Used lenses for mirrorless cameras

A used lens is often a smarter buy than a new one: glass lasts for years and loses most of its value after the first purchase, while the optical quality simply stays excellent. Start with the question of what you want to photograph. A fast prime (fixed focal length) gives you beautiful background blur and performs well in low light — ideal for portraits and street. A standard zoom of 24-70mm or 28-75mm covers most everyday work, and for sport, birds or concerts you reach for a telephoto lens — think of combinations with bodies such as the Nikon Z8 or the Canon R3, both of which excel in speed and reliable autofocus for action.

What should you look out for with a used lens?

Always check for the right mount: a Sony E lens does not fit a Canon RF body. With used glass, look out for dust or fungus inside (hold it up to the light), scratches on the front and rear elements, and whether the zoom and focus rings run smoothly. With lenses that have stabilisation or an autofocus motor, you want these to work silently and quickly. With us, every lens is professionally inspected and given a condition description, so you know exactly what you're getting.

Who is it for?

Whether you're a beginner who wants to outgrow the kit lens, a hobbyist looking for sharper glass, or a pro equipping a second body with lenses — used gives you more quality for your budget. Think of combinations with versatile bodies such as the Sony A1 II or the Canon R5, both of which form an excellent basis for quality glass, or the Leica Q3 for those who want to shoot compact and pure. You get at least 12 months' warranty and 14-day returns, so you can take your time testing whether the lens suits you.