Would you buy a lens off of ebay?

In my previous question, I said that I need a new lens for my Nikon D50 and pointed out some of the specifics of what I'd like… Someone mentioned the Nikkor 18-200mm VR lens, and I've read reviews and almost everyone is extremely happy with it, and it seems great for what I want to use it for. I don't have the money to buy it new, since it's like $800 or so new. But I see them on ebay going for around $400-500. Since my mom was going to replace the faulty lens anyways, and christmas is coming up, I'm thinking of asking for this as an early christmas present from both my parents. But I'm not going to ask them to spend $800 on my christmas present this year, no matter how amazing the lens is supposed to be! So I'm wondering if you guys have had any experience buying a lens off of ebay? Do you think that might be a good option?
>>> Would you buy a lens off of ebay?

What setting should I use on my Nikon D3100?

What settings should I use to get a nice white balance like these photos? Thanks!

http://www.vanessavancour.com/2012/06/reno-tahoe-maternity-family-photo-shoot/
>>> What setting should I use on my Nikon D3100?

Best portrait Nikon Lens?

What is the best Nikon Lens currently available to use for portraits? My current one doesn't take good ones at all. (15-55 mm) Thanks!
>>> Best portrait Nikon Lens?

What digital camera is best?

I haven't had a digital camera in a few years. Which brands are better than others, for a decent price? I am trying to stay under 100.00. I have looked at Nikon, but I see mixed reviews. Ideas?
>>> What digital camera is best?

Can this: NIKON AF 75-240MM 1:4.5-5.6 D ZOOM LENS type of lens be used on a Nikon D3100?

Http://www.ebay.com/itm/NIKON-AF-75-240MM-1-4-5-5-6-D-ZOOM-LENS-/261122022363?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item3ccc15dbdb
>>> Can this: NIKON AF 75-240MM 1:4.5-5.6 D ZOOM LENS type of lens be used on a Nikon D3100?

I need a Nikon D5100 model camera, But i don't have money,?

Is there any free way or work online to redeem stuffs.
Or anybody who is rich enough to gift me a camera.
>>> I need a Nikon D5100 model camera, But i don't have money,?

Canon Rebel T3i 18 mp or Nikon d3100?

Im looking to make music videos and photography… These are my two picks… Which one you think is better overall for video and photography???
>>> Canon Rebel T3i 18 mp or Nikon d3100?

What cameras have similar features to the Nikon D3200?

I would love to buy the Nikon D3200 but $699 is a little up there.So I'm looking for an entry level DSLR with similar features, such as; manual and automatic options, optical viewfinder and screen, low light photography.

I would really like professional opinions too if possible. Thank you!
Added (1). FhotoAce, sorry for my use of the word professional. I meant someone who is familiar with the camera first hand and knows what they are talking about. Most importantly, I am looking for a camera with great quality but more importantly a manual setting. I want to be able to control the exposure time and focus myself. I am used to my Pentax K1000, so upgrading to digital without manual and not being able to control everything is a little daunting.
>>> What cameras have similar features to the Nikon D3200?

How useful is this lens? - 1

I am interested in buying a Nikon D5100. The Nikon D5100 is normally $580, but for $760 you also get a "Af-S Dx Vr 55-200mm F/4-5.6g" lens with it. How useful is this lens? For $580 you get the standard 18-55mm lens.Is there really such a difference between these two lenses that it is worth spending nearly 200 dollars more to get the second one?
For information, I am a beginner photographer but am learning and becoming more and more experienced. I like taking a variety of photos; outdoors, portraits, macro, etc.
What types of pictures will the second lens allow me to take that the first, basic one won't? I am also considering saving for a good macro lens.Is it more useful to not buy the second lens, buy the $580 camera, and use the saved money for a macro lens?

Thank you.
Added (1). The second lens is $300 dollars by itself.By getting the combined package, I save over $100.Is it useful to therefore buy the package, and perhaps save the lens until I get more experienced? I'm only 18 and don't have thousands of dollars to spend though, and so want to only buy quite useful lenses that can be used often.
>>> How useful is this lens? - 1

Cheapest price to buy Nikon D600 digital slr camera?

Does anyone have any coupons or sales going on right now to buy Nikon D600?

Also, what is the cheapest price right now for this camera? Thanks!
>>> Cheapest price to buy Nikon D600 digital slr camera?

Which camera to buy: Nikon D5100 / Nikon D3200 / Canon EOS 600D?

Hello,

I am trying to decide which camera to buy and have narrowed it down to these three. All three seem to get good reviews and are around the same price range, causing me difficulty in deciding.
I am not an experienced photographer yet, but am motivated to become one. I want a camera that I will find useful even when I become more experienced and I want one that will provide great pictures without the need of heaps of editing. I do a range of photography; outdoors, portaits, macro, etc.and thus also want a camera that perform well in a range of areas.
Could someone give me advice on which camera to buy?
If there is another camera that is very good and around the 700 dollar price range, suggest it as well!
>>> Which camera to buy: Nikon D5100 / Nikon D3200 / Canon EOS 600D?