I am freaking out a bit because my sisters wedding is coming up in mid-June and I really want to upgrade from my old Rebel T6 to something in the R series, maybe an R6 Mark II or even a used R5 if I can find a miracle. I have been looking everywhere but the prices are just so high right now and I only have about $1700 saved up which feels like nothing in the full frame world. I checked the Canon Refurbished site because everyone online says that is the best way to save money but every time I check they are always out of stock for the bodies I actually want or the price jumps back up hundreds of dollars before I can even hit the checkout button. Then I saw these ads for sites like Abes of Maine that have them for way cheaper than BH or Adorama but I read some really bad reviews about grey market items and people not getting their warranties which makes me super nervous. I dont want to get scammed but I also cant afford the full retail price right now. Is there a specific day or time that the official refurbished store actually restocks or are there other legit places I should be stalking for a decent discount? I feel like I am just refreshing tabs every hour and getting nowhere...
Unfortunately, you are hunting at a really bad time. Canon Refurbished stock drops have become a total lottery lately, and it is honestly disappointing how fast the good stuff vanishes. You are not doing anything wrong, the site is just a mess for everyone right now.
- Stay far away from Abes of Maine. They are notorious for bait-and-switch tactics and selling grey market gear with zero Canon USA warranty. It is a huge headache you do not need before a wedding.
- Your $1700 is very tight for a Canon EOS R6 Mark II Mirrorless Camera Body. Even refurbished, it usually sits right at your limit or slightly above.
- Try calling the Canon Loyalty Program. Tell them your Rebel T6 is acting up and give them the serial number; they often give a 10-20 percent discount on new gear.
- If you cannot find an R6 II, maybe look at a used Canon EOS R6 20.1MP Mirrorless Camera. It is still a beast for weddings and fits your budget better.
- Check MPB Used Camera Gear or Keh. Their prices are higher than random eBay sellers but they actually inspect the gear and give you a warranty. It is a total grind trying to find deals right now... honestly kinda sucks.
