Any experience purchasing from Abe's of Maine or Top Choice Digital?

[Quicklabs]

I think it's time to get my Sigma 10-20 (Disney trip in December!)
The price of Sigma lenses has increased, and Abe's has it for about $70 cheaper (at $499) than B&H, Adorama and the other "biggies".
A place called "Top Choice Digital" has it for $430, but I've never heard of them at all.
Any info you have about either of these would be appreciated.
Laura

 

[AndrewWG]

I have never dealt with either of them. I think Abes was a great business back in the day, but I can't speak for them now. However, for $508, you can order this lens from Amazon.com. Also, if you choose to buy it from 47th st photo (I don't know their reputation either) through Amazon, it is $499. Here is the link for the Canon mount lens. They carry all mounts and they are all the same price.

http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-10-20mm...2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1220709516&sr=8-2

 

[puddleduck]

type in the store name
http://www.resellerratings.com/

 

[ukcatfan]

I have hear that Abe's is at least honest and will not rip you off. I have heard that they will try the bait and switch and selling you overpriced accessories, but will eventually send you what you ordered. You just might have to go through a few high pressure sales calls from them before you get there.

 

[Groucho]

I've ordered two lenses through Abe's - coincidentally, the two are easily (by a long shot!) my most valuable lenses. My Pentax 31mm F1.8 and Pentax 50-135mm F2.8. Abe's had the best prices (and in the case of the 31mm, actually had it, as it was unavailable in some places.) They're also not in NYS, unlike most of these camera stores, so that takes sales tax out of the equation for me.

With the 31mm, they asked to call me to "verify" the order. The salesman said that it was because I hadn't ordered from them before. He did ask if I needed any filters or anything like that, but it wasn't high-pressure (I said "no" and he said "ok")... fairly painless, though I'd still prefer not to have to call at all.

They send a $10 "loyalty" coupon with the order, so I decided to buy my 50-135mm from them too, since they had the cheapest price even before that. Again, I got an email asking to call to verify the order. I replied to the email and said that I had ordered before, I was told that calling was a one-time thing, and that I didn't need any filters or anything in case that's why they wanted to talk to me. The lens was shipped, I got it in good condition, and that was that.

They also include a magnet in the box, if your fridge needs decoration.

All in all, they've been "OK", not my first choice but I would certainly be willing to order from them again.

 

[My2Girls66]

I bought my D50 body from Abes. They did call to verify and did ask if I wanted to buy an extra battery, memory cards or lens. I said no and that was it. I received my camera very quickly. I didn't like getting the call either but the guy was nice and wasn't pressuring me. If the price was right I'd buy from them again.

 

[madiscrapper24]

I have ordered two cameras from them and have not had any problems of any kind in dealing with them. The first time went so smoothly I decided to stay with them for the second time around.

sherri

 

[jann1033]

somehow they are (or at least were) connected with beach and buydig.com. never ordered from abes but the other 2 have always been good for me

 

[captaincrash]

We've ordered from ABE's of maine in the past 6 months.

It was routine with a pocket digicam purchase... not of BBQ to go...​

 

[dr_zero]

I think it's time to get my Sigma 10-20 (Disney trip in December!)
The price of Sigma lenses has increased, and Abe's has it for about $70 cheaper (at $499) than B&H, Adorama and the other "biggies".
A place called "Top Choice Digital" has it for $430, but I've never heard of them at all.
Any info you have about either of these would be appreciated.
Laura

http://donwiss.com/pictures/BrooklynStores/#moved

here you can look at their store

 

[Quicklabs]

After looking at their review on resellerratings.com, decided that Top Choice Digital was not my top choice! The picture of their storefront confirms my decision.
Think I will go with Amazon at $501.

 

[eduk8r26]

I bought a camera from Abe's last year. I got exactly what I ordered, no tax and free shipping. It was the least expensive anywhere around. My godson's father ordered a plasma big screen tv from them and also was very pleased with his order. I would definitely order from them again.

 

[My2Girls66]

removed