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Best used camera kit on a budget

When you’re on a strict budget it can feel daunting deciding on the best used cameras and lenses for your hobby. There are literally hundreds of used cameras available and you have to choose between a mirrorless camera vs DSLR, as well as deciding which used lens to get that will fit correctly.

• Best used camera kit for under £1000
• Best used camera kit for under £500

We’ve created this guide to help you choose the best used camera kit on a budget of £500 or £1000. We know our cameras inside out and have one of the largest selection of used equipment anywhere in the UK. As standard our second-hand equipment has been checked and cleaned, and comes with a six-month warranty for completely stress-free shopping.

Whether you’re just starting out in photography or looking for the best camera for photography students our guide will ensure you come away with excellent gear to develop your skills and tell your unique story.

Best used camera kit for under £1000

If you have a budget of £1000 available you’re in a great position to snag a highly capable camera and lens combination, at a far lower cost than when new.

Our used camera experts have opted for the following used camera kit for under £1000.

• Camera – used Sony A7 II. With a full-frame 24.3 MP sensor, BIONZ X processor, Full HD videos at 60p and built-in 5-axis image stabilisation this camera is capable of creating killer content. It also comes with fast and effective, enhanced Fast Hybrid AF so you will always nail focus, even when your subject is fast moving. Price for a used Sony A7 II in excellent condition £669.00.
• Lens – used Sony FE 28mm F/2. This full-frame wide angle lens features a bright maximum aperture and outstanding optical performance. A 9-bladed aperture design ensures you’ll get silky smooth out of focus areas and at just 200g you can bring it along for landscapes, portraits, city shots and many more situations without too much weight. Price for a used Sony FE 28mm F/2 lens in excellent condition £219.00.

Total price (shipping is free) = £888.00 leaving you £112 for essential accessories, such as an SD card, a camera bag and even a spare high capacity Sony NP-FW50 rechargeable battery.

Best used camera kit for under £500

You may be surprised to learn that you can get a really competent used camera and lens for under £500. Our team chose a DSLR rather than a mirrorless camera as they offer incredible value for money, while still delivering features designed to capture fantastic photos and even videos.

• Camera – used Canon EOS 60D. With an 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor, Full HD Movies and a vari-angle LCD screen, your audience will be blown away by the content you can create with this compact DSLR. It’s also great for low light shots and keeps up with action using 5.3fps continuous shooting. Price for a used Canon EOS 60D in excellent condition £219.00.
• Lens – Used Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM. This general purpose zoom lens offers the same angle of view as a 29-216mm lens on a full-frame camera, so you can capture anything from landscapes and portraits to travel and movies. It has a 4-stop image stabiliser built-in along with Canon’s quiet stepping motor (STM) for smooth quiet focusing, which is ideal for stills and video. Price for a used Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens in excellent condition £259.00.

Total price (shipping is free) = £478, which leaves you just enough left over to pick up an SD card such as the Lexar 64GB SD UHS-I 633x Pro 95MB/S which costs just £19.99.

We’ve another used equipment guide for those considering which is the best used camera gear for popular genres, including portraits, wildlife and landscapes, and includes superb suggestions across a range of budgets. It is often surprising just how advanced camera features can be for a relatively modest budget, which is great news for anyone looking to save against the cost of buying new gear. All of our second-hand equipment has been thoroughly checked, comes with a clean sensor and includes a six-month warranty.

Whichever used camera you decide to buy we hope it fuels your passion for photography and helps you to develop your skills to tell your story.

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By Nick Dautlich on 27/07/2022