Need to find a discounted Canon 50mm f/1.8 or maybe an 85mm ASAP because my cousin's wedding is literally in three weeks and my main glass just broke ugh. Im located in Chicago and my total budget is around 300 bucks max. So I was looking online and checked out MPB and KEH since people always recommend them for used gear, but their shipping times are stressing me out right now and some of the grading stuff is super confusing to me like what does 'bargain' actually mean vs 'good'? My logic was maybe I should just check Facebook Marketplace locally so I can inspect it myself today, but I keep seeing sketchy listings. Does anyone know if local camera shops like Standard Photo or somewhere similar usually have good deals on used lenses, or should I just bite the bullet and order from B&H used section?
Central Camera downtown is amazing for this exact emergency! They always have killer used deals in the cases. You could easily score a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM right under your budget today. Seriously, go check their physical store before stressing over shipping times. Good luck with the wedding shoot!
^ This. Also, check out Best Buy open-box or local pawn shops if downtown is too much of a trek today. Honestly, standard photo is decent too, but avoid sketchy facebook sellers since you cant risk getting a lemon right before a gig. If you end up having to order online anyway, Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM goes for dirt cheap brand new sometimes, so make sure to check Amazon or B&H for new prices before buying a beat-up used one that costs almost the same. Good luck man.
> my total budget is around 300 bucks max... wedding is literally in three weeks Honestly, with a wedding that close, skip ordering online. Shipping delays happen and you dont want that stress. Since youre in Chicago, I would suggest hitting up standard photo or central camera downtown instead of messing with sketchy facebook listings. Local shops test the glass before selling it, so you wont get stuck with a busted autofocus motor. If you do end up browsing marketplace today though, meet in a public spot like a police station parking lot and test the lens on your camera right there. Make sure the aperture blades arent oily and the glass is clean. A bargain grade from KEH usually just means ugly cosmetic wear, but for a 50mm right now, local is your best bet to test it hands-on.