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The Pros and Cons of Purchasing Used Underwater Photography Equipment
Underwater photography is a unique and challenging field that requires specialized equipment to capture high-quality images in a marine environment. While purchasing new equipment can be expensive, many photographers opt for used gear as a more budget-friendly option.
In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of purchasing used underwater photography equipment to help photographers make informed decisions about their gear purchases.
Editors Note: Used uw photo gear is a big thing. We get so many people asking about it and it is also key for many photographers to get their next setup (that is selling their current setup). For this reason we’ve created our used section on the website, we offer this as a free service to our customers to be able to advertise their gear, no strings attached.
Visit our used section or contact us to list your setup.
Pros of Purchasing Used Underwater Photography Equipment:
1. Cost Savings: The cost saving benefit of purchasing used underwater photography equipment is significant, particularly for those just starting out or those on a budget. New equipment can be expensive, with top-of-the-line cameras and accessories reaching into the many thousands of dollars. By opting for used equipment, the initial investment is significantly lower, allowing for more money to be allocated towards other expenses such as travel and training.
Another cost saving benefit of used equipment is the ability to try out different brands and models without committing to a full price purchase. This can be especially useful for those just starting out, as it allows for the opportunity to experiment with different types of equipment and find what works best for their specific needs and preferences. By purchasing used equipment, the financial risk of buying a product that may not meet the desired standards is greatly reduced.
In addition to the initial cost savings, purchasing used equipment can sometimes require less maintenance and repair, as the initial wear and tear has already been accounted for. It’s important to thoroughly inspect the used gear before buying or take it to a professional servicing business, who may be able to pressure test all the seals and ensure its in good working order. Once inspected and tested, this can save a significant amount of money in the long run, as repairs and maintenance can add up quickly, particularly for those using their equipment frequently.
It is always recommended to dive with a piece of tissue inside the housing on your first dive in place of your camera. This is relevant to new and old setups.
Overall, the cost saving benefit of purchasing used underwater photography equipment cannot be overlooked, making it a smart choice for those looking to enter the field or those looking to save money on their hobby or profession.
2. Quality: One reason why used underwater photography equipment may be of higher quality than new equipment is the materials used in their construction. Many older models were built with more durable and high-quality materials, such as brass and stainless steel, which can withstand the harsh conditions of underwater use better than cheaper, plastic alternatives. This means that these older models are often more reliable and less prone to damage or malfunction, even after years of use.
Additionally, the care and maintenance that photographers take with their equipment can also contribute to the quality of used underwater photography equipment. Many photographers who use their equipment frequently will take the time to properly clean and maintain their gear, ensuring that it is in good working condition and ready to use at a moment’s notice. This attention to detail can help prolong the life of the equipment and keep it functioning at its best, even as it ages. In contrast, new equipment with less resilient materials may not have received the same level of care and attention, leading to a lower overall quality.
3. Availability: Another benefit of purchasing used gear is that it may be easier to find certain models and brands that are no longer being manufactured. This is particularly useful for photographers with older camera and lens models or who are looking for specific features or functionality that are not available in newer versions.
For example, an underwater photographer who is looking for a housing with a particular type of port or a strobe with a certain type of sync cord may only be able to find it with an older model. In these cases, purchasing used underwater photography gear may be the only option for these photographers to get the specific features or functionality they need.
4. Eco-Friendly: Purchasing used underwater photography gear has several environmental benefits.
Firstly, it helps to reduce waste by keeping older gear in circulation rather than ending up in landfills. This means fewer resources are needed to manufacture new gear, as there is a demand for used gear. This reduces the carbon footprint of the gear and helps to conserve natural resources.
Secondly, the manufacturing process of new gear requires a significant amount of energy, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. By purchasing used gear, the energy used in the manufacturing process is already factored in and the energy required for transportation and distribution is minimized or even eliminated.
Finally, purchasing used also helps to support local and individual businesses and communities. This can help to stimulate a local economy and create job opportunities, which can in turn contribute to environmental conservation efforts. By supporting these businesses, consumers can help to create a more sustainable and environmentally conscious economy.
Cons of Purchasing Used Underwater Photography Equipment:
1. Lack of Warranty: One disadvantage of purchasing used underwater photography gear is the lack of a warranty. When you buy a new product, it typically comes with some sort of warranty or guarantee that covers any defects or issues that may arise within a certain timeframe. This can give you peace of mind and the confidence to use your gear without worrying about unexpected problems. However, when you buy used gear, there is often no warranty included. If something goes wrong, you may have to pay for any repairs or replacements out of pocket.
2. Unknown History: Another disadvantage of purchasing used underwater photography gear is that you may not know the history of the gear. It may have been well-maintained and treated with care, or it may have been subjected to rough conditions and abuse. This can impact the performance and lifespan of the gear, and you may end up with a product that breaks down more quickly or has more issues than you anticipated. And, without a warranty, as outlined above, you may have to pay for any repairs or replacements that are needed, which can be costly and inconvenient.
3. Depreciation: When purchasing used underwater photography gear, in most cases, it will have already depreciated to its lowest value. This means that the price you pay for the used equipment will likely be lower than the original price of the equipment when it was new. While this may seem like a good deal at the time of purchase, it can be problematic if you decide to sell the equipment later. The resale value of used equipment is generally much lower from when you bought it and will likely not be able to recoup your initial investment.
On the other hand, purchasing new underwater photography equipment may retain its resale value longer. This is because the equipment has not been used as much and, with the right care, can remain in good condition. While the initial cost of new equipment may be pricey, it may be a better investment in the long run as the resale value will likely remain higher minimizing your overall loses. Additionally, because new equipment may come with a manufacturer’s warranty, this can provide peace of mind and protection against potential issues or defects and continue to retain a better resale value.
4. Limited Selection: Purchasing used underwater photography gear can be a great way to save money, as discussed, yet it can also be a bit of a challenge due to the limited selection available. Underwater photography equipment is a specialized type of gear that is not as commonly used as other types of photography equipment. As a result, there may not be as many used options available for purchase. Additionally, the gear is often subjected to harsh conditions and may have a shorter lifespan than other types of photography equipment. This can further limit the selection of used gear that is in good condition and available for purchase.
Purchasing used underwater photography equipment can be a great option for photographers looking to save money or who need specific models and brands or features and functionality. However, it is important to carefully consider the pros and cons and to thoroughly research the equipment before making any purchase decisions. Underwater photographers should also be aware of the risks associated with purchasing used gear, such as the lack of a warranty and the possibility of undiscovered damage or history.
It is also worth considering that by purchasing a used camera and housing, you can free up some budget for strobes or video lights and that is often more important than the camera.
Another fact to consider is that cameras often die before their housings. So if you are buying an old DSLR housing, it is worth looking for a 2nd camera body to keep as spare in case your camera dies. This way you will be able to both use that setup for many years and also resell it later.
Ultimately, the decision to purchase used gear should be based on the individual needs and budget of the photographer.
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1 comment
For the record, selling used photographic equipment can be a harrowing experience these days. I have a Nikon 801 based rig Aquatica rig – factory refurbished Nikon 801 , Ikelite strobes, etc. etc. Trying to sell it on various websites and what I manage to do list to attract all kinds of scammers. Good thing I checked their phone numbers, etc – let the seller beware!