Selling to a Dealer
The easiest way to sell your used Canon cameras or lenses is to sell to a major dealer. Most dealers will provide an instant online quote to the value of your lens (take your best guess as to the condition of the item, and make sure you’re including any accessories that you still have).
The process is quite seamless — if you agree with the quote, the store will issue a shipping label for you to ship (at no charge) the equipment to them. They will inspect and confirm the value of your equipment, then send you money. (In the rare situation that the store grades your gear to be a lower value, you can either request the item to be sent back, or complete the transaction at the lower value.)
Tips
- Retail stores are less picky about the age of the item, or that you have all the included accessories (caps, hoods, pouches) or the original retail box. If you are missing accessories, it will be easier to sell to a dealer vs. a private sale.
- This is a great option for a no-hassle transaction, with free shipping provided.
- Some stores (such as KEH) will also give an additional 5-10% bonus if “trading in” (i.e. purchasing another item with the proceeds of your sale, instead of taking cash).
Private Sales via Forum
Private sales via a photography forum are often the best way to get top value for your equipment. After the closure of the POTN forum in 2023, the last major forum for Canon gear sales is Fred Miranda’s Buy/Sell Board. Listing an item for sale requires an “Upload & Sell” subscription, which at time of post (January 2025) costs $23 for 30 days, with discounted annual plans available.
This is a steep up-front price, but the FM forums are full of serious photographers who understand the value of your gear and are willing to pay for cameras and lenses that have been well-maintained and cared for.
Tips
- Take some well-lit photos of your gear so that potential buyers can assess its condition. Disclose any defects up-front.
- For best value, include all accessories, the original retail box, and a copy of the original sales receipt (if appropriate).
- Be sure to ship with an insured shipping method, and only accept insured payment methods (do not accept a “PayPal Gift” transaction, only standard PayPal).