Purchasing refurbished lens from Nikon store

<p>Is it advisable to buy a refurbished lens, with a 90-day warranty, from the Nikon Store (U.S.A.)? I can get the same lens, used, for about the same price from Lens Authority, with which I've had a good experience. Which would you prefer? I would be grateful for any guidance on this.</p>

<p>The warranty makes the purchase attractive, IMHO.</p>

<p>For the same price, I'd get it from Nikon for the warranty and access to service.</p>

<p>I've bought refurbished from Nikon 3 times and from Olympus 3 times. All were great experiences at a great price.</p>

 

<p>I have very bad experience with Nikon USA refurbished lenses, purchased from Adorama and B&H, but those stores have excellent return policy. If you are buying directly from Nikon USA Store, double check their return policy. The warranty is short, 90 days. Therefore, it is important to test the lens thoroughly.</p>

<p>If you buy used, as long as it is a Nikon USA model or you have a foreign receipt, Nikon USA will service it for a (usually high) fee. As long as the lens is in good condition and is working properly, either source is fine.</p>

<p>Have you looked at KEH for the same lens? If they have it (no guarantee) and in a high quality condition (also no guarantee, but they will classify it honestly), then I suggest you compare prices with Nikon's refurb. KEH offers a six month warranty. When I bought my 300 f4 AF-S, KEH was actually a bit less expensive than the Nikon refurb (but this was several years ago). The KEH reputation plus their warranty swayed me, and the lens I got couldn't be distinguished from brand new. While I like KEH, I won't claim they are always better than others, but I think they are worth considering.</p>

<p>I had good experiences buying refurb Nikon gear. But, note the comments above. Look for a viable return policy.</p>

<p>My most recent find: LensRentals tests all their lenses before sending them out. They don't want you to have a lemon. So, rent the lens. If you like it, call them and ask about buying. Usually, they will sell it to you at a good price. You get one you know is not a lemon.</p>

<p>Thank you all for responding. A combination of Shun's negative experiences, together with my inability to get through to a person to ask about the shipping (we might be away when the lens would arrive) made me decide not to buy from them for now. For the future, I'm encouraged by the positive experiences several of you reported.</p>

<p>Bob, thank you. I've bought in the past from KEH, and like them. At the moment Lens Authority seems to have better prices.</p>

<p>Hit or miss. I bought one Nikon lens refurbished and the IS conked out after about 6 months. My latest purchase of a similar lens seems to be going strong.</p>

<p>I have had great experience with refurbished equipment. The only time I got something not up to snuff was my recent purchase of a refurb Nikon 300mm f/4E PF VR from one of the big NY stores. It had barely correctable front focus and even then it was soft.<br>

Since <big NY store> has an excellent return policy, I returned it and bought/traded for a new one from <other big NY store>.</p>

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<p>Since <big NY store> has an excellent return policy, I returned it and bought/traded for a new one from <other big NY store>.</p>

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<p>That was exactly what I did with the refurbished 80-400mm AF-S VR I bought from Adorama. Since they didn't have a new one in stock at the time, I bought the (new) replacement from B&H. See the whole story: http://www.photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00c0Fc</p>

<p>My multiple bad experience with refurbished Nikon USA lenses seems atypical, though. Most people have reported excellent experience.</p>

<p>I've also had very good experiences with Nikon factory refurbs I bought from both Adorama, B&H and walk in to Samy's Camera here in L.A.</p>