Hey there, fellow shutterbug! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the hunt for the best deals on camera gear to fuel your passion for photography. And let me tell you, when it comes to scoring high-quality used equipment at unbeatable prices, KEH Camera is my go-to source every single time.
What is KEH Camera?
In case you‘re not familiar, KEH is the largest online reseller of used cameras, lenses, and accessories in the world. They‘ve been around since 1979, and they‘ve built a stellar reputation for their vast selection, transparent grading system, fair prices, and exceptional customer service.
Whether you‘re a pro looking to upgrade your kit or a newbie just starting out, KEH has something for everyone. They carry all the top brands like Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, and Leica, and their inventory is constantly changing as they buy and sell gear from photographers like you and me.
Why I Love Buying Used Gear from KEH
As a fashion and lifestyle blogger, I‘m constantly experimenting with new photography techniques and styles to keep my content fresh and engaging. But as much as I‘d love to buy the latest and greatest gear brand new, my bank account usually has other ideas. That‘s where KEH comes in.
Over the years, I‘ve purchased countless cameras, lenses, and accessories from KEH, and I‘ve never been disappointed. Here are just a few reasons why I keep coming back:
1. Unbeatable prices 💰
I‘m always amazed at how much I can save by buying used gear from KEH. For example, I recently snagged a Canon 5D Mark IV in excellent condition for just $1,899 – that‘s over $1,000 less than buying it new! And the best part is, it works just as well as a brand new camera at a fraction of the price.
2. Huge selection 🎯
No matter what I‘m looking for, KEH always seems to have it in stock. They have everything from vintage film cameras to the latest mirrorless bodies, and their lens selection is out of this world. I‘ve found some of my favorite portrait lenses on KEH, like the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art and the Canon 50mm f/1.2L.
3. Reliable grading system 🔍
One of the things that can be tricky about buying used gear is not knowing exactly what condition it‘s in. But KEH takes the guesswork out of the process with their transparent 10-point grading system. They carefully evaluate each item and assign it a grade from "Like New" to "Bargain," so you know exactly what to expect when your gear arrives.
4. 180-day warranty 🛡️
Even with KEH‘s rigorous inspection process, sometimes issues can slip through the cracks. That‘s why I love that they offer a 180-day warranty on most used items. If anything goes wrong with your purchase, KEH will repair or replace it free of charge. It‘s like having an extra layer of protection and peace of mind.
5. Fantastic customer support 💬
Whenever I‘ve had a question or concern about an order from KEH, their customer service team has always been quick to respond and help out. They‘re knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely care about making sure you‘re satisfied with your purchase. It‘s refreshing to work with a company that puts their customers first!
KEH Camera vs. Other Used Camera Retailers
Of course, KEH isn‘t the only place to buy used photography equipment online. I‘ve also had good experiences with B&H and Adorama‘s used departments, and I‘ve found some great deals on eBay and Facebook Marketplace. But for me, KEH consistently offers the best combination of selection, price, and service.
To give you a better idea of how KEH stacks up, check out this comparison table:
| Retailer | Selection | Price | Customer Service | Reputation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KEH Camera | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| B&H (Used) | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Adorama (Used) | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| eBay | 5/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Facebook Marketplace | 5/5 | 5/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 |
As you can see, KEH comes out on top in nearly every category. And when you factor in their stellar reputation and industry-leading warranty, it‘s easy to see why so many photographers trust them for their used gear needs.
What Customers Are Saying About KEH
But don‘t just take my word for it – let‘s look at what other KEH customers have to say about their experiences. I scoured the web for reviews and found overwhelming praise for the company across multiple platforms:
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"I‘ve purchased numerous items from KEH and never been disappointed. Their grading is spot on and customer service is top notch." – Trustpilot reviewer, 5/5 stars
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"KEH is probably the most reputable place for used equipment. Their prices are very fair, often lower than eBay, and they have a great warranty." – Reddit user on r/photography
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"I‘ve bought and sold with KEH for years. They‘ve always been super easy to work with, and their descriptions are very accurate. You can trust what you‘re getting from them." – Fred Miranda forum member
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"KEH is the best in the business when it comes to used camera gear. Period." – Facebook review, 5/5 stars
The numbers speak for themselves: on KEH‘s website, they have an average rating of 4.8/5 stars from over 10,000 customer reviews. And on third-party sites like Trustpilot and Reseller Ratings, they consistently earn near-perfect scores from thousands of happy buyers.
Real-World Review: The KEH Gear That Transformed My Photography
To show you just how much KEH has impacted my photography journey, I want to share a few of my favorite pieces of gear that I‘ve purchased from them over the years. These tools have helped me take my fashion and lifestyle photos to the next level:
1. Canon 6D Full-Frame DSLR
When I first decided to upgrade from a crop-sensor camera to a full-frame DSLR, I knew I wanted the Canon 6D for its excellent low-light performance and dynamic range. But I couldn‘t justify spending over $2,000 on a new body. That‘s when I found a killer deal on KEH: a Canon 6D in "Excellent Plus" condition for just $879!
I‘ve been shooting with this camera for over three years now, and it‘s never let me down. The images are stunning, and the camera feels like it was made just for me. It‘s the perfect balance of performance and portability for my on-the-go lifestyle shoots.
2. Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art Lens
As a fashion blogger, I‘m always looking for lenses that can create creamy bokeh and make my subject pop. The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art lens has been a game-changer in that department. It‘s tack-sharp, even wide open, and the colors and contrast are just gorgeous.
I snagged this lens on KEH in "Like New" condition for $649, which is a steal compared to the retail price of $899. It‘s become my go-to lens for everything from outfit photos to editorial-style shoots, and I couldn‘t be happier with its performance.
3. Profoto A1 AirTTL-C Studio Light
Lighting is everything in photography, and as I‘ve progressed in my career, I‘ve started investing in high-quality strobes to take my images to the next level. The Profoto A1 is a compact, portable flash that packs a serious punch, with TTL metering, a round head design, and a powerful Li-Ion battery.
I found a great deal on a used A1 on KEH in "Excellent" condition for $749, which is a significant savings from the $995 retail price. It‘s been an absolute workhorse in my studio and on location, and the quality of light it produces is just stunning.
How to Get the Most Out of Buying Used Gear on KEH
If you‘re new to buying used photography gear online, the process can seem a bit daunting at first. Here are my top tips for finding the best deals and ensuring you have a positive experience on KEH:
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Know what you‘re looking for: Do your research ahead of time and have a clear idea of the specific camera, lens, or accessory you want to buy. Read reviews, compare prices, and make a list of your must-have features.
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Understand KEH‘s grading system: Take some time to familiarize yourself with KEH‘s 10-point grading scale, from "Like New" to "Bargain." Each grade has a detailed description of what to expect in terms of cosmetic and functional condition, so you can make an informed decision.
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Check the item‘s condition notes: In addition to the overall grade, KEH provides specific notes on each item‘s condition, including any scuffs, scratches, or marks. Read these carefully to avoid surprises when your gear arrives.
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Compare prices: While KEH often has the best prices on used gear, it‘s always a good idea to shop around and compare offers from other reputable retailers. Don‘t forget to factor in shipping costs and any applicable taxes.
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Take advantage of KEH‘s warranty: As I mentioned earlier, KEH offers an industry-leading 180-day warranty on most used items. If anything goes wrong with your purchase, you can send it back for repair or replacement at no extra cost. It‘s a great way to buy with confidence!
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Sell or trade your old gear: When it‘s time to upgrade your kit, KEH makes it easy to sell or trade in your used equipment for cash or store credit. Their online quote system is quick and easy to use, and they offer competitive rates based on your gear‘s condition.
By following these tips and trusting KEH as your go-to source for used photography equipment, you‘ll be well on your way to building the camera kit of your dreams without breaking the bank. I know it‘s made a huge difference in my own photography journey!
Embrace the Journey and Keep Shooting! 📷
At the end of the day, the most important thing is to just get out there and shoot. Whether you‘re working with the latest and greatest gear or a used camera that‘s seen some love, the magic is in your eye and your imagination. KEH Camera is an amazing resource to help you along the way, but it‘s up to you to put in the work and make your creative vision a reality.
I hope this KEH Camera review has given you a better sense of why I love this company so much and how they can help you take your photography to the next level. If you have any questions or want to share your own experiences with buying used gear, drop me a comment below. Let‘s keep learning and growing together!
Happy shooting, my friend! 💕📸
