Somerset Wildlife Photography

Second-hand Equipment Buying guide

Below you will find some of the equipment that I used in the past. Much of this is still great gear and has a place in today’s world, however much I have just upgraded within the second-hand market.

The second-hand market has some real bargains in it once you have done your research and understand what you require.

My advice when looking for second-hand gear is not to be in a rush and follow these simple rules:

1. Do your research, look at online reviews that are independent or by customers and users of the item.
2. Understand what you need and how you are going to use it
3. Once decided stick to your choice, don’t be swayed by cheaper ‘similar’ items
4. Always ask the seller some questions about the item, if a serious photographer they should be able to answer most sensible questions about their item
5. Ask them the picture count for cameras. Ask to see a ‘fresh/dated’ picture taken by the equipment
6. Don’t be in a rush to buy, there are lots of kit out there and one will be at the right price, if not today may be tomorrow
7. Set a price limit. Form you research you should be aware of the ‘average’ that the item sales for
8. On Auction sites do not bid before the very last seconds of the auction as you will simply create a bidding war and force the price up
9.  If it goes over your upper limit, walk away and bid on another item.
10. I only bid on ‘boxed’ items that have original packaging

I hope that this helps a little and makes you feel more confident in finding a bargain out in the second-hand market. It’s the way that i progressed my hobby and by sticking with Nikon I was able to add some top quality items to my collection.

Cheers

Higgy 🙂