Dean Photography Blog

Okay, it's another day. And so continues the explanation of how I purchased the Canon 70-200 f2.8 Image Stabilized lens. As you read previously, I like a good deal. I often purchase things used, except one..... electronics. Especially electronics that are heavily computer based and are constantly being updated. So to make a short story long..... I was trying to figure out what Camera body and main portrait lens would work best for us in our budget. My favorite camera body was definitely the Canon 50D, and my favorite lens was without question the Canon 70-200 f2.8 IS. I had a problem though that most people probably can't relate with, money. Those two pieces alone would cost in excess of $3,000, not to mention a second lens, flash, bag, reflectors, memory cards, etc. So, my initial thought was to compromise on the lens, because I really struggled with paying $1,700 for a camera lens. At the same time I had to balance that with the fact that the lens is the most important piece. So, I began to research and decide how I would compromise.

Then, last week I was surfing ebay on my lunch break. I was looking around at some used lenses in the 500-600 dollar range and not really finding much. So, just for fun I thought I would check to see what some of the used canon 70-200 f2.8 IS lenses were currently going for. I already new that these lenses sold used for $1400-1500, but I was bored and had nothing better to do. Sure enough, there were 4 lenses used in that exact price range or higher. Then I thought I should just search for all 70-200mm lenses and only look for "buy it now" auctions, and then sort by the most recently posted (If you ebay much at all, you should know that some of the greatest deals on ebay are "buy it now" auctions. If the price is good the item will usually sell within a few hours, and if the price is crazy good, it's already gone before you can blink.). Well, after I sorted by time posted...........BAM, a used Canon 70-200mm f2.8 IS lens for $999. It had only been posted for a few minutes when I saw it. I almost jumped out of my chair, on the inside that is. I immediately tried to call Cami to tell her that we should buy it, but no answer. So then I called my Dad at work, and told him about it. In the middle of explaining how good of a deal it was, and looking for some support ........... CLICK!! I bought it!! My Dad had a good laugh because he could hear the excitement in my voice and he didn't even get a chance to give me his two cents before I clicked "buy it now". I'm convinced that this lens would have purchased by someone else within minutes after if had not been a "quick clicker". That is a technical term you know. I was so excited, so scared............... What if it's damaged some how, or what if the focus is soft? What if the auto focus is old and slow? Well, we'll soon find out!!! I should have it by tomorrow or Saturday. I can only hope it's in perfect condition. The ebay seller I purchased it from is a business in Oklahoma that buys things from estate sales and then resells them on ebay. They said it was tested on a camera and took great pictures, with no signs of damage or wear. Cross your fingers!