- KEH Camera is the top pick for buying used lenses – largest inventory, industry-leading 180-day warranty, and a trusted grading system since 1979.
- MPB stands out by showing actual photos of every item, so you see exactly what you’re getting before you buy.
- Authorized dealers like Adorama and B&H Photo offer used sections with the same customer service backing as new purchases.
- Peer-to-peer options like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and r/photomarket often have the lowest prices, but require more due diligence.
- Always check shutter count, lens fungus, autofocus accuracy, and serial numbers before buying any used camera gear.
Used camera lenses are one of the smartest purchases a photographer can make. A well-maintained lens holds its optical quality for decades, and buying secondhand can save you 30-60% compared to retail prices.
The used market is thriving right now. Photographers upgrading to the latest mirrorless systems are flooding the market with excellent glass. Discontinued gems that are no longer manufactured – like certain Sigma Art primes or legacy Nikon F-mount lenses – can only be found used. And from a sustainability perspective, keeping good glass in circulation just makes sense.
But where you buy matters. Some platforms offer warranties, grading systems, and return policies that make buying used almost as safe as buying new. Others require more caution but reward you with better prices.
We’ve evaluated 10 of the best places to buy used camera lenses, from dedicated camera resellers to community marketplaces. Here’s what you need to know about each one.
Editor’s Note: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend platforms we’d use ourselves.
What to Look for When Buying Used Camera Gear
Before diving into specific stores, here’s what to check on any used lens or camera body. These apply whether you’re buying from a major retailer or a stranger on Facebook.
Shutter count is the odometer of a camera body. Most DSLRs and mirrorless cameras are rated for 100,000-500,000 actuations. Under 50,000 is considered low mileage. Ask the seller for this number, or check it yourself using tools like ShutterCount or Camera Shutter Count websites.
Lens fungus is the silent killer. Hold the lens up to a light and look through both ends. Fungus appears as web-like patterns or cloudy spots inside the elements. Once it starts, it spreads – and cleaning is expensive. Avoid any lens with visible fungus unless the price reflects it.
Autofocus accuracy matters more than cosmetic condition. A lens with scuff marks that focuses perfectly is worth more than a mint-looking lens that hunts. Test on both near and far subjects if possible.
Sensor condition on camera bodies is easy to check. Shoot a plain white wall at f/16 or higher – any dead pixels or dust spots will show up immediately.
Grading systems vary by retailer. KEH uses a 9-level scale from “New” to “As-Is.” MPB uses a 6-level scale. Understanding each store’s system helps you compare prices fairly across platforms.
Serial numbers are worth checking, especially on peer-to-peer platforms. Cross-reference against stolen gear databases like LensTag or StolenCameraFinder. This is particularly important for high-value lenses.
The 10 Best Places to Buy Used Camera Lenses
1. KEH Camera
Founded in 1979, KEH is the largest used camera retailer in the US with over 60,000 items in stock. Their 9-level grading system is the industry standard, and every item comes with a 180-day warranty. They buy, sell, and trade camera gear of all types.
KEH Camera has been the gold standard for used photography equipment since 1979. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, they’ve built their reputation on a transparent grading system that sets clear expectations for buyers.
Their 9-level condition scale ranges from “New” (unused, in original packaging) down to “As-Is” (functional but with significant wear). Most of their inventory falls in the “Excellent” to “Bargain” range, which represents the sweet spot for value. An “Excellent Plus” lens from KEH will typically show minimal signs of use with perfect optics.
The 180-day warranty is what truly sets KEH apart. If anything is wrong with your purchase, you have six full months to return it. That’s more generous than most new product warranties. They also offer a trade-in program – send in your old gear, get a quote, and receive payment or store credit.
KEH’s inventory is massive, covering everything from current mirrorless lenses to vintage manual focus glass. If you’re looking for a specific Canon RF lens or a classic Nikon AI-S prime, chances are KEH has it in stock.
2. MPB
MPB is a global platform for buying, selling, and trading used photo and video equipment. Their standout feature: every item listing includes actual photographs of that specific unit, so you can see exactly what you’re getting. They operate in the US, UK, and EU.
MPB has become one of the most popular used camera platforms, and for good reason. Their key differentiator is simple but powerful: they photograph every single item they sell. Instead of relying on a grading label alone, you can actually see the specific lens or body you’re considering.
This transparency matters. A “Good” condition lens at one store might look very different from a “Good” condition lens at another. With MPB, you see the actual cosmetic wear, any scuffs or marks, and the overall physical condition before committing.
MPB uses a 6-level grading system: Like New, Excellent, Good, Well Used, Heavily Used, and Faulty. Each grade comes with clear definitions of what to expect optically and cosmetically. Their pricing tends to be very competitive, especially in the “Good” and “Well Used” categories where savings are significant.
Their trade-in process is streamlined. Get an instant quote online, ship your gear for free, and get paid within days. Many photographers use MPB’s trade-in service to fund upgrades – selling old DSLR gear to buy into mirrorless systems.
3. Adorama
Adorama is one of the largest photography retailers in the US, and their used department offers a curated selection of pre-owned camera bodies, lenses, and accessories. Every used item is inspected and rated by Adorama’s own technicians.
Adorama brings the trust factor of a major electronics retailer to the used camera market. Based in New York City since 1974, they’re one of the most recognized names in photography retail.
Their used department benefits from in-house inspection by experienced technicians. Every lens and camera body goes through a quality check before being listed. Adorama uses condition ratings from “Like New” to “Fair,” and their ratings tend to be conservative – meaning you’ll often receive items in better condition than described.
One practical advantage: you can mix used and new items in the same order. Buying a used camera body and pairing it with a new SD card? One checkout, one shipment. Adorama’s used section integrates seamlessly with their new inventory.
4. B&H Photo Video
B&H Photo is the other iconic New York photography retailer, and their used department offers inspected pre-owned equipment with the same customer service standards as their new inventory. Known for detailed product descriptions and honest condition ratings.
B&H Photo Video is the other pillar of New York’s photography retail scene. Their massive SuperStore in Manhattan is a destination for photographers worldwide, and their used department reflects the same attention to detail.
B&H’s strength is in detailed, honest product descriptions. Their used listings include thorough condition notes that go beyond a simple grade. You’ll often see specific mentions of cosmetic details, functional notes, and what accessories are included.
If you’re in New York, the ability to inspect used gear in person before buying is a significant advantage. Their staff is knowledgeable and can walk you through condition details that photos alone might not capture. For online buyers, B&H’s used department offers the same return policy and customer service you’d get with new purchases.
5. Amazon
Amazon offers used camera gear through two channels: the Amazon Renewed program (certified refurbished with warranty) and third-party used listings on the regular marketplace. The Renewed program is particularly strong for camera bodies and popular lenses.
Amazon’s Renewed program offers certified refurbished camera gear with a 90-day guarantee. These items have been inspected, tested, and cleaned by qualified suppliers. If anything is wrong, you get a replacement or full refund – no hassle.
Beyond Renewed, the regular Amazon marketplace has thousands of used lenses from third-party sellers. The key here is checking seller ratings and reviews carefully. Stick to sellers with 95%+ positive feedback and hundreds of ratings.
Amazon’s biggest advantage is its A-to-Z guarantee. If a used lens arrives in worse condition than described, or doesn’t arrive at all, Amazon will step in. This safety net makes it one of the lower-risk options for buying used gear online, even from individual sellers.
6. eBay
eBay remains the largest marketplace for used camera equipment worldwide. With millions of listings at any given time, it offers unmatched selection – from common kit lenses to rare vintage glass. eBay’s Money Back Guarantee provides buyer protection on most transactions.
eBay is where you go when you need the widest possible selection. At any given time, there are hundreds of thousands of camera lenses listed on the platform. Looking for a discontinued Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Art? A vintage Helios 44-2 swirly bokeh lens? eBay probably has several.
The auction format can work in your favor if you’re patient. Set alerts for specific lenses and bid strategically. Many sellers also offer Buy It Now options. eBay’s Money Back Guarantee covers most transactions – if an item doesn’t match the listing description, you’re protected.
The downside is that eBay requires more homework. Check seller feedback meticulously. Look for actual photos (not stock images) and detailed descriptions. Ask questions before bidding. And always factor in shipping costs and potential return complications.
7. UsedPhotoPro
UsedPhotoPro is a well-regarded specialist in pre-owned camera equipment. Known for conservative grading – meaning items often arrive in better condition than expected. They carry a focused selection of popular camera brands and lenses.
UsedPhotoPro has built a loyal following among photographers who appreciate honest, conservative grading. When they rate a lens as “Excellent,” it genuinely is. Many buyers report receiving items that look better than expected based on the listed condition.
Their inventory is more focused than the mega-retailers, concentrating on popular camera brands like Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm. You won’t find every obscure vintage lens here, but for mainstream modern glass, their selection is solid and the prices are competitive.
UsedPhotoPro also accepts trade-ins, making it easy to upgrade your kit. Their staff has genuine photography expertise, so condition assessments are based on what actually matters to photographers – optical quality, autofocus performance, and mechanical function – not just cosmetics.
8. Gear Focus
Gear Focus is a marketplace built specifically for buying and selling photography, videography, and audio equipment. Unlike general marketplaces like eBay, every listing is camera-related. Buyers and sellers are fellow photographers and videographers.
Gear Focus solves a specific problem: sifting through irrelevant listings on general marketplaces. Every item on the platform is camera, video, or audio equipment. No sorting through phone cases and laptop chargers to find a lens.
The platform functions as a peer-to-peer marketplace, similar to eBay but exclusively for creative equipment. Sellers are typically fellow photographers and videographers who know their gear and can answer technical questions. Gear Focus charges lower fees than eBay, which often translates to slightly better prices for buyers.
They do offer a buyer protection program, though it’s not as comprehensive as Amazon’s or eBay’s guarantees. For best results, communicate with sellers before purchasing, ask for specific photos or details about any concerns, and use the platform’s secure payment system.
9. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace has become one of the biggest platforms for buying and selling used camera gear locally. No listing fees, no shipping costs (for local pickup), and the ability to inspect gear in person before buying. Photography-specific Facebook groups add another layer of community trust.
Facebook Marketplace has quietly become one of the biggest platforms for used camera gear. The appeal is straightforward: no fees, local pickup, and the ability to inspect everything in person before handing over cash.
Beyond the general Marketplace, there are dedicated photography buy/sell groups on Facebook with thousands of members. These groups often have their own reputation systems and rules that keep transactions honest. Search for groups like “Camera Gear Buy Sell Trade” in your area.
Safety tips for Facebook Marketplace: Meet at a public location – many police stations now have designated safe exchange zones. Better yet, meet at a local camera store where you can test the gear properly. Always check serial numbers against stolen gear databases. Bring a memory card and a charged battery to test lenses and bodies on the spot. And never share personal financial information – cash or secure payment apps only.
10. r/photomarket (Reddit)
Reddit’s r/photomarket is an active community for buying, selling, and trading photography equipment. With a built-in reputation system via confirmed trades, PayPal Goods & Services protection, and a community of knowledgeable photographers, it offers surprisingly reliable peer-to-peer transactions.
r/photomarket is one of the photography community’s best-kept secrets for used gear deals. This Reddit community has a confirmed trades system – sellers who have completed successful transactions get flair showing their trade count. A seller with 20+ confirmed trades is about as trustworthy as it gets in peer-to-peer sales.
The key protection mechanism is PayPal Goods & Services. The community strongly enforces using PayPal G&S for transactions, which provides buyer protection similar to credit card chargebacks. If a seller ships you something that doesn’t match the description, you can open a dispute and get your money back.
Prices on r/photomarket tend to be very competitive because sellers avoid marketplace fees. The tradeoff is that popular items sell fast – sometimes within minutes of being posted. Set up notifications for the subreddit if you’re hunting for something specific.
Tips for Selling Your Used Camera Gear
Many of these platforms work both ways. If you’re looking to sell old gear to fund an upgrade, here’s how to get the best value:
- Clean everything thoroughly. A lens that looks well-maintained commands a premium. Use a blower, lens cloth, and cleaning solution. Remove dust from mount contacts and filter threads.
- Take excellent photos. Shoot in good light, show all sides, and photograph any wear or imperfections honestly. Buyers trust transparent sellers.
- Include original accessories. Lens caps, hoods, cases, and original boxes all add value. A lens with its complete kit sells for 10-15% more than one with just a body cap.
- Be honest about condition. Under-promise and over-deliver. Mentioning minor flaws builds trust and avoids returns.
- Price research matters. Check completed eBay listings (not active ones) to see what items actually sell for. KEH and MPB buy prices give you a floor; retail used prices give you a ceiling.
- Consider trade-in for convenience. Selling to KEH or MPB pays less than private sales, but it’s fast, hassle-free, and guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of warranty do used camera stores offer?
It varies widely. KEH offers an industry-leading 180-day warranty. MPB provides a 6-month warranty. Adorama and B&H have 30-day return policies on used items. Amazon Renewed comes with a 90-day guarantee. Peer-to-peer platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Reddit generally have no warranty, though eBay’s Money Back Guarantee and PayPal G&S provide some protection.
How important is shutter count when buying a used camera?
Very important for camera bodies, less relevant for lenses. Most cameras are rated for 100,000-500,000 shutter actuations depending on the model. Under 50,000 is considered low. Under 100,000 is moderate. Approaching or exceeding the rated count means the shutter mechanism may need replacement soon – a repair that costs $200-400. Ask sellers for the shutter count, and verify it with a test shot and tools like ShutterCount.
Should I avoid gray market camera gear?
Gray market (or parallel import) gear is legitimate equipment imported outside official distribution channels. It works identically to domestic stock but typically lacks US manufacturer warranty coverage. If you’re buying used, this matters less since manufacturer warranty has likely expired anyway. Just be aware that some repairs may cost more without official service center access.
Can lens fungus be cleaned?
Technically yes, but it’s expensive and not always successful. Professional cleaning costs $100-300 depending on the lens complexity. If fungus has etched into the lens coating, cleaning won’t fully restore optical quality. Prevention is better than cure – store lenses in dry environments with silica gel packets. When buying used, always inspect for fungus before purchasing.
What if a used lens arrives damaged or not as described?
With major retailers (KEH, MPB, Adorama, B&H), contact customer service for a return or exchange – their policies are straightforward. On Amazon, use the standard return process or file an A-to-Z claim. On eBay, open a Money Back Guarantee case. For Facebook/Reddit transactions, PayPal Goods & Services disputes are your main recourse. This is why we always recommend using protected payment methods over cash or Venmo.
What happened to BorrowLenses?
BorrowLenses closed in March 2024 and merged its operations into Lensrentals. If you previously used BorrowLenses for buying used rental gear, check Lensrentals for similar offerings. Their used rental equipment often comes in excellent condition since it was professionally maintained.
Where do I get the best prices on used lenses?
Peer-to-peer platforms (Facebook Marketplace, r/photomarket, eBay auctions) generally offer the lowest prices because there’s no middleman markup. However, you take on more risk. For the best balance of price and safety, MPB and KEH’s lower condition grades (Good, Bargain) offer significant savings with full warranty protection. Compare prices across 2-3 platforms before buying.
What’s the easiest way to sell my old camera gear?
For convenience, KEH and MPB offer instant trade-in quotes – ship your gear and get paid within days. You’ll get less than private sale value, but it’s hassle-free. For maximum value, sell on eBay, r/photomarket, or Facebook Marketplace directly to buyers. Clean your gear, take good photos, price competitively based on completed eBay sales, and be transparent about condition.
Featured image: Photo by Philipp Katzenberger on Unsplash.
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