Tamron 17-50 Buying Advice

[eswank]

So a brand new Tamron 17-50 non-VC BIM on Amazon is $459 plus $25 rebate. But then I came across the same model on eBay sold by BeachCamera as a Tamron refurbished model for $279 but it's AS-IS with no return. The rebate ends at the end of August for the brand new one but I'm not too sure which one to go with? Any help with this one?

[Lane123]

Hi EJ. I would definitely pay the extra and have the option of returning it if there is a problem. I just purchased a Tamron 17-50 and had some focusing issues with it. See thread: Tamron 17-50 2.8 - Anyone else have this problem?
I know that can happen with any brand but I was thankful to be able to return it. IMO it is better to spend the extra and have the comfort of knowing that if there is a problem, I am not just out of the $$.

[larrycumba]

Agree with Lane123. Not trying to offend anyone that likes Beach Camera but, I wouldn't give them the time of day, much less my hard earned. They may be the best in the world. With that policy I'll never know.