Why I Buy Used Camera Gear (And You Probably Should Too)

The Biggest Photography Money Mistake

One of the biggest financial mistakes I see photographers make is assuming they need to buy everything new. Pros don't, and neither do you.

In fact, I think the used camera market is one of the best-kept secrets in photography, while the new market is one of the most overrated.

The 70-200 f/2.8 Example

Last year I bought a used Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II for $797. It even came with an FTZ II adapter. This week, about a year later, I sold the lens on eBay for $760.

Before fees, I essentially paid $37 to use a professional telephoto lens for an entire year... and I still kept the FTZ II adapter.

Sweet!

Here’s the exact 70–200 f/2.8 I bought used.

About a year later, I sold it for almost exactly what I paid, actually higher.

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My Z7 Story

The 70-200 wasn't a lucky transaction. It's a repeatable strategy.

A few years ago I bought a used Nikon Z7 for $1,400. I used it for roughly two years, sold it for $1,000, and upgraded to a Z9.

That's a gross cost of ownership of about $200 per year for a professional full-frame camera.

That's how I think about gear. Not purchase price. Total cost of ownership.

How Professionals Afford Nice Gear

People ask me all the time,

"How do professionals afford all that expensive equipment?"

Simple. Many don't buy everything new.

We aren't pre-ordering every camera announcement because YouTube got excited.

We let someone else absorb the biggest depreciation hit.

Then we buy carefully, use the equipment professionally, maintain it well, and sell it when it's time to move on.

The money keeps rolling forward into the next piece of equipment.

"But What About the Warranty?"

This is probably the biggest objection I hear. Honestly... It's not nearly the risk most people think it is.

Let's look at what buying new actually gets you.

The moment you leave the return window, your gear is immediately worth used prices. About a year later, the factory warranty is gone. Even while it's active, accidental damage usually isn't covered.

So if warranty is the main reason you're buying new, you're paying a significant premium to protect yourself against one of the least likely outcomes.

The most likely outcome? The camera works exactly as designed.

If you buy carefully from reputable sellers and choose equipment that's already proven in the field, chances are you'll never need the factory warranty anyway.

And if that extra peace of mind matters to you, many used dealers offer inexpensive protection plans that often include accidental damage, something factory warranties usually don't. Even after adding that coverage, you're still frequently spending less than buying new.

The Money Is Better Spent Somewhere Else

I'd rather let someone else pay for depreciation. Then I'd rather spend the savings on things that actually improve my photography:

Better lenses.

Travel.

Education.

Workshops.

Printing.

Those things increase your value as a photographer. Buying a brand-new box usually doesn't.

Pro Advice

If you're trying to build your photography on a budget, don't assume new equals better.

Buy carefully. Inspect thoroughly. Research prices. Maintain your equipment.

Then, when it's time to upgrade, sell what you have and roll that money into the next purchase.

Think less about purchase price and more about cost of ownership. It's one of the smartest financial habits I've developed as a photographer.

I cover exactly how I evaluate used gear, avoid bad purchases, and think about equipment as part of a long-term photography plan inside my Lightspeed membership.

Because I'd rather spend my money building my craft than paying for someone else's depreciation.