
Renting Photography Gear
Why You Should Always Rent Photography Gear Renting photography gear is the logical choice for most people. Renting allows you to make the most of
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I still have my father’s antique camera and all the incredible photos he took with it. I guess that’s why the whole concept of used camera gear makes sense to me. It’s easy for me to see the many benefits that come with buying and selling second-hand gear.
In addition to the nostalgia that I expressed earlier, I admit that I also try to be a smart shopper. And like many of my fellow photographers, I like to stay up-to-date with new tech, without breaking the bank.
Back in the day, the used camera gear market was limited and inaccessible to most photographers. But this has changed dramatically in recent years, and the used devices are available in many dependable online outlets. The wide variety on display and reliable logistics certainly help as well.
Does buying used camera gear make more sense than buying brand new devices? And if so, how can you tell that the equipment you’re buying is of good quality?
We’ll cover all that in the coming sections. Plus, our recommendations for the best places to buy used camera gear, so read-on!
Several of the used camera gear mega-traders started out as a one-man operation from a dorm room. It’s worth noting that only in a few years, their business grew exponentially into a global corp. This is huge! And there are some very good reasons for it.
The media puts certain demands on image quality, so photographers constantly upgrade.
A ‘good photo’ isn’t just the one with a perfect composition or proportions. The resolution, color intensity, and overall image quality mark the amateur from the pros. No matter what type of photography you choose to focus on, there are some universal criteria that apply across the board.
Smartphones with fancy cameras are in every hand, and people do take some incredible shots with them. However, they don’t even come close to what you can get with a good DSLR, proper lens, and suitable lighting.
New tech becomes the new norm in a matter of months. And keeping up doesn’t necessarily have to be a painful expenditure every 6 months for new gear. Used gear can provide the needed updates, without shelling out a fortune.
Trading in used camera gear used to be limited to beaten up equipment, whose friends gave up on it completely. Scams were abundant, and it was customary to buy a camera only to find it full of defects. Many of which were unfixable and the seller would disappear into thin air.
This grim picture is now history. And if you browse through used camera gear websites, you’d see many selections in very good condition. The occasional scratch in the outer frame doesn’t really count as a major defect, but it gets you a bargain price easily.
There’s a quality control process in most trading websites. And they only accept products that they test thoroughly. The products are then classified according to their condition. On top of that, there are usually customer reviews to enlighten potential buyers.
There’s a noticeable increase in the availability of used camera gear. One wouldn’t search too much for online and physical outlets that sell a wide range of reliable gear. This high accessibility certainly helped in boosting this business.
E-commerce is naturally a major player here. And the easy transactions, whether in selling or buying, help a lot.
Whether you’re buying used gear from individuals, classifieds, forums, or from a reputable online trader, it’s important to inspect the equipment properly.
Think of it as a mental checklist. Once you go through all the tests on the list, you’d be much more comfortable with buying and using that gear. The inspection steps are simple and intuitive, that most beginners can do them with ease.
Choose used camera gear that hasn’t been overused, roughed up, dropped, or stored in humid places. You’d know from the initial checks whether a device has potential, or if it’s seen all the wear and tear it can handle already.
Always start with the external frame, then move on to the internal details. Whether that’s a camera, lens, or any other photography gear you might be considering as your next purchase.
There are a few checks you could do in ten minutes, that’ll sum up the general condition of the camera.
Few things are as conclusive as the shutter count. It’s simply how many times the camera has been used.
Buying good lenses is among the most expensive aspects of being a photographer. But buying badly used lenses isn’t the answer to that predicament. Luckily, there are ways to tell whether or not used lenses are in mint condition.
The focus and zoom rings are among the components that could lose functionality over time. Turn the rings to the right all the way, then to the left all the way. Listen carefully, and feel the movement. If it feels resistive, clanky, or inconsistent, then the ring might be defective.
Check the Aperture
The lever that reveals the aperture blades should click open easily. And at close inspection, the blades should be clean from any dust, oil, or any sticky substances. At this point, you can also access the lens at a deeper level, and again, check for transparency and optical wellness.
Look for signs of bending, dents, chipped pieces, or even just scratches. When objects are dropped, they often leave a clear trace.
Having been around the used camera gear market for a while, we found that some parts are worth serious consideration. First, because they are fundamental pieces for any photographer. And second, because they’d come at a hefty price if bought new.
Smart-shoppers also know where to procure their gear. And we’ve found two mega suppliers we can rely on. We often find at KEH Camera and Adorama the equipment we need, and the support required to make an easy purchase.
They back up their sales with customer support, after-sales service, and prime shipping. And if something goes wrong, we can always return the purchases and get a refund.
By now, you’re probably waiting for the top picks we’re raving about, right? Here’s the full scoop!
This Pentax has always been on the wishlist of demi-pros. It’s compact, weatherproof, pretty, and the image quality is unbelievable.
It has a high sensitivity of about ISO 819200, a shutter speed of 1/24000, and a Pixel Shift Resolution System. The tiltable LCD display is quite informative and easy to navigate. As for the function-dial, you’ll find your fingers memorizing the simple movements as you make a selection.
It’s sold here with a cut in the price of around 30%, which amounts to approximately $300. This is a big chunk chipped off the original price, and considering the condition of the camera, this is a catch.
Canon Mark II is another huge favorite among photographers. It has a 20.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and an ISO 100 16000. It employs high-speed continuous shooting of up to 10.0 fps. Plus, the highly popular 65-point all cross-type AF system.
The Camera comes with an EF-S 18-135mm IS USM Lens, in addition to a W-E1 Wi-Fi Adapter Kit. This is quite convenient and would save you hours of matching accessories.
The dent in price is about 20%, which isn’t huge, but still substantial. This is a camera that is almost new.
The Sony Camera is known for its impeccable images, vibrant colors, and sharp focus. It has remarkably high phase-detection AF points, amounting to 79. covering a wide AF range.
It comes with an Exmor CMOS sensor, plus a BIONZ X image processing engine. Together, they produce an exceptional photography experience.
The price of the refurbished cam is noticeably lower than the original. So, for those who were looking forward to trying Sony gear, here’s a good opportunity.
This mirrorless Panasonic comes at a compact size, that’s close to half that of a regular digital camera. And yet, it provides almost twice the sensor sensitivity. There’s a clear division among photographers when it comes to using DSLR or Mirrorless Cameras.
If you’d like to take a legit part in the discussion, then you should try both. Then decide whether one of them is really better than the other, and how? It would also be a great opportunity to develop your repertoire. The more you learn, the more you earn.
The Panasonic has a staggering discounted price that’s down by around 40%, and it also comes with lenses and a tripod. How thoughtful!
No camera list is ever complete without a Nikon. Photographers know that brand so well and are often wowed by its intricate features. Well, this one certainly doesn’t disappoint.
It’s a full-frame, 35-mm sensor digital cam. It’s capable of taking noise-free images, starting from ISO 100 all the way to 6400. And if more is needed, it can be boosted to 25600.
It’s also sold at a 38% discounted price, which is certainly good news for many potential buyers. But still, note that even after that courtesy the price tag is hefty. The autofocus sensors aren’t as staggering as the Sony, but 39 points are still something.
This is a modern camera in a classic body. The slim silver frame was all the rage in a series of iconic Nikons.
It covers an ISO range from 100 to 12,800, also expandable at the lower end to 50 and on the other side to 204,800. The trademark sharp focus of the Nikon appears here with a 39-point autofocus system, and 9 highly accurate cross-type sensors. They stay accurate in various settings up to f/8.
The camera can be purchased with a Nikkor 50mm F/1.8 G AF-S Special Edition Autofocus Lens. This is highly recommended, and the total price would still be appealing.
Canon cameras have a way of catching the eye and exciting the imagination. They’re somehow more accessible than other brands, and at the same time, just as capable.
The Mark IV comes with a 30.4 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor. Its ISO range starts at 100 and covers a wide span till 32000. It’s expandable till up to 50-102400 at both ends, which is grand.
It provides Full HD up to 60p, and HD up to 120p, which is quite sufficient for decent videos. As for the focus, that’s a whole other story. Also, 4K Motion JPEG video.
Read this twice: 61 AF points with expanded vertical coverage. If you’d like, extra precision comes with 41 cross-points. The AF is available at all of the 61 AF points, with many lens + extender combinations, all of which are valid at f/8.
The ‘Like new’ and ‘Excellent’ models sell at approximately $2000, including the battery and charger. This is about $300-$500 less than the new ones.
This motorized 400-mm telephoto/long original lens isn’t among the typical gear for regular photographers. Mainly, because of its extremely high price tag.
The sleek look is among its many attractions, in addition to the sturdy mounting, and lightweight. It’s an essential lens for event photographers, and a wonderful addition if you want to learn something new.
The used lens is offered in an ‘Excellent Plus’ condition, and it sells at a price that’s quite accessible to the semi-pro. It comes with its original caps, case, and hood.
This is a similar telephoto lens for Nikon cameras. It’s great for sports photography, nature shots, as well as documenting festivals and raves.
It’s available in ‘Like new’ and ‘Excellent plus’ models. Both coming at affordable price points, and also come with the typical package of caps, case, and hood.
The Micro Four Thirds is the standard coined for mirrorless camera lenses, and it contains some of the best optics around. This Panasonic lens is compact and powerful. It comes equipped with a 67 mm filter, and with the 50-200 mm range, it’s remarkably versatile and practical.
The price is often much more reasonable than the new lenses. And this definitely invites several timid photographers to give mirrorless cameras and lenses a try. It’s available in ‘Like new’ condition, and it comes with a case and hood.
Lighting equipment is easier to acquire in the used condition. More so than the more sophisticated cameras or the more sensitive lenses.
These LED lights are must-haves for all those times when natural light isn’t sufficient. The Photoflex Northstar is among the smartest choices on display. It’s adjustable, sturdy, powerful, and its heat output isn’t noticeable.
This classic light isn’t a common fixture in studios nowadays. It’s a bit retro, and it’s lighting style fits that mood. But, it can easily double as a modern source for most types of photography.
It comes with a power cord, a sync cord, in addition to a tube cover, and a reflector. That certainly sweetens the deal.
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