Whats your opinions on used lenses? Is it a good idea to get a lens used if it is from an online seller with a nice track record for a good price?

I think so. I have bought 3 used lenses, have yet to have an issue. I did my research on the seller though, make sure you know what you're getting into. Also, I was semi willing to take the loss on the amount I spent, had the products been bad. Don't spend what you can't afford to lose in my opinion.

http://forum.mflenses.com/

Think this will help you.

Personally I'm using Helios 1:7 and photax 2:8 135mm along with mine sigma 18-200 and don't need any more lenses atm (maybe true wide lens but need more cash for it)
Question : What camera you using and how much you wanna spend for MF lenses and ofc what you need them for ?
Since most of old lenses are Mf you will need to buy or stepup or step down ring and conversion ring cus for example both of mine lenses are scrued in to mine a-300
mr.BIG on eebay sold it for 7$ + free shipping m42 ring to sony alpha and stepdown ring (62mm - 52mm - this will convert Helios in to macro lense) was like few $$.

It's all depends what camera and what you wana take pic of. On mflenses forum you will find al answers. gl

I had good experiences with buying from semi and professional photographers directly. They tend to sell their stuff cheaper than shops, since it´s private. And as long as you get an idea of whom you´re trading with, there should be no reason for being afraid of being tricked or anything. I bought my 24-70mm 2.8 L USM and my 100mm 2.8 L IS USM macro used via a german photography forum. excellent condition / shipping and fair prices. In general I dont see a reason why you shouldn´t buy used lenses. just make sure they´re in good conditions.

The vast majority of my lens' i have purchased second hand! especially when i first started with photography. Not one issue, but i always did my homework

Great to know this. Thank you all for the responses!

Currently I just have the 18-55 kit from the 500D. Would the 50mm 1.8 be a good first lens? I understand what 50mm will catch me in a frame. I am just wondering if you think this is a good buy or if It'd be better going for the 1.4. (In this case, I am talking about just getting the 1.8 new, as its so cheap)

Yea it's really expensive to purchase new lenses. Any lens will do for your first!

Make sure it has no scratches.

I would get the 1.4.

at 1.8 and above its SO sharp!

All this !! But what Supa said 1.4 can be expensive even on old systems. Rather go for 1.7 or 1.8 cus like he said they are disgusting cheep



I mentioned I have Helios m42 1.7 50mm and Helios 75mm both great lenses!
Sharp, bright, dirty cheep and what i found quite handy it's fact that you have two lanses in one nice portrait + macro.

btw just pop up on mflenses.com and read few topick, ask few questions and you will find loads helpful ppl there with great experience and good advices about old/mf lenses.