Ive been shooting with my 5D Mark IV for ages now, but it finally bit the dust at a wedding shoot last week. Since Im based in the states, I really dont want to drop full price on a new body right now with my budget capped at around 1200 bucks. I usually check the official Canon refurbished store but everything is out of stock constantly. My logic was to try some third party sites, but honestly Im kinda sketched out by those shady listings on ebay. Has anyone actually had luck with those sites like mpb or keh lately? Are there other reputable spots I should be checking for a solid used body?
Adding my two cents here since I have been buying used gear for years. If you are burned out on the official store, honestly, stop overthinking the listings and just check B&H Photo used department. They have a strict grading system that is basically the gold standard in the industry, and it keeps me from losing sleep over the condition of the sensor or shutter mechanism. Here is what I would look for to stay in that budget:
- Canon EOS 5D Mark IV 30.4MP Full Frame DSLR
- Check the condition ratings carefully. Even their 'Rating 9' bodies are usually pristine and come with a reliable warranty period that gives me peace of mind.
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens
- If you have cash left over, grabbing a solid lens that has been vetted by pros is way better than buying new. Stay away from those mystery eBay listings where the shutter count is conveniently 'unavailable.' You really want a body with a shutter count under 100k if you are planning to keep shooting events. I have been super satisfied with the B&H vetting process because they actually test the autofocus calibration and clean the sensors before shipping. It saves me the headache of having to send a body off for service immediately after buying it. Just stick to the major retailers that offer at least a 90-day warranty and you will be fine.
Late to the party, but man, losing a body during a wedding is my literal nightmare. ^ This. Also, if you really need to stay under that 1200 mark, have you looked into the mirrorless transition? I was shooting with an old school 5D for years before I finally grabbed a Canon EOS R 30.3MP Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera used. Honestly, the image quality is shockingly similar because they use the same sensor tech, but the autofocus tracking is just leagues ahead of the Mark IV. Here is why you should consider jumping ship:
- The mount adapter works perfectly with your existing EF glass so you dont need new lenses.
- You can actually see your exposure in the viewfinder before taking the shot, which is a lifesaver.
- Used units on reliable sites are way more plentiful than the 5D bodies right now. I picked mine up from a local shop that specializes in trade-ins and I am super satisfied. The shutter count was only at like 15k, so basically brand new for my purposes. If you are worried about gear longevity, just make sure you check the shutter actuation counts before buying. Most reputable places list it right there in the description, and if they dont, just email them. If they wont give you the shutter count, just walk away. My R is still kicking strong and honestly, I dont miss the mirror slap one bit.
Oh man, that totally stinks about your camera dying mid-shoot! Honestly, I feel your pain. I have been using KEH Camera Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Body for years and it is a total workhorse, so I totally get wanting to stick with that platform. You should definitely trust the big names here! I have bought gear from them plenty of times and its always been a fantastic experience. Here is why you should check them out:
- MPB and KEH have actual technicians who grade everything, so you arent gambling like on eBay.
- Their return windows are super generous, which gives you peace of mind if something feels off.
- They often have better stock levels than Canon direct because they rely on trade-ins. Definitely keep refreshing those pages, you will find something amazing in your budget!