The industry has been putting out some really hard-to-resist gear these last few years. Ever since Sony released the a7 mirrorless line, it’s been a tsunami of gear upgrade options that seem too good to pass by. Whether it’s the new tack-sharp, image-stabilized Canon RF lenses, the 61-megapixel Sony a7R IV, or the new “creator-ready” Nikon Z 30, it’s not just a case of “Shiny Object Syndrome”: these developments in technology really do reflect in the quality of the work creatives can produce. That’s where MPB comes in.

If you haven’t heard of MPB yet (do you live under a rock?) they are the world’s largest online platform for used photo and video kit.

Founded in 2011, they recirculate more than 300,500 items of used kit a year. They buy modern photo and video kit, including DSLRs, video, compact systems, mirrorless, action, digital rangefinder and digital medium format cameras, as well as most lenses and flashguns. The brands they carry include Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Panasonic, Olympus, GoPro, Blackmagic Design, RED, Leica, Hasselblad, Phase One, and many more.

Have you ever bought used gear?

Some creatives hesitate to buy used gear. I have bought both used and new. The truth is, I’ve found the used gear to be a better value. One of the offerings that sets MPB apart from the competition is that after every piece is inspected by their product specialists. Your purchase also comes with a six-month warranty. They want to give their customers peace of mind that buying used doesn’t mean sacrificing reliability. In addition to buying new gear, you can sell your gear with MPB. Many creatives love using MPB as an all-in-one selling and buying stop to upgrade their kit. 

How Selling to MPB works

Step One: Get Your Quote and a Box

You, as a seller, will fill in an online form for an instant quote on your kit. MPB will make their initial quote based on the information you provide them on this form. The next step is to package your gear for inspection. MPB makes the process convenient with free doorstep pickup. Next, their product specialists will check your kit and confirm its condition. Based on this, they may adjust your quote up or down; most of the time, it stays the same. You can then accept or decline this final quote. Selling is commitment-free until the final sale is made.

Step Two: Get Paid

After MPB checks the items and confirms the quote, they will send the money to your bank account within two days.

Additionally, getting a quote from MPB is commitment-free. You can change your mind at any point in the selling process, right up until when they pay you for your kit. Another reason to buy used is that it’s better for the planet.

How long do you think it takes for electronics to decompose? The consensus among ecological studies is unanimous: it takes one to two million years for electronics to decompose. Trading in not only provides money for your purchase, but it helps keep our landscapes intact for the next generation of photographers.

If preserving the planet, making money, and upgrading your gear sounds too good to be true, you can check it out for yourself on their website or their Instagram page.

I know where I’m going for my next purchase! 

What are your thoughts on buying used gear? Have you ever bought used? What was your experience? Share in the comments below.