Refurbished or new

<p>Hello Photo.Net,</p>

<p>New to Photography and new to this forum. I am starting out with a Canon EOS Rebel T6i. I expect to buy the STM 18-55 and STM 55-250 lenses which are also refurbished. I looked for used and didn't see much but decided I would consider refurbished direct from Canon.<br>

I'm comfortable with factory refurbished (1 year warranty). Perhaps that's ill placed confidence.<br>

Is there general consensus that refurbished is worth the discount or is this a dangerous path to take?<br>

Thanks and looking forward to learning, in class and here in the forums.</p>

<p>Gary F</p>

<p>Refurbished can be a good deal if there is enough of a price spread to accommodate the risk factor. I've used refurbs as well as used for years. Just make sure you buy from where you can return if they don't work properly.</p>

<p>Buying refurbished can be a good value and refurbished items include the regular one year warranty. (from an authorized dealer) I've bought refurbished lens and camera and they looked and acted like new.</p>

<p>I've never bought refurbished camera equipment but years ago I bought a refurbished iPod on the recommendation of one of the IT people at work. She said refurbished products are individually inspected and have any problems fixed and have received someone's personal attention. With new products, only a few samples from each production run get tested for quality control and most actual copies typically have not been tested.<br /><br />That said, it depends on how much money you are saving.</p>

<p>I've bought Canon products refurbished, from their online store. No problems, great prices, and a decent warranty. </p>

<p>You may want to subscribe to alerts from<a href="http://www.canonpricewatch.com/"> Canon Price Watch</a>, you will know when the deals on refurbs are happening. Sometimes, they have specials on new, non-grey products that are lower priced than refurbs.</p>

<p>Gary, I am a skinflint and cheapskate. If I could find manufacturer-refurbished items for everything I want or need, that is what I would buy, given a decent price. Just make sure whatever you buy is factory refurbished BY THE MANUFACTURER, and sold through a trustworthy source. Happy trails.</p>

<p>+1 for Canon refurbished cameras and lens. Often a great value.</p>

<p>Also look for demos at Adorama.com. The ones I've purchased have been practically like new at a much lower price. Check the warranty, though, to understand the tradeoffs.</p>

<p>Refurbished equipment is a great way to go. Just make sure you get it from a reputable dealer and that it is preferably Manufacturer Refurbished or is a return that has been checked out by a major dealer not an eBay seller refurbishing equipment.<br>

I am currently using four refurbished cameras and quite honestly the cost saving has worked out at about 70% so you can't beat it. I also have bought a refurb TV, HD Video recorder and Blu-Ray player in the last 45 days so don't just think cameras.</p>