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One of the most important things I learned from the video is that Tony is cool & chill. Dang, I wish I was chill.

3:02 Tony is chill confirmed

Another option often overlooked is purchasing legacy gems. I have a 5d classic, an early model L lens, and a several vintage primes. My total cost for the lot was less than $400, probably less than 10% of the cost new. While newer versions would offer better performance and features, certainly in the specs, the combo is capable of beautiful photography. After 3 years of heavy use the 5d continues to work flawlessly. Getting it fixed? I spent $250 on the 5d..when it dies its life is over and I will consider the investment more than worth the return. The character of the 5d and my combo of lenses gives me an outcome I really like and, even if I had the money, I don't think I'd be motivated to upgrade.

Thank you for this video, Tony! Here is my experience: I have bought 80% of my lenses used and I get that it is/can be risky. On the other hand, I now have a selection of lenses that I could not have afforded otherwise and I have no bad experiences with second hand gear (so far). Most of the lenses have added something positive to my photography. Sure, there are pros and cons, but if you're critical and do a bit of research there are good deals to be made. I think you covered the topics of this video in a great way! Thank you :-)

Craig's list. "They can just be a waiting for you with a knife!" Hahaha. You're great Tony.

"Hi I'm Tony and I'm chill" Haha classic Tony.

I took your advice and even tho I was a little nervous, I bought a used Nikon D810 from Amazon (only place I would do so), and I am soooo pleased I did. I saved over $700 and was able to buy some other accessories for it. I am absolutely in love with my new camera. Today I also purchased a used Tamron 70-200 lens also from Amazon. I can't wait to get it! Thank you so much Tony and Chelsea for all the information and advice. You are my go-to people for advice and tips. P.S. I wish I could go to Thailand with you, but not this trip!

eBay is actually cheaper most of the time. The example you showed for the D810 confirms (new are cheaper than Amazon). I browse a looooooooot for various types of gear (photography, ebikes, computers, other things) just out of curiosity. There are very few instances where I find a slightly cheaper price on Amazon compared to eBay. Another good option is to find the sellers on ebay, check their websites and see price differences. Research is key and always comparing several sources.

I have purchased & sold to KEH because I trust them. also they can repair cameras, which is a vanishing skill today

Below is an explanation of why gray market products are usually not supported. I'm writing this from the point-of-view of the importers to explain why they don't like the gray market, but in the age of the Internet I think this business model is outdated. The most important thing to know is that the importer of a particular brand of equipment is almost never the manufacturer. Many people think they are dealing with the manufacturer when they're really dealing with an importer. The OFFICIAL importer buys products directly from a manufacturer in another country and sells those products to its authorized dealers in its own country (note that these are the importer's authorized dealers, not the manufacturer's). The importer is responsible for everything conntected with the products they import; they do warranty service, advertising, maintain a separate website, sell replacement parts, hold free workshops and seminars, deal with recalls, field a staff of representatives, have a network of repair facilites, do phone support and internet chat, loan out products for review, whatever. All of this support stuff is paid for by the importer, out of profits from selling the product to their dealers. Much of the time the manufacturer has nothing to do with any of this; all they did was make products and sell them to a bunch of importers in other countries. If you read the fine print on the warranty card, it is usually the importer, not the manufacturer, who issues the warranty (although this varies a lot). Even if it's the manufacturer who issues the warranty, it is the importer who ends up honoring it. When you buy a camera from an authorized dealer, the importer cosiders you their customer and will support you. People who buy gray market bypass the official importer. You bought the camera or lens from someone else, so the official importer feels no obligation to help you. Your warranty was issued by somebody else in some other country. Go away! Taking a gray market product to the official importer and demanding warranty service is like trying to return an item to a store you didn't buy it from. Even when the manufacturer owns the importer, the importer is usually a separate business. Nikon USA is a subsidiary company that imports and supports Nikon products in the United States, so Nikon USA won't support gray market products that you bought somewhere else. They're a separate business and you're a non-customer. (As I said above, I'm taking the importer's point-of-view to explain their position. I actually think manufacturers need to take a more global view instead of sticking with what made sense in the 20th century). If you go to a large manufacturer's main website, the first thing they usually do is ask you where you're located, often giving you a world map to click on. What they're doing is sending you to your official importer's website, so you see information about available products, warranties, firmware updates, manuals or whatever that apply in your country. In some cases, a large importer will carry several brands, and in other cases one manufacturer may have several importers in different markets in the same country - one for camera equipment, one for copiers, one for medical equipment, another for military opitcs, etc. Sometimes different importers have a superficial change made to what they import (such as putting a different model number on the nameplate) to make it extra-easy to spot gray market imports. The TL:DR summary: when dealing with warranties and repairs, you are actually dealing with the importer in your country and not the camera or lens manufacturer.

Thanks Tony & Chelsea, I'm new to DSLR cameras , after a month or 2 of looking here, there and yonder, and spending a good deal of time reading reviews, How to's, watching videos and watching your videos, (great work). After doing my homework I took a page from your book and bought a used Canon T6 off ebay, and haven't had an issue. I really like your videos because you explain things in a way that make since, and why it works the way it does. Thanks again.

Every single piece of gear I have is Used. And do you know why? My first dslr was used because a new one was very expensive and I just wanted to try. I learnt then that used stuff is okay. I bought my primary lens used because they don't make it anymore! Bought a 50-135mm f2.8 lens that is 1200€ new for around 400€ because it had an issue i know how to fix it. And i fixed it! New is great, indeed! But used if you know how to look after that gear, is the same. My newer camera had around 7.000pics done when i bought it (in a store so it has warranty) and costed me 330€ with a lens i sold for 230€. So yeah used is good!

When I was in college I lived off ebay. A used pro body trumped a current consumer one. Also my first "pro" lens a 80-200mm f/2.8 which are hard to find on many of the other sites. Now that I make money at photography, the time isn't worth it. I have had many problems with Amazon so I prefer Adaroma or my local store. One trick with craigslist is to have the owner bring the receipt and have the gear in it's original box. It isn't foolproof but most stolen gear isn't stolen with a receipt.

One thing about eBay is you can get really good deals with "kits" which aren't advertised as such because the person either doesn't realize that the stuff is extra to the advertised item or they forgot to mention it. Example. I recently wanted to step up to a medium format film camera and I came across a Mamiya 645E with 3 lenses for ~$325. Seemed really reasonable, but by taking a good look at the photos I realized it was a super good deal. -It came with a 4th lens because the guy didn't count the lens which was on the camera. :) -Came in a ~$200 Pelican TSA approved camera case -In the photos there was a Yashica Mat-124G (just like Tony's) which wasn't mentioned. -Tons of adapters for the Yashica, teleconverter/extension tubes for the Mamiya. So for the decent deal I ended up with hundreds of bucks of extras because he only mentioned the Mamiya with "everything included". If you're looking at what looks like a lot sale from an estate take a really good look because you might see a lot more in the same auction.

This was really helpful and perfect timing! I just broke my camera a few days ago and have been trying to decide if I want to buy new or used. Thanks.

Tony's brain works likes my brain... Only channel that a person can trust for the details and real deal info.

Love the book Tony, you really cover a lot of stuff in it. I consider myself a skilled amateur and there is still a lot to learn in it. Beginning photographers will learn everything they need. It's very well put together and I love the QR codes that bring you to a video on the subject. Thanks 🙏🏻

My favorite line from the video "I'm happy with it because I'm chill"

Thanks Tony, this is really great info that I haven't been able to find so concisely presented anywhere before - and very thorough as always.

I’ve purchased a 6D, 17-40 mm, 50 mm, 85 mm, 30 mm all working perfectly well. Mostly thru eBay. Knock on wood. The only camera I bought new was my 7D which has lost nearly all its value thanks to the rise of full frame cameras’ popularity. Plus you can sometimes add a square trade warranty to your purchase if you are that concerned about it. If you’re not wealthy, or just starting out buy used or refurbished. So long as your savings is at least 50% off or more than the retail price. I would never buy anything used if I’m only getting 25% off, that’s just a rip off.

Huge shout out to Chill Dad Tony for these really useful tips. I may not always agree with Photography Dad, but he's always looking out for my best interest.

Used for sure. I just got a canon 7D, 70-200 2.8L and 16-35 2.8L for $500 with a couple of new flashes. And a think tank photo bag. Great content, guys.

"I want to buy your knife" "Okay, meet me there. I will be waiting there for you with my knife"

What a great lot of important information. These tips are invaluable when buying photography gear. Thank you Tony for the effort you put into your videos. I really appreciate it. You're my go to person when I want to know anything about photography.

Every time I search for anything to do with Cameras you seem to have me covered!! Fantastic channel for anamateur photographer. Thank you so much for helping me take better shots.

I bought a year membership from Gixen and couldn't be happier with the results so far over the last four months. Thank you Tony!

Just got my D810 $1400 used (40,000 clicks). Thank you Nikon for releasing that D850!

KEH, Adorama, BH all have good returns in their used department and KEH offers 6 month warranty on their used products adorama I believe is 90 days not sure BH # of days

I find that eBay doesn't have good deals like they use too. People want a new price for a used item or more. I found a photographer who had a d810 and a 14-24mm lens that was bought at B and H for $3,000. Was used very little. I bought it a year ago.

Thanks for this! I just bought a used Nikkor 35mm 1.8 dx lens from Amazon for $59 shipped. Score!

Craigslist "It's a little bit scary" should be their tag line.

This was helpful Tony & Team. I appreciated the specific examples. Thanks for taking the time to put those together. I love remanufactured gear. I have never had an issue. Open-box items are great too, as you mentioned. Amazon has a sub-title for open box items. Great walk through on Amazon used too. Many manufactures also have a remanufactured link toward the bottom of their home pages. Also, if you do meet someone off Craigslist, don't go to anyone's home. You can meet at local coffee shop or a public place. Be safe and use common sense. Whomever you are going to meet, they know you are going to have cash on your persons. :-)

3:22 "Because you would get alot more out from warranty. Then someone CHILL like me would" hahahha :D Cracked me up! Love your videos. Keep them coming!

I've bought my last two cameras new on sale and open box. Didn't pay the regular price for either. I've been buying my lenses used.

"I'm chill"

Great point about grey market repairs. I imported a laptop during early pandemic when stuff was hard to get, had battery issues but I couldn't even return it to the country of origin as it originally came from a store and the warranty was non transferable! So it gets plugged in a lot!

I've bought several items from B&H with an instant rebate that brought the price down to almost what it sells for used. I've always been good at finding good deals on new gear. And always been terrible at finding good deals on used gear.

LOL! That 5d Mark 3 Ebay bundle is the reason I watched this video in the first place.

The time factor on repairs isn't exclusive to used gear. If your camera breaks (new or used), you have to have it repaired. The only camera I have ever had to have repaired was a new one (Nikon D750 shutter recall). Craigslist is easy. Meet in a nice public space as safe as can be. Restaurants and Starbucks works. You can meet at your bank for a large purchase and not even have cash on you. Just work it out with the buyer. Someone selling a D810 will drive across town to get their $2100. Now if you want to pay $1800, you might need to be a bit more flexible.

I have your book and watch probably every video you guys make.. (including the live show every week)...My photography is pretty good and I still love doing it but the old cameras are as much a part of my passion as a portfolio... I have close to 20 DSLR and SLR bodies. All of them bought second hand, most from KEH. Sometimes I will take my old 5D classic or my D300 off the shelf and just go take pictures, and they always work perfect.... Thanks for all the great shows Tony... You and Chelsea are the best!!

To your point Tony, vintage lenses are sometimes really easy to get with camera bodies. The camera bodies may or may not make you some of that money back, but the good thing is, sometimes people just sell old camera with lenses attached, not realize what value of the lens is, and you get a body and a lens for the price of what the lens would be by itself. Not only that, but Ive noticed that sellers who do that aren't camera geeks, so they may underselling both by a lot.

I bought the sony rx100 used on ebay. The seller had a really good rating, and I've heard ebay takes pretty good care of buyers. It was so worth it. Got the rx100 plus 2 batteries and a sd card for $180 shipped. Granted the flash doesn't work, but i didn't play on using the flash anyway. Good luck to everyone who's thinking about buying used gears.

Canon guy, recently added Fuji, with digital only my 40D was purchased new along with a 70-200 f4LIS and 100 macro. All other gear was used or a refurb and I've had ZERO failures. Even a 1D Mark 2N from 2013 is still going strong and it cost me $500. I'm waiting for the 5D4 announcement and the price drop on the 5D3 or 6D; one will join my 7D when the 'price is right' :) I just bought Fuji X-E1 with an FD to X mount adapter and both have brought my old canon manual film lenses back to life. Photography is a blast, find what will give you joy and go shoot something :D

Just a heads up about an elaborate scam on Craigslist I almost fell for recently... saw an ad for a "brand new Sony a7riii" for, get this, $800. When I emailed, "she" told me she was selling it on ebay, then gave a link to an ebay page- which turned out to be a fake page! I had to look very close to see it was fake. With emotions running high- so tempting to think I would be getting that incredible camera for such a steal - I can see people falling for it.

I bought my Zeiss 100mm F2 macro lens used from B&H. It was rated a #9 on their used scale and I really could not even tell it was a used lens. Who ever had this took great care of it or didn't use it much at all. Got a HUGE savings over the NEW version.

Love your channel- straight forward and not any pomp. Great job guys. I ordered one of your books as well. 😊

I sometimes use old, manual olympus OM lenses with an adapter on my canon - a wonderful experience! I will soon get an adapter for vintage M42 glass.

"I'm happy with it cause I'm chill"😂😂 Tony's inner dad just showed it's true colours.

I wish more people are chill like Tony.

Shutter actuation count is also indicative of the amount of use the camera has seen overall. So it is not just the shutter life that is in question but the life span of electronics, switches, buttons and other components as well. Shutters may actually be more robust than some of the other camera components.

I am surprised about how thorough this video is. Wow. Thanks Tony.

we purchased two lenses while away on a cruise and when in st martin, the curuise pole recommended a camera place that turned out to be a night mare. my l series 24 - 105 and 7 to 200 mm ism, when we returned to the ship we were rushed and noticed when we returned home that they switched the lenses and we couldn't do anything. Thank god the credit card company got us our money back and we learned to only buy inside the USA and Canada, Amazon still make me a bit nervous, I was looking for the f.2 Tameron 70 to 200 as canon was high, and because as a professional amateur I thought the cost was better. Always love your and Chelsea's insight, love the first book.

"Because I'm chill like that" Lol thanks Tony. Always informative and funny

If your handy with a screwdriver then sparies & repairs are the best option for saving money. I got given a SONY A55 that ws dead, turned out all I needed was a motor for the shutter reset. A few hours later I had a working camera [It did require tearing the whole thing apart]. Lens fungus is one you have to take the whole lens apart, the damage it causes can also be perminat as the fungus eats the glass away when left long enougth.

Another thing to consider with used gear is having camera insurance. If it works for a while and stops functioning insurance may kick in and cover the replacement (minus deductible).

I bought a Nikkor 85mm 1.8g for 380$CAD with a filter and a Nikkor 50mm 1.8g for 180$CAD again with a free filter. Saved 40%+ each time, both lens are like new. Craigslist is your friend if you're careful, many people try photography, never use their gear, then sell it like new.

I buy almost everything, used and new, through Amazon. Amazon's prices, shipping time and return policy, even with used items, is just incredible. I buy from Amazon because I know that no matter what I decide to buy, I will never feel burned because I will have ample time to test it out and make sure it's exactly what I want.

i love factory refurb. I only buy used or factory refurb. Return policies are a must. I ordered a refurbished eos R. It had a deal pixel. Canon sent me another with a return label. I have been purchasing all my canon cameras refurshed. Lenses are always used from reputable companies. I buy refurdb over used bodies because I buy the cameras close to release dates, (and there is no used market yet)

I've never seen mold in a lens, would have been nice to see an example. Yes I think I would know it when I see it, show and tell is always better. Good info though.

I learned things I didn't know about remanufactured, sellers, etc. Thank youTony. Nice video.

Your channel is fantastic. I wish I had found it sooner. Just spent 30 minutes watching this video and it has saved me 25% on a Canon 200d bundle. Thank you.

I just bought a used canon 70-200 f4l usm for $525 off of amazon and it came in the original box with canon lens hood the original soft draw string bag original canon lens caps not a scratch on the elements there was a little dust on the front element but no real major issues.

I was fortunate finding my t7i. Been looking for a bit. Found one at a pawn shop that was a photographers backup. Came with the camera, 18-55 kit, 75-300, a $130 Polarpro bag, and a UV Filter. Got all for $695 after tax. New, the body and 18-55 is $799 alone before tax. Only thing that is a thing with my t7i, there’s some dust on the mirror. I’ll probably end up having it professionally cleaned.

Quick note: Sony offers transferrable warranties on their camerabodies, atleast in Sweden. Check with them if you want to get a camera before purchase tho, just to be on the safe side!

Hi Tony & Chelsea. I've become a big 2nd hand fan for camera's and lenses. I would'nt consider ebay as people often pay over the top prices. In the UK we have a wealth of options from Online only stores like MPB. The nationwide chain WEX photographic offers a great service as does my local shop SRS in Watford where you can also enjoy some haggling and all mentioned offer guarantees. If you buy 2nd hand and trade on later you can effectively hire a lens for a year for very little money and get to have fun trying out many diff options to see what suits you best. All the best, Rich.

If this video has taught me anything....it is that Tony is chill.

26:21 :) :) :) by the way, Tony: Amazon is very consumer-friendly, I prefer them over eBay, the only problem is that the majority of sellers doesn't mail their gear abroad - I live in Israel, hard time getting what I want through Amazon. When I lived in the NEtherlands though, it was relatively easier. So depends on location, it seems.

Outstanding information. all 100% relevant. the only thing i would add would be that if you do end up buying a gray market camera body or lens, you can get it serviced by a non Nikon/Canon servicer.

I go through B&H most of the time, with one or two purchases through Adorama. I have had nothing but good experiences. I would say in buying a camera to get either Nikon or Canon for the availability of batteries after the camera is no longer being produced. My friend has a Pentax that she can't get original batteries for. She bought third party batteries off Amazon and they didn't even hold one charge.

I was shocked to hear you're chill knowing how good you are at being super technical about photos and cameras! Then I realized that's how I am too =]

I always buy occasions via a professional store here in the Netherlands. They have to disappoint me yet, so I guess that's a good thing. The price is a little higher, but you get warranty and you can return it if you don't like it.

In Australia, by law, it can be returned if it doesn't work. So even when it's noted as "no return" on eBay, if it didn't work when it arrived it can be retuned. Other than that, the "no return" policy stands. I've told many camera items under this policy and so far have not had any problems. Too bad the US isn't adroit enough to adopt this policy.

Tony this is a great post! People need to know about the used market. I recently tried out Nikon with used equipment, didn't like it, and sold it for more than I paid for it. I actually ended up being paid to try stuff out.

Buying used matos it's the thing that i do for many years for professional using into my independant movie company (Nikon D800 and sony Fs 700 with atomos and old nikkor ai-s lenses)

I'm living testament to a bad shutter circa 1990. My wedding photographer had a mistimed shutter (or something like that it has been a while) and we did not get one picture from him. It may have been an omen as that marriage ended a few years later. For my next wedding, I insisted on two cameras. All the photos came out and I'm still happily married (coincidence? who knows). Anyway, I'm a subscriber and thanks for the information, as I am looking to get used gear and I thought I'd look what you and Matt Granger have on getting used gear.

Really good episode, Tony. Great info. I enjoy getting your perspective and hearing your experience.

Hey, guys! I just bought a used 20mm 1.7 panasonic lens based on your review of the E-M10 and just wanted to say...what a fantastic little lens this is! Keep the good stuff coming!

I agree Tony. I’ve gotten some great gear on ebay and Amazon.

I just bought a canon 6d mark ii (body) for just $800 from Craglist. But the retail price is 1,299 for a body so don’t rush, Take your time and look for used item on eBay , Craglist or even Facebook market place you will save a lots of money . Like I did. I am currently waiting for manfrotto befree advance Tripod on eBay and Craglist and FB markets

Insanely useful and comprehensive guide! Thank you Tony!

There is also the option for 3rd party warranty eBay, Amazon, B&H, Adorama Etc all offer plans on site.

I bought my 7D2, Sigma 70-200 F2.8, 50 F1.8, 10-22 F3.5 and they all work spot on. I dread to think how much it would of cost to buy new.

I buy 'really' used -- recently bought a Canon 40D for under $300 ($2000 when new) and a Canon 5D (original) for $350 ($4000 when new in 2005). Both are good for what I used them for. My newest camera is the Canon 70D, bought second hand.

Sold off all mft gear between mu-43 forum, eBay and a mft gear selling list. Paypal makes transactions much safer (especially if you setup the free basic merchant account and ask people to use "pay for goods and services" option at checkout). Pretty happy overall, had only one negative experience with one buyer being a bit of a pain, but still got paid in the end so was worth the trouble

Tony is like your favorite uncle giving you good advice.

With the advent of Facebook marketplace i have saved a lot no problems with the cameras. The best deals lately are with somewhat older cameras. I just bought a sony nex 5r for a hundred dollars. One fifth of original cost.

I bought a used Canon Rebel T3i DSLR camera back in January and it's been working good for me.

I have bought several refurbished Nikon items with happy results.

I swear by KEH. Never had a problem on any condition and their prices are the best ive seen

I would recommend adding/editing about the more recent scams running on returned products. The used "like new" A7RIII I bought on Amazon was an A7RIII box with an A7 in it. They took that return and the replacement they sent was scratched up and had 3,000 pictures taken (remember, "like new"). Used doesn't mean they have even inspected the return (or know how to technically verify product versioning.) So there is more risk than simple warranty.

If you're living in the EU you should always buy used from a dealer. He's required by law to give you 2 years of warranty (Gewährleistung) or 1 year but he HAS to mention that it's only one year. Only drawback: after the first 6 months you have to first prove that the item was faulty when you bought it. I bought a digital medium format camera from a dealer and noticed problems with the sensor after a few months - he was required to repair it under the warranty. So I saved thousands of dollars/euros with the used camera and didn't have to worry about any faults that would occur within the first 6 months - so I again saved about 1500 for repairing the camera.

Great video Tony. I have bought some excellent used kit over the years, from ebay as well as specialist dealers. Saved a lot of money on equipment I could not otherwise possibly afford to buy new.

Tony, you where sorting by the default "Best Match" on eBay. Do sold listings and sort by "Highest + Shipping Highest" and it will sort it all out. Faster and easier.

Great presentation in the style of a late night talk show host. Very well done!

For what its worth, my Nikon D700 shutter failed with less than 1000 actuations. The camera was bought new, but was still out of warranty (and yes, too much camera for the amount of use it was getting). So yes, shutters do fail, but I agree with Tony that shutter actuation counts might be little help in determining the probability of failure. In fact, my guess they either fail VERY early or VERY late... and probably unlikely in between. Oh, and the [NOT SO] best part of this story is that the shutter failed minutes before my first daughter was born. Very fortunately my brother was at the hospital as well, and I quickly borrowed his Nikon D90, which thanks to Nikon's consistency of controls wasn't too hard for me to operate well with no experience with it.

Refurbished gear is a great deal. Working in manufacturing, most items will only be inspected at a certain frequency called AQL (acceptable quality level) which is based on risk of the assembly failing, consequence of risk, and manufacturing lot size. AQL for components going into your lens or body might mean that only 1 in 10 or even 1 in 30 parts (or less) manufactured get inspected. The QC passed sticker on something doesn't mean every bit of the finished assembly is 100% inspected, it means that the components have passed AQL and the finished assembly has passed a checklist, which is probably that moving parts function and a visual inspection. Items that are refurbished or genuinely remanufactured are going to have a more thorough inspection because they have to be taken apart and reassembled and someone will be looking at all of the parts and every assembly will be inspected. I actually feel more comfortable buying things (not just photography related) that are refurbished. A problem component has been replaced, possibly with an updated design that's not as prone to failure, the entire assembly has been inspected, and often you still get the warranty.

picked up a canon 24-105 f4 L series 1 for a very good price. The glass was spotless and external condition was fair to good and the image quality is superb , and it worked perfectly for several months . Unfortunately the internal ribbon cable failed during an overseas trip . Even factoring in the repair cost i will be in front financially but not so in terms of inconvenience .

you're so chill, you're freezing the white balance, lulz

Interesting, I don't buy in USA, but in Spain, whenever I go there, and I love Zeiss lenses though I have Canon, and believe me, there buying a used one is really worth it! Regards for you both!!