topic Re: Canon refurbished lenses in EF & RF Lenses

Canon refurbished lens looks used

scorpionv — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 13:39:18 GMT

I bought a refurbished RF lens from canon online. It looks like more of a used lens than a refurbished one. I can return it but need to pay for shipping both ways! This being the case how can we trust Canon when they say refurbished? There is no option to see first and then buy? Have anyone been in this situation?

Re: Canon refurbished lenses

shadowsports — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 05:05:41 GMT

Greetings,

This is a hard for me to answer. I've purchased many refurb products from Canon. Several lenses, a flash, and extenders. Every item has been absolutely perfect. Free from any marks, blemishes or wear.

If you aren't happy, I'd call Canon and convey your concerns. They can't help if you don't let them know.

Re: Canon refurbished lenses

Tronhard — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 05:08:11 GMT

Hi and welcome to the forum:
I have had occasion to look at the refurbished lens and body sites from time to time. Reading the small print, the lenses may be in a range of conditions from unused but box open (or even closed), to used. However, the term refurbished means that the lens is fully operational, not completely pristine necessarily. For that reason I have seen the same model lens sold for a range of prices that reflect the condition of the lens, but they all function correctly.
So, the question is, does the lens operate properly? If so, it is within the parameters of a refurbished lens, especially if the price (relative to other similar lenses) was cheaper, thus reflecting the cosmetic condition.

Re: Canon refurbished lenses

scorpionv — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 06:40:42 GMT

I already did. They can’t replace it for some reason and can only return. I need to pay the shipping. They may also deduct their shipping charges from the refund as well!

Re: Canon refurbished lenses

scorpionv — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 06:46:49 GMT

I understand, but then how does it differ from used/pre-owned? Canon says “Rigorous function and cosmetic inspections are performed by trained Canon technicians so that each refurbished product meets operational specifications”. I don’t think they did the same on the lens I received.

Re: Canon refurbished lenses

Tintype_18 — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 12:12:33 GMT

Deducting shipping from the refund is standard. It's rare for a company to cover one's return shipping.

Re: Canon refurbished lenses

scorpionv — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 15:56:20 GMT

Well, almost all online retailers does. Moreover, if you go through the pictures I posted you can clearly see Canon didn’t honour what they mentioned about rigorous checks on cosmetics. I am not at fault here. Given that Canon doesn’t show the pictures of actual refurbished item they ship, we don’t expect such defects (even though not major) on the same.

Re: Canon refurbished lenses

Tronhard — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 19:33:10 GMT

Some of these lenses are used and pre-owned as the text says. The key to the statement is the phrase "operational specifications", so a lens does not have to look new if they price it at a lower point, but it HAS to WORK like a new unit. So, does the lens functional correctly - if not you can return it under warranty within the specified period.

Re: Canon refurbished lenses

scorpionv — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 05:24:31 GMT

I think I already made my point clear. You are still leaning towards Canon, not sure why 😀. I wouldn’t have bought that lens for that price if I had seen the picture of the same (or at least a rating of it’s condition) before buying. Now I have to spend considerable amount of money from my pocket just to return it or I should keep it. In either case I am at loss!

Re: Canon refurbished lenses

shadowsports — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 07:09:10 GMT

Greetings,

I can see this is really othering you. I'd send the lens back. Even if it cost me to do so. All of my refurbs have been exceptional. I'd probably be disappointed if I received a lens in that condition.

Refurbished Products

Products are returned to Canon for a variety of reasons, including overstock balancing, miscellaneous returns from retailers, suspected mis-operation, and minor damage to the box. Products that are refurbished must pass a comprehensive quality assurance inspection before final packaging and shipment. Rigorous function and cosmetic inspections are performed by trained Canon technicians so that each refurbished product meets operational specifications and strict cosmetic standards that we have established. Browse the Canon Online Store's selection of refurbished products by clicking the Refurbished Products link in the Special Offers section of the Canon Online Store homepage.

I don't feel like that lens meets "strict cosmetic standards". Maybe it does for some people, but not mine. Some might consider that normal wear. Bumps, nicks, a minor scratch or two. It would bug me. I'll bet the lens works great and would probably last you a life time. I have personal standards and it sounds like you do too. I normally buy my lenses new, but I would buy another lens or camera refurb in a heartbeat. I recently purchased a flash. It was perfect. I think you were unlucky in this case.

Re: Canon refurbished lenses

Tronhard — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 08:16:43 GMT

Please know I am not unsympathetic to your situation and I understand that you are frustrated, and rightly so, as the condition you indicate is surprising, but I am not sure what you can hope to achieve by posting a complaint on this site. With the absolute best will in the world, we are not Canon support, nor are we the agency for returns or refunds. To truly get a resolution, you need to engage with Canon staff and we do not work for Canon.

The people here are experienced photographers who try to assist users with advice on technical issues or selections of gear appropriate to their needs. Nor is it a case of engaging with Canon fan-boys, many of us shoot multiple brands. I also shoot Fuji, Nikon, Olympus and Sony and own their gear.

Re: Canon refurbished lens looks used

ebiggs1 — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 15:31:26 GMT

"... the term refurbished means that the lens is fully operational, not completely pristine necessarily."

I hate to sound blunt but that is entirely correct. If you wanted a new lens you should have bought a new lens.

The best option it to simply keep it and use it as I suspect it works as well as a new lens that is just a but prettier. If you use it, it will probably look used in time any way.

Re: Canon refurbished lens looks used

ebiggs1 — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 15:39:06 GMT

"I don't feel like that lens meets "strict cosmetic standards"."

And that is an arbitrary statement. Two people will have two different opinions most likely. Again if new is what you want, or expect, then refurbs are probably not the way to go.

Re: Canon refurbished lens looks used

Waddizzle — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 21:30:43 GMT

Have you looked at the asking price of used gear? The Canon Refurb gear will often be priced at less than what some of the popular used camera dealers are asking for used gear with very high condition ratings.

Re: Canon refurbished lens looks used

scorpionv — Sun, 07 Jul 2024 05:23:13 GMT

Hi all, apologies for the late reply. Canon replaced my lens with a much better one, being a special case and I am happy 😊. I then bought 70-200 f/4 as well from Canon, which also had zero issues! So, overall I have gained my confidence back! Thanks all for your valuable comments/suggestions.