I'll try to keep this short.I have a chance to buy a near new 180 f3.5 L Macro lens for a decent price. The seller (not located close to me) states the lens is in perfect condition, bought about two months ago, and has had about 200 pics taken with it. I have absolutely no reason not to believe the seller.Unfortunately, the seller doesn't have the original invoice thus I doubt Canon would cover the lens under their warranty. I'm just plain nervous about buying a used lens without warranty. I won't bore everyone, but I had to send all my gear to Canon before I was satisfied (I may have over reacted - but I did have some focus issues).Has any one had problems with the 180 Macro? Does any one know what Canon charges for calibration if the lens needs it (very small possibility I assume). I want to buy the lens - am I just being silly about my reluctance to buy an used lens?I told the seller I would get back to him early tomorrow West Coast time.Any advice would be appreciated. -- Thanks, Ed Torrance, CA

Canon warranty is not transferable, without warranty, the labor will be very expensive. This is the kind of money I won't save. -- Yongbo Photo Gallery:http://www.photo96.com/

I recently spoke to Canon Australia regarding calibration of lens and body.I was told that for my lenses that were out of warranty it would cost me AU$120 minimum (depends on lens) and would take 2-4 weeks.I know you're looking at US prices, but I hope that helps.James

And buy a new Sigma 180. It's sharper and faster focusing. And only $800. Had mine for over three years now and I love it. -- bughunter Pbase supporter http://www.pbase.com/iangreyphotographyGear in profile'The will to disbelieve is the strongest deterrent to wider horizons.' -Hans Holzer 'It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.' -Sheryl Crow

bughunterwrote:And buy a new Sigma 180. It's sharper and faster focusing. And only $800. Had mine for over three years now and I love it. -- bughunter Pbase supporter http://www.pbase.com/iangreyphotographyGear in profile'The will to disbelieve is the strongest deterrent to wider horizons.' -Hans Holzer 'It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got.' -Sheryl CrowYour idea has merit - not a bad idea.I already have the 100 Macro and I thought it would be real nice to have the 180 Macro when needed for small critters etc.If I'm going to consider third party macros, I guess I should also consider the Tamron. How do the Tamron and Sigma compare? Will my MT 24EX Flash work on both the Canon and Tamron (I know I have to buy an adapter ring for both)? Do the Tamron and Sigma lenses turn when they extend?Thanks for your comments and ideas.

I assume for most of the time anyway, you might be using manual focus when doing macro work. Therefore the 'risk' you are taking that the AF will need calibrating is almost irrelevant (unless you intend to use it as a normal telephoto).Not that it really matters but this lens could potentially be 11 years old. If your heart is set on the Canon, at least ask the seller for the lens date code to determine if it is as 'near new' as he says it is (allowing perhaps a few extra months for it sitting on the shelf in the store, etc).http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Canon-Lenses/Canon-Lens-Aging.aspxAlso, this lens has an average user rating of 9.8 on FM which should provide you with some confidence!Touchdownwrote:I'll try to keep this short.I have a chance to buy a near new 180 f3.5 L Macro lens for a decent price. The seller (not located close to me) states the lens is in perfect condition, bought about two months ago, and has had about 200 pics taken with it. I have absolutely no reason not to believe the seller.Unfortunately, the seller doesn't have the original invoice thus I doubt Canon would cover the lens under their warranty. I'm just plain nervous about buying a used lens without warranty. I won't bore everyone, but I had to send all my gear to Canon before I was satisfied (I may have over reacted - but I did have some focus issues).Has any one had problems with the 180 Macro? Does any one know what Canon charges for calibration if the lens needs it (very small possibility I assume). I want to buy the lens - am I just being silly about my reluctance to buy an used lens?I told the seller I would get back to him early tomorrow West Coast time.Any advice would be appreciated. -- Thanks, Ed Torrance, CA

Touchdownwrote:I'll try to keep this short.I have a chance to buy a near new 180 f3.5 L Macro lens for a decent price. The seller (not located close to me) states the lens is in perfect condition, bought about two months ago, and has had about 200 pics taken with it. I have absolutely no reason not to believe the seller.Unfortunately, the seller doesn't have the original invoice thus I doubt Canon would cover the lens under their warranty. I'm just plain nervous about buying a used lens without warranty. I won't bore everyone, but I had to send all my gear to Canon before I was satisfied (I may have over reacted - but I did have some focus issues).Has any one had problems with the 180 Macro? Does any one know what Canon charges for calibration if the lens needs it (very small possibility I assume). I want to buy the lens - am I just being silly about my reluctance to buy an used lens?I told the seller I would get back to him early tomorrow West Coast time.Any advice would be appreciated. -- Thanks, Ed Torrance, CAI've decided not to buy this lens at this time. I'm not really sure I need it. I have the 100 Macro and I thought the 180 Macro would be useful for bugs because of working distance etc. If I ever get really serious about bugs, I'll reconsider.Lens lust is a BITCH!!!!! I'm actually kind of happy I was able to exercise restraint this time.I really appreciate your advice and comments.

I have spoken to Canon in Australia a number of times when interested in purchasing second hand items.A photocopy of the invoice is fine (I asked this question because I wanted to sell a lens but needed the original invoice myself - they said they would honor the warranty with a copy).Canons warranty goes with the product and not with the buyer as long as you have and invoice (or a photocopy of). This also includes their extended Canon warranty.Maybe you should check with Canon in your country if it is the same there.Cheers

Can't commnet on the Canon, but I have the Sigma and it is a fantastic piece of kit.That said, it does not get a great deal of use now since I acquired an MPE 65mm after borrowing a friends for a weekend.

sigma 150/2.8 is also a fine lens.