8 replies to this topic

[John W]

A friend dropped by a few days ago and handed me an envelope full of cash. It turns out he sold a boat we owned together. I bought a share of it from him 7 years ago when I sold a boat but rarely used it and had actually forgotten I was a partner. In any case I have what I consider free cash to spend and have located a refurbished 500mm f/4E FL ED VR lens for $7500. It was refurbished by Nikon Canada and comes with a one year Nikon Canada warranty. Theoretically it is in like new condition and has a 30 day return period. Good deal? Any problem buying refurbished from Nikon Canada? It is from an authorized Canadian Nikon dealer. 

[JestePhotography]

It's light pretty versatile and sharp. You can still use a 1.4 on it with no issues, maybe a 2x under certain circumstances. I'd say that's a good deal.

[P Bender]

I would be certain that the Canadian warranty transfers to the USA without any issues, just in case something unfortunate occurs!

[John W]

The warranty does not transfer. It would be a bit of a nuisance to return it to Nikon Canada for repair but not that big of a deal. After 1 year I would pay to have it repaired by Nikon USA. Since it will have been purchased from an authorized dealer, Nikon USA should not have a problem working on it. From what I read, they do not always happily repair grey market equipment.  

 

I kind of look at it like these are the 3 highest probability outcomes. 

1 - Lens not as described and I am out the cost to return it.

2 - Buy it, use it, take good care of it and resell before Nikon replaces this model. Cost of use should be low.

3 - Buy it, love it, take care of it, keep it past release of the next model. This one in good condition should always be worth 5000+-. 

[Happy Grumpz]

Just buy it!

[JBGreene]

Is there two versions of the nikon version? There are used ones in like new condition on amazon from US camera stores for 6.5k.

[geedee]

Yup there are two versions. I do not know if Focus breathing oft times reported as being an issue with the later version applies to the earlier lens.... though does it really matter...?  I suspect like much that is new, there will be improvements such as coatings, VR, weight reductions etc, though I wonder how much quality in feel and look may be lost as production methods/cost savings  might be valued, a heavily made older lens can seem to be built up to a spec and not down to a price, but if the new lens is easier to carry and provide the opportunity to capture better images.... hmm..?

 

Good news on the windfall... The two happiest days of a boat owners life.. the day he buys it  ..... and the day he sells it...(-: 70-200 seems to be a must have lens for many a pro, I like mine though it seems I tend to be more of a 16-35 kinda guy, with 14-24 aspirations...(-: but I would not be without my 70-200.

 

Been to Nikon in Montreal... when I dropped my UK purchased D800 and16-35 in a lake....No charge for their assessment.  Nice people so I suspect if you had any guarantee issues they would treat you well enough.. regardless of the letter of the law ..?  My camera and lens survived the shock... though not sure if I did as well..

[John W]

JB - the lens on Amazon for 6500 is the older version which is the one I had planned to buy before money showed up at my door and before I found a good deal on used copy of the newest version. 5000 would be a better price for a good copy of the older 500G.

Geedee - I have been on, worked on and owned boats my entire life and can't really imagine not being able to be on the water at will. The 20' sports car I have now is one of my favorites. All good.

500 G older -  500 E FL newer. The biggest difference is probably that the 500 E FL is lighter by 2 pounds and weighted more evenly than the front heavy 500G. The 500E FL It is apparently better balanced and much easier to shoot handheld. 

What I am hoping to gain with the 500 E FL is just a bit more pop and contrast in addition to the f4 background and lower light ability.

 

I have not decided whether to keep the 200-500 5.6 or return it. I think it would be a great travel lens and it covers an important focal range relatively inexpensively.  

[geedee]

Thanks for the detailed heads up on your decision making process John, seems I got my threads crossed, and drifted into 70-200 territory, I blame Paul as it was his latest inquisition that obviously led me astray..... DUH !

 

Yup owned/restored/repaired/maintained boats from rowing through cabin cruiser to sail boat over many years... and paid the price...(-:  The effects of ageing on my first mate and I  played a part  in the thought processes to sell my last boat though still have occasional access to a friends 70`s Nicholson ketch on which I help with some maintenance tasks... just to keep my hand in...(-:  Good sailing off the West coast of Scotland though the weather....is ..er..questionable...on occasion...hmm.