I was wondering if anyone has purchased a "Bargain" rated used lens from KEH, and if so, what was your impression of it?

I'm considering buying a better lens (better glass) than I could otherwise afford, so I'm wondering if these "Bargain" lenses would be better than a lesser quality new lens in the same price range.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Paul

Sorry, I have no help for you, but I am interested as well. Bargain means it is still usable, and I do wonder how much a lens can get beat up before it stops being usable.

PM deckcadet, I don't think it was bargain, but I do believe he's bought used through KEH and been happy.

I've never bought anything from KEH but heard a lot of good about what they do. Been awhile, but I've seen at least a couple threads (here and elsewhere) wondering why the lens the buyer got was listed as a "bargain" - it was better than they thought. With a warranty like this, apparently regardless of condition, I'd give it a try if the price was right:

Our 14 day no-hassle return policy and 60 day warranty on all used equipment allows you to buy with confidence.

Personally, scratches and wear to equipment doesn't bother me. The only things that I'd consider would be something on the glass that would cause a problem (some light scratches don't cause any problem) and the fact that the piece of equipment has a lot of "miles" on it...

Thanks for the comments, everyone.

To be more specific, I'm trying to decide between a "Bargain" 50/2 Summicron for $499 and a new Voigtlander 50/2 Heliar for $399. From what I've read, the Summicrons are better, but not by a lot, so I don't know how bad of condition it would have to be in before it would be equal to or worse than the Voigtlander. I hate making decisions like this.

For Bargain condition they say it might have some dust and small marks that won't affect picture quality. I just don't have a reference point to know how much dust or how big of a mark it takes to affect picture quality.

I guess I could just order one and see. I'm going to think about it for another week or two probably.

Thanks,
Paul

I highly recommend bargain items on KEH to people. I only buy bargain equipment from them and every time the item is as new. I don't know if they only buy excellent equipment and thus have to list some as bargain just to have some bargain priced offerings or what, but I have yet to buy a bargain lens with a scratch on it. I recommend the company and I recommend their products.

Show us what you get!
Rick

Hey Paul,

I've never bought anything from KEH, but I know Lava Lamp and others have, and everyone I've heard of was very pleased with what they got.