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I have been trying to sell my Canon EF 70-200mm F/4.0 L IS USM Lens for ages now, but no one seems to want it. Could it be because the f2.8 is a better lens and people would rather pay the extra and get that rather that the f4?

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    \$\begingroup\$ It's a decent lens - assuming it's in good condition, my guess is that you're simply charging more money than folks are willing to pay for a used lens. I also question whether this is on-topic since this isn't a question about photography or photo editing. \$\endgroup\$
    – ahockley
    Commented Dec 13, 2010 at 17:24
  • \$\begingroup\$ There could be a number of reasons, (not advertised to the right people, not got the right price, etc.) but you've not provided sufficient detail to allow a full answer. As currently worded, this appears to be off topic (I'm surprised that @ahockley didn't vote for closure). \$\endgroup\$
    – Rowland Shaw
    Commented Dec 13, 2010 at 17:52
  • \$\begingroup\$ I have the 70-200mm f/2.8L, and it is hands down my favorite lens (I have a Canon 24-105mm f/4L, a Canon 50mm f/1.4 and a Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L, all nice lenses, but can't touch the 70-200mm). \$\endgroup\$
    – sebastien.b
    Commented Dec 13, 2010 at 18:29
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    \$\begingroup\$ Everything sells at the right price. If it's not selling, lower the price until it does, or until you reach the point where you'd rather keep it. \$\endgroup\$
    – Winston Smith
    Commented Dec 14, 2010 at 12:56
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    \$\begingroup\$ I am curious as to why you say the f2.8 is the better lens. Conversely, I could argue that the f4 is the better lens because it is half the price and weight, equally as sharp at f4, and I don't need the wider aperture. Both were built for different purposes. \$\endgroup\$
    – gjb
    Commented May 11, 2011 at 16:51

3 Answers 3

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Since you did not tell us anything about how you are 'trying', I can't really give you a complete answer. Now, it is a good lens and has a nice price-point too.

Things to consider:

  • Price. You need a to offer a discount compared to the lowest price from a reputable source. Check BHPhoto and Adorama if you are in the US, otherwise the local equivalent.
  • Location: Craigslist, Kijiji and eBay are all places with lots of visitors.
  • Description: Make sure the description of the lens is accurate in your ad. Don't complicate things but make it easy to find, specifying the range, full model name, etc.
  • Patience: It takes me between 1 and 6 months to get a buyer sometimes on the listing sites. With eBay things are more pressing but it can take 2 or 3 tries.

Relative to that lens itself, it may be that this model being the middle of the line makes it less desired. The non-IS model is much cheaper and the F2.8 model is not that much more expensive. There is also competition from the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 (OS and not) as well which is a very good lens and is reasonably priced.

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It is possible you simply haven't found the correct audience, or it could be that your price is too high.

I personally would be happy with a f/4 version because for what I tend to shoot, I don't necessarily need the f/2.8 version, and I'd prefer to save money and weight.

If you really want to sell it quick, you could go ahead and sell to a reputable dealer such as KEH. They aren't going to pay as much as a direct buyer might because they need to make profit, but they will pay pretty well.

At the moment, (assuming "Excellent", or 80-89% condition) it looks like they'd pay about $550.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ The going rate on ebay is about $750 from what I can see. \$\endgroup\$
    – Max Sang
    Commented Dec 14, 2010 at 17:48
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I would certainly prefer the f/2.8, but another issue may be that many people are hesitant about buying a used lens from an unknown source. When I switched from Canon to Nikon, I think I sold most of my stuff on Craigslist (which works out well because people can meet you to check out the stuff) and Ebay (but I have a high feedback rating).

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