📸 Why This Matters
Lenses are often the longest-lasting part of a photographer’s kit. Unlike camera bodies, which are updated frequently, a high-quality lens can perform well for many years.
So when it comes time to upgrade or expand your kit, the decision between buying new or used becomes important.
Used lenses can offer big savings, but there’s risk involved. New lenses cost more upfront and tend to come with full warranty, but you pay for that extra security. This post will walk you through the trade-offs, what to check when buying used, how prices compare, and reliable places to buy in the USA and Europe.
🆕 New Lenses: Pros & What You Get
When you buy a lens new, here’s what typically comes with it:
- Full manufacturer warranty — usually 1–2 years, depending on brand and region.
- Guaranteed condition — no dust, fungus, or scratches (unless it’s an open-box deal).
- Latest version — you’ll often get updated coatings, firmware, or improved autofocus motors.
- Resale confidence — new lenses tend to retain more value and are easier to resell.
The Downsides
- A substantial price premium over used lenses.
- Immediate depreciation — once you unbox it, the value drops.
- Incremental updates — newer versions aren’t always drastically better than older ones, yet they cost much more.
When Buying New Makes Sense
There are scenarios where new is the smarter move:
- You shoot professionally and need warranty-backed reliability.
- The lens is brand new or recently launched — used stock doesn’t yet exist.
- The latest version has major improvements (better stabilization, coatings, faster autofocus).
- You want the peace of mind of pristine optics and full manufacturer support.
🔄 Used Lenses: What to Watch Out For & What You Save
Used lenses can be a brilliant way to stretch your budget, especially when buying higher-end glass. But they require careful inspection.
What to Inspect Before You Buy
-
Glass condition
- Hold the lens under a strong light; check for scratches, haze, or fungus.
- Small dust particles are fine — large ones or fungus can affect performance.
-
Aperture blades
- Check that they move freely and cleanly. Oil or stickiness is a red flag.
-
Focus and zoom rings
- They should feel smooth and consistent, with no grinding or stiffness.
- For zoom lenses, test for “zoom creep” — does the barrel slide on its own when tilted?
-
Lens mount and contacts
- Ensure a snug fit and inspect that the electronic contacts aren’t scratched or corroded.
-
Optical alignment / Decentering
- Take test shots of a flat surface or sky. If one side looks softer than the other, elements might be misaligned.
-
Warranty / Return policy
- Reputable used stores (like MPB or KEH) usually offer short warranties. Private sellers typically don’t.
-
Seller reputation
- Check feedback, reviews, and return options. Avoid deals that sound too good to be true.
What You Save
- Expect 20–40% off retail prices for used lenses in excellent condition.
- High-end glass retains performance for years, so you often lose very little in image quality.
💰 Price Comparison: New vs Used
Here’s a quick guide to how new and used prices typically compare:
| Lens Tier / Type | Typical New Price | Used Price (Good / Very Good Condition) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level prime (50mm f/1.8) | $200–$400 | ~$120–$250 |
| Standard zoom (24–70mm f/2.8) | $1,500–$2,200 | ~$900–$1,600 |
| Telephoto zoom (70–200mm f/2.8) | $1,800–$2,500 | ~$1,200–$1,800 |
| Premium primes (85mm f/1.4, fast wide primes) | $1,000+ | ~$600–$1,200 |
Depreciation-wise, new lenses lose 20–30% immediately after purchase. But well-maintained used lenses hold value longer, especially if their optical design hasn’t changed much.
⚠️ Risks and Hidden Costs of Used Lenses
Buying used can be rewarding, but it’s not without potential pitfalls:
- Fungus or haze: These can spread or permanently damage coatings. Cleaning costs can be high.
- Mechanical wear: Loose or grinding focus rings may need repair.
- Mount wear: A loose fit could cause focusing issues or poor electronic contact.
- Missing parts: Hoods, caps, or boxes can be surprisingly costly to replace.
- Outdated coatings: Older lenses may have weaker resistance to flare or chromatic aberrations.
If the seller can’t provide detailed images or test shots, that’s your cue to walk away.
🧭 Best Places to Buy New or Used Lenses
Whether you’re in the U.S. or Europe, here are trusted places to look.
| Region | Retailers / Marketplaces | New or Used | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | MPB | Used & Refurbished | Excellent grading system, short warranty. Reliable. |
| KEH | Used | Great grading accuracy, huge inventory. | |
| B&H Photo Video | Both | Top-tier service, offers open-box deals. | |
| Adorama | Both | Similar to B&H, good used section. | |
| LensRentals (Used Sales) | Used | Professionally maintained rental gear. | |
| Europe | MPB EU | Used | Same as U.S., great pricing and condition accuracy. |
| DutchThrift | Used | Smaller stock, solid reputation. | |
| Park Cameras / Wex Photo / Foto Koch | Both | Local pickup, inspection possible. | |
| eBay / CEX / Local Marketplaces | Used | Use caution; check seller feedback and images carefully. |
✅ Quick Checklist Before You Buy
Whether new or used, here’s your must-do list before hitting “Buy Now”:
- Get the serial number and original proof of purchase if possible.
- Ask why the seller is parting with it.
- Request clear photos of both elements, mount, and rings.
- Ask about fungus, haze, or past repairs.
- Test the lens on your camera body — check focus accuracy and overall sharpness.
- Confirm the return policy and shipping insurance.
- Ensure all accessories (caps, hoods, cases) are included.
A missing lens hood might not seem like much — until you find out it’s $50 to replace.
💬 My Experience and Honest Advice
Over the years, I’ve bought dozens of lenses — some brand new, others secondhand — and honestly, both have their place.
For my everyday primes (like a 35mm f/1.4), I often go used. I know what to check, and the savings are worth it.
For travel or professional work, where reliability is crucial, I buy new. The warranty and peace of mind are priceless when you’re shooting for clients or traveling abroad.
My rule of thumb:
“Buy the best condition used lens you can afford — not the cheapest one you can find.”
That usually means fewer headaches, consistent performance, and still saving hundreds over retail.
🧠 Pro Tips for Buying Used
- Test before you trust: If you can, bring your camera to check autofocus, sharpness, and aperture control.
- Don’t stress over small dust: Every used lens has some. It rarely affects image quality.
- Keep expectations realistic: Cosmetic wear (small marks, minor paint loss) doesn’t affect performance.
- Be patient: Great deals come and go fast. Set alerts on sites like MPB or KEH.
💸 When in Doubt, Check Market Value
Before pulling the trigger on a deal, compare prices across:
- MPB
- eBay completed listings
- B&H and Adorama new prices
If a “too good to be true” deal is way below market average, it probably is.
A small premium for a trusted seller or verified condition is worth it — one bad purchase can cost more to fix than what you saved.
🏁 Conclusion
To sum it up:
- New lenses give you warranty, peace of mind, and zero uncertainty — ideal for working pros or new releases.
- Used lenses can be incredible value if you know how to inspect and buy from reputable sources.
- Always compare total costs, including shipping, import, and possible cleaning or repairs.
- Buy from reputable stores whenever possible, not random sellers with blurry photos.
If you treat your gear with care, even a used lens can last decades and deliver pro-quality results.
And if you’re not sure where to start or what’s a fair deal…
📦 Ready to Shop?
You can explore new and used lens deals curated for photographers right here:
👉 Check our latest lens offers on photo.recipes/lenses →
Compare prices, conditions, and find the perfect lens for your next shoot — whether it’s fresh out of the box or a seasoned gem with stories to tell.