Ive been trying to get a TS-E for a while now, and I just bid on one on ebay that went from the starting $700 to 711 in the last hour, and up to 863 in the last 10 seconds.
So being that they go for ~900-950, the question I have is.. what do i do?
Since they are 1100 new, thats a pretty good savings, but really, its only 10%, and for a lens like that, whats 10%?
Should I wait for a good used copy, or buy a brandy new-ish one, get my warranty and know that its perfect...

have you checked KEH or BH for a used one?

I have not checked KEH, but BH doesnt show any used on their page (theyre smart and have the little "Buy used from..." under the new price)

Ben convinced me to not buy used expensive glass anymore. Ive had luck on my one lens but that was through a forum and had a ton of images before I bought it. Otherwise 10% more is worth the price of a new lens. especially 1k+ IMO.

I remember looking for the 24 and 90 at stores but didn't see any used when I was shopping.

I bought my first TS-E used on NSOP. They're very tough lenses and typically they don't get a ton of use even if the person is heavily into them. Also with no AF or anything fancy on them they're pretty rock solid. The TS-E mechanism is pretty bombproof from what I've seen (I own all 3) so I wouldn't worry too much about it. It's a prime w/o AF.

Zooms, lenses with AF and or IS all have a ton more crap that can go wrong with them which makes me more nervous there. But a solid manual lens like this, especially one that's unlikely to see a ton of daily use should be fine.

But I did buy the second too from B&H, mostly because once I'd get the $ it was a bitch finding one online.

ive seen a bunch lately, its just I have good credit with the "buy it now" on B+H and would be infinitly easier to do that, than it would be sending someone PP and shipping it and such.
I think if I could find one for 200$ less than new, i would do it, but I see a Lot for 950. Which just doesnt seem like its worth it, but then again, thats 150 for a UV filter + new card .. you know what i mean?

Damn it!
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/628208

Well actully for that price, I was in talks with a guy who had an 06 model, and he said he literally used it 3 times, - for 950.. so for the extra 35$..
Maybe he'll come down when it doesnt sell and I can pick it up for 925..

Originally Posted by SlvrScoobie

Damn it!
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/628208

Well actully for that price, I was in talks with a guy who had an 06 model, and he said he literally used it 3 times, - for 950.. so for the extra 35$..
Maybe he'll come down when it doesnt sell and I can pick it up for 925..

I would do the new from B&H, Amazon or even Adorama (I don't really like them, but they are the least costly usually and have a good reputation). Lately I have found local stores more willing to MATCH B & H, but then you pay sales tax.

New on lenses because they do hold value so much better than other types of equipment. . . . and new has that special feel about it!

Originally Posted by Trees of My Time

I would do the new from B&H, Amazon or even Adorama (I don't really like them, but they are the least costly usually and have a good reputation). Lately I have found local stores more willing to MATCH B & H, but then you pay sales tax.

New on lenses because they do hold value so much better than other types of equipment. . . . and new has that special feel about it!

That they do, that they do..
kinda like a new car, even though Ive never had one of those they dont hold their value as well

Yeah, I always thought cars were the worst place to see your money melt away, but computers and digital cameras make cars look good by comparison!

Yeah used is something I have mixed opinions on. It depends what it is, etc. My past experience with used stuff is mixed so I am always hesitant about it.

In this case with the T/S lenses I didn't find any deals good enough on used to bother going that route over new.