Chris Valentine wrote:
>
> "Elliott, Rolland" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> asked:
> >What is a good used price for a 600mm f/4 L USM lens? I was offered one
> >for $3750. Is this a good price?
>
> In the UK they are usually around 3500 UKP and given US prices usually
> equate US$ prices, you've probably found a reasonably priced one. Depends
> on the condition of course - if its been used professionally it might look
> like my 300 - battered to hell!
But, capable of being serviced and clicking away for several 100,000
more shots. A pro shooter can pump 60 to 80 rolls a week through one of
these - nearly 100,000 clicks a year. 45 weeks x 60 rolls x 36 = 87,200)
Even 1/2 this rate represents a lot of shots.
What is a good price. I'd define it as one fair to both buyer and
seller given the condition of the lens and the current market for the
specific lens. Arrival of the IS superteles in 1998 has had the effect
of lowering the prices of their high quality, significantly heavier and
now less than optimum cousins. Canon's older superteles were good
enough to create a strong following and a high population. They're less
expensive used because Canon has moved on.
Prior to the new IS lenses the 300 fetched about 5 to 7 hundred dollars
more and new grey 300's were available for about $3,800. The used 400 sold
for about $1,000 more than today (Heck today you can buy a brand new 400
2.8 L II from B&H for $4,000) Regularly $5,000 and up for a 600 f/4.
The arrival of IS has increased the number of "regular"
superteles now on the market as pros and others upgrade to a new and
more satisfying level. Dealers anticipated the drop by pulling in the
trade values they offered. A drop in the price of the now 1 1/2 year old
ISes recently reinforced the pattern.
Amateurs who previously spent a bundle also generally got smart.
Sellers, especially amateurs continued to ask prices for which the
lenses won't sell at the current market level. I
suspect that once the rush to replace with the better and lighter models
fully works its course the market may rise again.
Pros on the other hand know that lenses are tools and that theirs have
been used a lot and should have Canon service, at minimum of the
$200-$300 variety described by one of the answers to you post. $3,750
is an among pros price for a 600 f/4 as its a smarter market. Whether
the $3,750 lens is offered by a pro or amateur could give you a clue.
To me it would seem 3,750 represents the bottom of the price curve.
Regards,
Plumviewer
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