Advice on a used lens, Canon EF

The other big difference is that KEH has a careful and well-explained set of criteria for evaluating the condition of equipment, and the condition is listed with every item that's for sale. I have never encountered anyone who thought that the condition of what they sell is not as good as KEH claims. I have sold several things to them, and I thought their evaluations were accurate. Personally, I find that much more reassuring than having someone I don't know who may have no expertise writing a few words on eBay about the quality of what they are selling. I'm not pitching KEH per se. I have bought used things from other vendors I trust in this respect--refurbs from both Adorama and Canon.

On the other hand, it's all a matter of preference. Some people would rather take bigger risks to save some $$. My point was that this is the tradeoff, and asking other people who also have no knowledge of the seller doesn't change it.

The other big difference is that KEH has a careful and well-explained set of criteria for evaluating the condition of equipment, and the condition is listed with every item that's for sale. I have never encountered anyone who thought that the condition of what they sell is not as good as KEH claims. I have sold several things to them, and I thought their evaluations were accurate. Personally, I find that much more reassuring than having someone I don't know who may have no expertise writing a few words on eBay about the quality of what they are selling.

 

(snip)

I believe the OP is close enough to examine the lens in person, and so not have to rely on the condition described by others.

That does depend on being able to know what to look for.

Lenses have fewer failure modes, though I would most want to see that someone else hadn't tried

to repair it, and made things worse.

Many good points for the OP consider upon revisiting this conversation.

WW

But well under half price seems about right for a 15 year old item in a private sale. And given inflation, the seller is probably getting back near what they paid for the lens.

I agree. That's about what a company like KEH would give for the lens and the seller probably actually needs the money. Why second guess it? If in good condition I'd go for it.