There are so many myths about buying, selling and trading in used photo gear. And we have to admit that up until we started learning more, we believed a lot of them. But, wow, we were so wrong about everything, and that makes us very happy.
Did you know you can actually get a warranty and rock-solid return policy with used gear? Or that you can trade in your old gear for something you’ve always wanted to try with literally no hassle? Yep. It’s true and we’re so here for it.
Obviously you have to do your research. Buying something off of social media or from someone you don’t know isn’t the way to go. Find a reputable retailer that offers all the details up front and will guarantee you get what you paid for. We highly recommend MPB. They make upcycling used photo gear super simple and safe. Plus, we love their mission to get more photo and video gear into more hands in a sustainable way.
So on that note, we’re here as myth-busters to prove ourselves wrong and tell you why you should 100 percent be buying, selling and trading in used photo gear.
Myth 1: Used gear is old and outdated.
Fact: MPB sells the newest versions of the latest gear (think Nikon Z6 II, Fujifilm X-T4, Profoto A1X, GoPro Max and more). From the latest DSLRs to mirrorless cameras to this year’s lenses and lighting gear, MPB stocks tons of recent photo equipment. But don’t worry, if you’d rather save a little money and buy an older camera or previous version of a lens, you can do that too.
MPB includes a detailed description for every piece of gear it sells. For DSLRs, you’ll get the shutter count up front (many are below 10,000), and for all other cameras you’ll get the body and sensor condition. For used lenses you’ll know up front if there are scratches or marks on the glass or body. Plus, we really appreciate the user-friendly condition descriptions, which range from “like new” and “excellent” to “well used” and “heavily used.” No need for an answer key!
Myth 2: My options will be limited by buying used.
Fact: If you want it, MPB has it. Trust us, we’ve looked for tons of kit items and they’re all available in MPB’s inventory. And you’ll almost always have multiple choices with different quality ratings — only want “like new”? Just sort by that option and you’re very likely to find it.
For example, at the time of writing this article, MPB has 29 Canon EOS R-series cameras and 14 Fujifilm X-T4 cameras.
MPB receives 20,000 pieces of gear per month. And it’s not just popular cameras and brands. They get tilt-shift lenses, color filters, remotes, lighting kits, drones… their inventory is so vast that chances are any kind of creative gear you’ve been wanting to try out is available.
Myth 3: Used gear means damaged, dirty or missing parts.
Fact: Everything you buy from MPB is professionally cleaned and inspected for quality by experts. If anything is missing (like a lens cap) it will say so in the description. Consider this a surprise-free zone. Many items even come in original packaging, and those that don’t will be shipped in high-quality MPB packaging.
Myth 4: If something doesn’t work, you’re out of luck.
Fact: Buying from MPB is completely safe. This is a huge part of what sets them apart from other websites or retailers. Every piece of gear they sell comes with a 6-month warranty (unless otherwise stated) and 7-day return policy to give you extra protection and peace of mind.
The ability to save money, upcycle and buy used without having to worry you’ll wind up with a lemon — that’s huge.
Myth 5: Costs saved buying used are minimal at best.
Fact: For bigger ticket items like cameras and lenses, you’ll save hundreds of dollars. For example, you could save more than $300 by buying a Nikkor Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S lens “like new” instead of brand new and nearly $1,000 by choosing a used Canon EOS 5D Mark IV in “excellent” condition. That’s money you can use towards an additional lens, new camera bag or piece of photo equipment you need.
Also, don’t just think of super expensive gear (like a $2,000 lens) when buying used. Regular utility items such as batteries, memory cards, and other accessories are available in great condition at a great price. This presents an opportunity to stock up on those little extras you need for your business or travels without breaking the bank.
Myth 6: Used gear isn’t as good an investment as new.
Fact: New and used gear are both going to depreciate in value over time. Buying used doesn’t speed up that process or prevent you from reselling it in the future, it just means you save up front.
Myth 7: The trade-in process is a huge hassle.
Fact: MPB makes selling or trading in used photo gear so simple and easy, you don’t even have to leave the house. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Get a quote.
All you do is fill out the form on MPB’s website and provide just a few details about the gear you want to sell or trade and you’ll get an instant quote via email. There’s zero commitment and you can change your mind all the way up until you actually get paid.
Step 2: Send your item.
If you’re happy with your quote, find a sturdy box, pack up your item and send it to MPB. They will provide you with a mailing label and free insured shipping.
Step 3: Get paid.
After MPB receives your item, their team will inspect it and confirm your final quote (most of the time it stays the same, but if the condition is different than you originally described, they may adjust it up or down). If everything sounds good, you will confirm the sale and MPB will send the money to your bank account.
If you should change your mind about selling after you get your final quote, MPB will send your item back for free.
And if you want to trade your gear in for something new, that is also super simple. On the quote form, there’s a space to add items you’d like to buy. If the item you are selling is worth more, MBP will pay you. If the item you’d like to buy costs more than what you’re selling, you’ll pay the difference. Easy peasy.
Myth 8: Selling or trading in your used gear isn’t worth your time.
Fact: There is someone who wants that old 50mm f/1.8 lens you’ve long ago upgraded or that studio lighting kit that just wasn’t your style. MPB has customers at all skill levels with all kinds of budgets. That’s why, as long as your photo gear is in good condition and not damaged, MPB will give you a great value on your trade-in. The team at MPB takes pride in offering fair prices so you can rest assured you’ll be getting top dollar.
Upcycling is not a new trend, but we’re glad more and more photographers are getting on board. Recirculating photo gear and getting more kits into the hands of more would-be photographers and videographers is something we can get behind.
Why not give your gear a new life and help someone else who doesn’t have the funds to buy new. Or save yourself some money and prevent that great lens or tripod from cluttering up a landfill. There’s no downside here and we’re so so glad MPB proved us wrong.
Myth 9: Professional photographers only buy new gear.
Fact: Professional photographers create beautiful art with whatever gear they can afford to have. New, used… your clients could not care less and your photos won’t be better or worse. Plus, pros often need a second camera body or duplicate lenses for things like weddings, births or events. Buying used is a great way to get a better backup system within your budget. Buying gear should never be a barrier to having your dream photography business.
This is a sponsored post.
More photo gear posts we think you’ll love:
How to choose the right lens for a styled photo session
Meg Loeks reveals the indispensable lenses that shaped her photography
What’s in her camera bag: Jennifer Carr shares her go-to kit, plus a few surprises
11 Practically perfect photo products for keeping your distance
