos I take will benefit from having fast focus and obviously a sharp image, both of which could be affected by (ab)use, it would just be nice to have a photo that the lens had recently taken to show what it can (still) do. Preferably a full sized image, not a resized for web shot.

Perhaps the main reason that people get rid of lenses is that they are not happy with them and there are no stellar photos to show...the other reasons may be lack of use due to similar (better) lenses covering that focal length or needing the cash to fund a better lens etc. most of which the seller isn't going to admit to.

With regards the box, people may disagree, but I for one will pay extra for a complete lens that is in good boxed condition, that is just my personal preference, your's may differ.

I agree that lenses are to be used, I take my main one with me to work and back every day, but it is in a well padded backpack and even though the lens is > 4 years old, it is still in near mint condition (it was bought 2nd hand fully boxed and in near mint condition).

Did you see pictures taken with it before you bought it?

Either way, bottom line is that buyers don't need to see pictures taken with a lens, and they are much more interested to see pictures taken of the lens to gauge condition, plus, whether it has a box etc.

Dozens of lens sales are made on here every week, without the need for pictures taken actually with them.

 

[Cheng]

Did you see pictures taken with it before you bought it?

Either way, bottom line is that buyers don't need to see pictures taken with a lens, and they are much more interested to see pictures taken of the lens to gauge condition, plus, whether it has a box etc.

Dozens of lens sales are made on here every week, without the need for pictures taken actually with them.

I agree with you on most things, but not this one !

I ALWAYS get a 100% crop at wide open apertures if I am buying a fast third party lens - especially sigma lenses. The first time I didn't the lens was so off and such a bad copy I returned it straight away. Since then I've been satisfied with my 3rd party lens purchases - and ultimately saves me time and money returning it if it's a dummy. I don't usually do it for Nikon lenses - they're usually perfect so I don't need to. Still, I might do so even for Nikon lenses - the story of the £1k 24-70 2.8 a few weeks ago where it turned out 'not to be a great copy' but with no recourse made me a bit weary - luckily my used 24-70 (which I didn't ask for samples for) is insanely sharp!