Pause to consider buying used via MPB

Christmas is coming and we may be feeling the urge to splash out on new gear. But in challenging times, it can pay to wait a moment and consider achieving better value by buying or gifting used. Here’s how the experts at MPB can help…

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We’re all after the latest and greatest kit when it comes to advancing our photography, whether we’re shooting for business or as a hobby. And with Christmas as well as inevitable Black Friday promotions on the way, we may be feeling we deserve to treat ourselves. But inevitably, our budgets will only stretch so far. One answer to getting what we want is buying used. MPB, as the largest platform for the buying and selling of used photography and videography equipment, is a great place to start.

The promise with MPB is that second hand is never second best. All equipment it buys in is thoroughly assessed by its in-house team of experts before it’s sold on, coming with the peace of mind of a six-month warranty. So, if you thought you simply couldn’t afford the latest and greatest photo or video gear, it’s time to think again. The kit on offer won’t be yesterday’s news, either; typically, MPB starts receiving used equipment as little as three months after a product has been announced. Plus, there are thousands of available choices at any one time via the platform.

As MPB buys as well as sells, potential purchasers also have the opportunity to save money by selling any equipment they no longer use – or perhaps an earlier product iteration – to fund their latest acquisition. Think of it as a form of recycling , making the most of the tech we have sitting about in our homes, as well as a chance to ease the ever-growing and unrelenting pressure on our wallets, or put funds saved aside for a future holiday. For an instant quote from MPB for your existing kit, simply visit mpb.com/sell.

If, rather than just selling, you do already have a good idea of what you want to buy, then an exchange is a further option. Use the platform to search for the model you’d like to buy and hit the ‘trade in for this’ button to add to a quote form. If what you want isn’t presently in stock, then just sell what you have and ask to be notified when what you’re after becomes available again. With a platform like MPB, thousands of new items are arriving all the time.

A gift to you and yours

Buying and selling aside, this is also the season of gifting. Here, again, MPB can place products that you may not have previously thought you’d be able to afford within reach. Perhaps there’s a son or daughter, niece, nephew or grandchild embarking on a photography course or qualification who’s seeking to get to grips with their first ‘proper’ camera such as a DSLR or mirrorless? Again, there is an opportunity to empower that pound in your pocket and buy better by purchasing some high-quality used equipment.

Want recommendations? Here’s where MPB can help. With online vlogging having exploded since the pandemic, there are many options for fledgling YouTubers.

Consider the DJI Osmo Pocket, for example, the smallest three-axis stabilised handheld camera DJI has ever designed, complete with mechanical gimbal that helps turn every video into a truly cinematic moment. In just seconds, it can let you share your life anywhere, anytime. Not only that, but a used device via MPB is very affordable.

Those with more to spend may want to check out Sony’s Cyber-shot RX100 Mark V compact, its one-inch sensor making it ideal for capturing detailed video and stills alike. Factor in 0.05sec autofocus, 315 AF points, the most comprehensive phase detection of its kind, continuous shooting up to 24fps with AF/AE tracking plus 4K movies, and we have a veritable pocket rocket. Even more keenly aimed at vloggers and influencers is Sony’s ZV-1. Purpose- built for content creation, this product boasts a vari-angle display and 24-70mm focal range, while remaining conveniently portable and pocket sized.

Widely respected and recognised for its action cameras, the GoPro Hero11 Black is a top recommendation, thanks to its ability to send videos automatically to a smartphone, plus the capability of its large image sensor to deliver impressive results. Shots are not only stunning but smooth, thanks to a HyperSmooth 5.0 function that features AutoBoost and Horizon Lock built-in.

If your pennies stretch that little further, investigate the Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K. This is an option for vloggers wanting the Hollywood look and high-end production values, yet via an affordable package. Video blogs and YouTube videos will stand out further thanks to this camera’s ability to deliver big-screen quality on an independent budget.

Already got a Canon or Nikon camera body, or know a loved one who has? The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 prime lens is a key recommendation, with its affordability making it a great option for beginners looking to move beyond the standard zoom that came bundled with their camera. The fast aperture here presents the possibility for low-light shooting, while the optic’s weight makes it extremely portable. Nikon users meanwhile are directed to its equivalent in the form of Nikon’s AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 D, again offering a fast aperture and excellent quality at a very reasonable cost indeed, with its light weight making it an ideal travel companion.

Sports photographers are directed to a pair of telephoto zooms: the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM – with the ‘L’ in the model name denoting premium performance, quality and operability – and the Nikon AF Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8 ED, with the latter being a classic that can cope with fast shutter speeds while delivering superb low-light performance and depth-of-field control.

A practical suggestion for owners of existing EF/EF-S series lenses is the Canon EF-EOS M Mount Adapter, which allows existing EF/EF-S series lenses to be used on the manufacturer’s lighter-weight mirrorless cameras.

Finally, if you or the person you’re gifting to want to hit new heights in 2024, how about a drone? There are many and varied options here, with the DJI brand again being a major and reliable player. For a comprehensive selection of what’s on offer, head to mpb.com/en-uk/category/used-video-cameras/drones-and-action.

To look for any of the products suggested above, plus thousands more cameras, lenses and optional accessories, make it your early resolution to visit mpb.com.

Originally featured in Issue 112 of Photography News.