need to buy an used but in excellent condition lens 20-70 mm. Any ideas?

[laescritora]

need to buy an used but in excellent condition lens 20-70 mm. Any ideas? I photograph boxing. 

[TCampbell]

Do you mean the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM?

Check the "Refurbished" section of Canon's online store.  I don't see any listed right now, but their stock changes all the time.  This is where it'd be if it were available:  http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/lenses-flashes/refurbished-lenses

Also, there are a few merchants who sell "used" gear but they "grade" the condition of the lens.  This is everything from new or like-new, to "only suitable for spare parts" (lenses that they'll tell you staight-up are not working lenses.)  You can decide how much wear & tear you're willing to accept (which will influence the price).

You can check:

keh.com (they specialize in selling used gear)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/SLR-Interchangeable-Lenses/ci/10209/N/4036297804  (B&H Photo's used department)

http://www.adorama.com/l/Used/Canon-Auto-Focus/Zoom-Lenses?sel=ItemCondition_UsedItems  (Adorama's used dept. for "zoom" lenses (primes are in a different section)).

What I don't recommend is eBay or Craigslist.  You'd need to be very careful buying a used lens from anyone.  But when there's no opportunity to evaluate the condition (in person) to make sure the focus and zoom are working without binding or sticking, the lens isn't excessively warn, the optics are clean (no fungus, internal dirt, etc.), the electronics all work correctly, and it doesn't have focus-backlash that will keep it from focusing accurately... then I'd stay away.  Also, this is the area where someone is most likely to attempt to scam a buyer.

[laescritora]

Thank you so much!!

[cicopo]

You can also try here.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/browse/Used-Equipment/ci/2870/N/4294247188

[ebiggs1]

If you are after a EF 24-70mm f2.8 L or EF 24-70mm f2.8 L II, great.  But if you are looking at third world lenses be very careful (Sigma, Tamron and especially Tokina).  Make sure you can try one of them completely before you lay your money down.  They can have many problems or they can be very good.

Not any of them are in the same class as the Canon but most are good none-the-less.  I have both a Sigma and a Tamron 24-70mm f2.8 and I got good copies but mine were new not used.  I also have the EF 24-70mm f2.8 which is by far a better (best) lens.

Plus the Canon's can be repaired while the 3rd party lenses are hit and miss on srevice.

[RobertTheFat]

---

@ebiggs1 wrote:

Not any of [3rd-party lenses] are in the same class as the Canon but most are good none-the-less.  I have both a Sigma and a Tamron 24-70mm f2.8 and I got good copies but mine were new not used.  I also have the EF 24-70mm f2.8 which is by far a better (best) lens.

---

You're talking about the Mk II version of that lens, right?

[ebiggs1]

Doesn't matter!  Either version is better than a Sigma or Tamron.  Remember a lens is a sum of it's parts and not a single spec.  

[laescritora]

Thank you to all for great advice. Cheers!!