Thinking of buying a lens on ebay ...

[B16 RTT]

This one, to be precise: -

Ebay Linky

Almost hit the 'Buy it Now' button last night, but something stopped me, and now I have this nagging doubt that there's something wrong. I know I'm covered via PayPal, but we all know that's a long and drawn out affair, plus I'd have to pay for the shipping back to HK, so I'm only going to be losing there. But everything looks genuine(ish), but I can't get my head around why it's so cheap. I mean, we all know that if something is too good to be true it generally is! Am I kidding myself that there's going to be a brand new Nikon lens in the box when I open it up?

The other thing is import duty. I've had a quick look online and it seems to be about £15. Do I have to pay this no matter what? Or is it only if it gets stopped at customs?

I suppose I'm just looking for reassurance/discouragement. I can just as easy go out and but a Tamron aftermarker lens for £100, but if I can get a proper Nikon one for the same money, it's a good deal, right?

So please guys, either put my mind at ease or talk me out of it!

Thanks,

Ricky

[Lucas CAV]

In my limited experience - that lens is not great -

Get a Sigma!

[spitfire-ian]

It's not the greatest lens in the world but it's ok.

However I paid less than that for mine 3 years ago.

General Dynamics F-16AM Fighting Falcon - Royal International Air Tattoo 2010, RAF Fairford by imulford, on Flickr

Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor - Royal International Air Tattoo 2010, RAF Fairford by imulford, on Flickr

Edited by spitfire-ian on Friday 1st April 09:52

[Simpo Two]

B16 RTT said:

I can just as easy go out and but a Tamron aftermarker lens for £100, but if I can get a proper Nikon one for the same money, it's a good deal, right?

I guessed what the lens was before I clicked the link

The 70-300G is worth £99 max. Although it's a Nikon it's nothing special. You can tell how good a lens is likely to be by the price - the 'good' Nikon 70-300 is about £400. So don't be lured by the name in this instance.

As for import duty, it depends on what value the seller declares on the box. So if they are honest, you will get done for import duty, VAT and handling fees.

[B16 RTT]

So just go for a Tamron or a Sigma then? Is there any real difference between the two, just for casual use?