Is Ebay worth even looking at for DSLR gear?

davethebirder

Hi guys, I was skimming through Ebay's Nikon sales advertisements .......
What is going on there in terms of prices?... has no one realized that DSLR lenses and cameras are now flooding the market with supply completely out-stripping demand and that 95% of that gear remains unsold!
I compare that with my recent used purchase of the Nikkor AF-S 28mm F1.8G lens from IPLN which cost 279 euros which was as new in an as new box .... not a sign of usage, 6 months warranty and 14 day return if you are not satisfied for whatever reason. The nearest same price/model lens on ebay had lost it's gold paint eons ago and looked heavily beaten.
Frankly, there are many sales sites on line now who have a much more realistic experience of what DSLR gear sells for in a reasonable time scale as they are counting making their living selling them.
I wouldn't give Ebay the time of day these days and I'm not only talking about photo gear!

Klaus

Don't say that. I'm always selling tested lenses on eBay ;-)

davethebirder

........ I take it you list them as "mint laboratory tested with written report"

........ just to give you that seller's edge ................. 🙂

mike

eBay is a mixed bag. On one hand some of the used gear is being sold at new, or even higher than new prices. OTOH, there are still great deals to be found. One must be savvy when shopping eBay.

One of the odd things I found on eBay is many of the big on-line retailers sell gear through eBay at a better price than if you went to their website. Or, the same price but free shipping saving you a few bucks. I've also found many of them have a "make an offer" available. They'll usually except a reasonable offer too. Again, saving you money. These retailers offer the same return policies as if you bought from their website.

davethebirder

I've found the same thing with FB market place .... it seems that they look at prices for the lens that others are selling and use that as the going price .... at the moment I have two AF85mm F1.8 one D and one non D ............ at 85 and the non D at 80 euros ....... all around they are the double or more ..... and still no takers!
My AF35mm F2D in very good condition sold for what I consider a cheap price 65 euros ......
There is an occasional bargain, I found a Nikon SB-700 flash gun for 40 euros ......the seller started at 150 he waited ages then 100 then 50 till I offered 40 ...... so I suppose it can work both ways.
It would be interesting to see the percentage of unsold glass, my guess is it at best 80%.

mike

davethebirder

Keep in mind that many of the retailers just raise the prices way up when they run out of stock. eBay doesn't like this but the seller maintains their seller status if they do this. Thus, they come up at the top of searches and things like that.

But I too often wonder how much gear (I'm a musician too) just sits and collects dust. I see the same locally on Craigslist.

I keep seeing the Viltrox 14mm F4 in a Sony e mount popping up for under $150US. I may have to pull the trigger on one.... If I don't get an fisheye first. LOL!