What are the top three second-hand camera gear recommendations that are right for you, and why? Here we discuss this topic further.
Starting off strong: Cameras. As camera manufacturers release new models, older ones often decrease in price significantly – yet this does not signify they have become obsolete or lack image quality; National Geographic photographers were still producing stunning photographs using digital cameras ten or fifteen years ago! Therefore a gently used digital or film camera will likely serve its owner well.
Some people get stuck up about shutter counts. I have bought numerous secondhand cameras, and never come close to reaching the 100,000 to 200,000 shutter actuations rating of camera shutters. Furthermore, these shutters often last much longer. Plus, if purchasing an unflapping mirror camera then that doesn’t even matter!
Current cameras I am using include a Pentax K-1 and Nikon D750 purchased secondhand; both DSLRs have survived years of desert explorations and night photography trips while continuing to produce stunning photos.
Tripods
Are you on the hunt for ways to cut costs when purchasing photography gear? Try investing in second-hand tripods as an economical and durable solution that can hold up your camera and lens for many years of service.
Investing in an excellent tripod will outlive any number of cameras. Most photographers go through several cameras during their photographic career, yet many keep the same tripod if it is of sufficient quality. After all, why trust anything less with such expensive gear as you should put on it?
Personally, I don’t mind if a tripod has minor scratches or dings – who cares? Even new tripods will show signs of wear eventually! What I care about instead is whether it can deploy easily, quickly and securely while being solidly built – these qualities should always come first for me!
Camera Bags
An excellent camera bag should provide comfort, keep your equipment dry and safe, and provide strong organization to help quickly find everything. Unfortunately, such high-quality bags often cost hundreds of dollars.
Unless you buy them pre-owned, don’t purchase these computers new.
Used camera bags can often be purchased for a fraction of their original costs, often as much as 75% less. From my experience, they generally arrive clean; otherwise you could either clean them yourself or take them to your local laundry cleaner – I would gladly save myself two hundred dollars by cleaning one myself!
Networking can be an excellent way of finding used items. I have personally purchased or traded camera gear with friends as this method proved mutually beneficial.
Of course, eBay and Mercari provide another avenue for finding items. When using these platforms, aim for sellers who have been doing it for an extended period of time with near 100% ratings – this way you’ll see comments regarding whether or not the seller provides good communication – something I have had great luck doing myself!
Scary Times When Purchasing Used
I experienced one harrowing moment while purchasing my Nikon D750 DSLR camera used from Amazon. It included a Pluto trigger and several batteries at an excellent price; however, upon opening its box there was an audible “clunking”. Opening it revealed only thin bubble wrap surrounding my camera without any additional cushioning like newspaper, “peanuts”, etc.
Even worse, neither the batteries nor Pluto trigger were wrapped, meaning they jiggled loose in their box and made my heart sink as I thought something must have been damaged. Surprisingly though, everything still worked despite jumbling around loose in its box! Years later I’m still using all this gear. Just be wary.
One way to safely purchase secondhand is at reputable places such as MPB or KEH, where equipment is carefully inspected before being sold for use. Many such stores also provide repair facilities and offer warranties such as MPB’s six month guarantee on used items.
B&H Photo can always be trusted as the go-to place for used photography gear on the East Coast, where their large secondhand tech store based out of New York makes visiting almost a rite of passage for photographers.
One assurance when purchasing from these retailers is that you won’t find your camera and batteries jumbling around inside an unpadded box.
Selling gear in exchange for other gear, servicing, and warranties / warranties Even better would be to sell some of your gear directly to one of these stores in exchange for credit; it makes selling easier and takes the sting out of price even further. I have sold Nikon lenses directly through MPB in the past and found their process seamless and painless.
MPB has recently become one of my go-to vendors, providing me with everything from assessments of condition and product contents, to warranties. If desired, they also allow for trading-in of old gear to reduce cost; their thorough evaluation process makes MPB an ideal place for purchasing used gear.
These experts take all of the gear, clean it up and sell it, providing photos of each piece you purchase as proof. In-house warranties are serviced and they have earned five-star reviews on Trustpilot with over 29,000 reviews so something must be working well here.
Convenience and Safety For maximum convenience and the best chance of buying used gear that works as expected, purchasing from places like these is the way to go.
Used equipment has helped me save thousands over time – including cameras, tripods, camera bags/cases/baggage/cases/lenses and photography books!
More Thoughts on Second-Hand Purchases
For additional thoughts on purchasing used cameras, check out Getting Great Cameras Cheap: Buying Second Hand (also linked below). Or for information on where the Best Places for Buying Used Camera Equipment are, just click on that page link.
What type of photography gear have you purchased second-hand and where would be the ideal places to do it? Share your thoughts below!