A used lens is one of the best deals in photography. Glass doesn't wear out the way electronics do, so a well-kept lens that is a few years old still performs just as sharply as when it was new — only at a much friendlier price. The most important thing is that you know what you are looking at before you order.
What to look out for in a used lens
Above all, check the condition of the glass: small scratches on the front element are often not too bad, but fungus or haze inside is something you want to avoid. With zooms and lenses with image stabilisation, it is good if all the motors work smoothly and quietly. Also make sure you have the right mount — an EF lens won't simply fit a mirrorless body without an adapter. With us, every lens has been professionally inspected and graded by cosmetic condition, so you know exactly what you are getting. That comes with at least 12 months' warranty and a 14-day return period, so you can try out a lens at your leisure on your own camera.
Which lens suits you?
Just starting out and want one lens that can do a bit of everything? Then an all-round zoom such as the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM is a logical start. If you shoot portrait or action in changing light, the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM II is a widely chosen standard zoom. For sport, birds and nature, you look to telephoto and super-telephoto zooms. Popular here are the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM and the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS for even more reach. Filmmakers will find special lenses with smooth focusing and manual operation in the Cine subcategory.
Brands such as Sigma, Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Samyang and Laowa are well represented, for both DSLR and mirrorless. If you already know which camera you have, choose your mount via DSLR or Mirrorless and you'll be left with only lenses that fit.
