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Hey there! Black Friday deals on refurbished gear are definitely the way to go if you're trying to stretch your budget, and I've been doing this for years. Honestly, waiting for those sales can save you a serious chunk of change. You're smart to be looking at the 50mm f/1.8 STM and 35mm f/1.8 IS STM – those are fantastic lenses, and the refurbished market for them is pretty robust.

In my experience, the absolute best places to hunt for these are Canon's own refurbished store and then a couple of the big camera retailers that have solid used/refurbished sections, like B&H Photo and Adorama. Canon's own site is usually my first stop because they stand behind their refurbished products with a warranty, which is a huge peace of mind. You'll often find lenses there that are practically indistinguishable from new but at a significant discount. I snagged my 85mm f/1.8 USM from them a few years back for almost 40% off its new price, and it's been flawless.

When you're looking at condition, don't be shy about scrutinizing the descriptions. 'Excellent' or 'Mint' usually means it's been barely used. 'Like New' is also great. For me, even if there are minor cosmetic blemishes (like a tiny scuff on the barrel that doesn't affect optics), it's a non-issue if the price is right and the glass is clean. I've tried many lenses over the years, and as long as the internal elements are dust-free and the autofocus works smoothly, a little external wear is just character. It's all about the optics and mechanics working perfectly. Keep an eye on those prices leading up to Black Friday, too. Sometimes the 'deals' pop up a week or two early. Good luck with your hunt!

Hey there! It's smart to be thinking about refurbished gear for Black Friday 2025, especially for those Canon primes. Building on the idea of stretching your budget, I'd really suggest looking beyond just the big retailers for refurbished options. While they're convenient, sometimes smaller, specialized camera repair shops or even dedicated refurbished camera sites can have hidden gems. I've found some fantastic deals on lenses from places that specifically focus on servicing and reselling used camera equipment.

When you're looking at refurbished lenses, especially something like the 50mm f/1.8 STM or 35mm f/1.8 IS STM, I would suggest really scrutinizing the condition description. Be careful about vague terms like 'good condition.' Look for details about any cosmetic wear (is it just minor scuffs on the barrel, or something deeper?), if the glass is perfectly clean with no scratches or fungus, and how the aperture blades are functioning (are they snappy and clean, or oily and slow?).

For those specific lenses, the 50mm f/1.8 STM is a workhorse and tends to hold up really well. The 35mm f/1.8 IS STM is also a solid choice, but make sure to check if the Image Stabilization (IS) is tested and confirmed to be working. Sometimes, older IS units can develop issues. I'd also recommend checking the return policy very carefully. A good seller will offer at least a 30-day window so you can test the lens thoroughly on your own camera. Don't be afraid to ask the seller for more photos or even a short video demonstrating the lens's operation if you're unsure. It’s better to be a bit cautious upfront than to end up with a lens that isn't performing as expected.

Good luck with your search!

Oh, totally get wanting to grab some great Canon glass for less during Black Friday! Refurbished is definitely the way to go if you're trying to be smart with your cash. I've actually been eyeing the 50mm f/1.8 STM myself, and yeah, it's a fantastic little lens for the price, even new.

So, from what I've seen, Canon's own refurbished store is usually pretty solid. They often have some of the best deals, and you know it's been checked out by the source, which gives me a bit more peace of mind. MPB and Adorama's used/refurbished sections are also worth a serious look. They tend to be pretty upfront about the condition, and you can sometimes snag a really good deal if you're patient.

For spotting good condition, I always look for descriptions that mention 'excellent' or 'mint' if I can find them, and I try to stick to sellers with good return policies, just in case. Honestly, for those primes you mentioned, even if there's a tiny bit of cosmetic wear, as long as the glass is clean and the autofocus works smoothly, it's usually a decent option. What kind of photography are you mostly planning to do with these lenses?