So I am looking to upgrade my gear for some freelance event work I have coming up in mid-November and honestly the prices at the big retailers are killing me. I really need a reliable 70-200mm lens but I dont want to drop two grand on a brand new one if I can help it. Ive been looking at MPB and KEH lately because they seem pretty legit but im kinda hesitant about buying used gear online since I cant actually hold it first.
My logic was to go with MPB because their interface is super easy to use, but then I saw some folks on reddit mentioning KEH has better customer service if something goes wrong. There is also Adorama used but their site is just a mess to navigate. My budget is like 1200 tops and I need to have this lens in my bag at least a week before my first gig. Has anyone here had a bad experience with either of those two? Im really just trying to figure out if the savings are worth the risk of shipping a fragile piece of glass across the country or if I should just suck it up and buy new locally to avoid the headache...
TL;DR: Stick with KEH. I have been buying from them for over a decade and honestly never had a reason to look elsewhere. I totally get the anxiety about shipping glass. Years ago, I was worried about the same thing when I needed a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM for a wedding season. I ended up pulling the trigger on a bargain grade unit from KEH, and man, I was shocked. It had a tiny bit of finish wear on the tripod collar, but the glass was absolutely pristine. That lens has been through hell and back with me and still works flawlessly today. Their grading system is super conservative, which is why I prefer them. When they say it is ugly, it usually just has a few scratches on the barrel, but the optics are still sharp as a tack. Honestly, you can save a ton of cash by just ignoring the cosmetic stuff. Since you have a 1200 budget, you might even be able to find a really clean copy of a Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II if you look around. Basically, just pay for the insured shipping and stop stressing. These companies know how to pack a box better than anyone else. You will be fine.
Honestly, buying used glass online is always a bit stressful. I had issues with a Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports that I ordered from a smaller shop last year; it arrived with some internal haze that wasn't mentioned in the listing. Unfortunately, the return process was a nightmare and took weeks to resolve. If you go with MPB or KEH, definitely pay close attention to their grading systems. Don't just settle for bargain grade if you need it for a professional event. Spend the extra for excellent or like-new condition to avoid headaches. It sucks how much gear costs, but spending a bit more upfront on a cleaner lens is cheaper than having to pay for a repair or a rental last minute when your gear fails. Just buy it now so you can test it thoroughly before November.
Honestly, go with MPB! I snagged a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS for way under budget last year and it arrived in amazing condition. Shipping is totally safe!