Finding Bargains on Camera Lenses

Just commenced photography as a hobby - and it is expensive! I was surprised to find that lenses were often as much or more than the camera body, and that even second hand they don't seem to get much cheaper. For popular lenses I simply cannot find them second hand.

Does anyone have any recommendations for how/where to get new lenses, or second-hand in good condition, for good prices?

In my case I am looking Fujifilm. A few lenses I am interested in, but the 23mm F2 was what I was considering as my first prime.

Comments

  • +1

    A cheap(er) way I found was to buy a package deal that someone is selling, eg a number of lenses, body etc. You keep the bits you want, and sell the bits you don't. I've got a number of "free" lenses doing this.

    • Neat idea - would never have thought of that!

  • 2nd hand photo gear buying just ain’t the same since OCAU photo marketplace really dried up..

    And scambook marketplace these days got too many scammers. 2nd hand market for camera gear (like gym gear) has also gone to **** during and even after COVID and lockdowns ended with the I kNoW whAT I GoT crowd trying to get full rrp for a beat up kit lens etc.

    Fair enough if you want to pick it up in person, know what to look for (eg signs of lens being dropped etc) and can test it out. These days I just don’t bother and just pay the slight premium.

  • my last top tip was to do staff purchase when working for a camera manufacturer. … but those days are over for me.

  • Seemed to be some good prices on this now expired deal. Might be worthwhile checking there from time to time.
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/827529

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