Pros, would you buy a used lens?

I really want to get a telephoto zoom f 2.8 and can't afford a Nikkor!
But i can get a sigma (which has pretty good reviews)
there's one on craigslist and of course i would bring my camera and check it out before paying for it.
do you buy used ever? That lens is now $950 (just went up from $800) and i offered the guy $600 for it.

When I was first starting out and treated photography as a hobbie, I bought a lot of used lenses. I still have the 24-70 f/2.8 that I bought used.

I don't think I would still do that. Used lenses aren't that much cheaper, and I have an annual equipment budget.

I would buy a used Nikon, Canon, Leica, Schneider or true Zeiss lens.

I would NOT buy a used generic lens

You must be looking at the 70-200 2.8… I would keep an eye out for maybe a used 80-200 2.8 either on craislist or on B&H photo in that price range. B&H is a reliable source for used equipment.

In the old days of film, you could by a quality used camera or lens and not have to worry. Now that digital is the rage, a used lens is still an option as long as it fully functions with yo0ur chosen camera. Older manual focus lenses may not work on your Nikon, and for sure won't work on a Canon.

Try it with your camera. Look for scratches on the front and rear glass, as well as fungus inside.