Brick and Mortar stores for lenses?

[tink2020]

I'm hoping to secure a lens I should have already had (50mm 1.4) for an outing to the aquarium with my girls later this week, which means I need to consider buying from a store instead of online as I had originally planned. We have very few camera stores left around the area, and I can't seem to find it, despite being under the impression that it's one of the simplest, least-expensive, most common lenses available.

Considering I ended up getting my T2i randomly at Meijer(!), I checked local big box stores too, and they thought I was nuts.

Where else should I look? I know this is probably a ridiculous question, but I'm stumped.

OR - (subquestion ) - anyone have an online recommendation for the fastest shipping? It's not important enough that I'll pay overnight or anything, but if there's a chance it could come I'd start there.

Thanks!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

B&H or Adorama. Amazon is fine for overnight or fast shipping too.

I tend to go with B&H myself.

 

[Anewman]

buying online and paying for expedited shipping would likely still beat the price from any local dealer.

But if you would settle for used, CRAIGSLIST

 

[tink2020]

Thanks for the suggestions! I did check Craigslist right away, to no avail. Anewman, I think you're right. It seems the online retailers all have similar prices, but they're significantly less than retailers. Probably the reason we have few camera stores around

I had checked out B&H and Adorama (among others) and everyone's shipping seems to be 7-10 days. I know that's just an estimate (and it seems around here things come much more quickly, the holdup tends to be how long it takes to leave the warehouse).

Thanks for the quick responses, so I didn't waste more time!

Maybe some day I'll actually have time to spend on the boards again, I know I'd love to spend more time in this part!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I did misread your post and had thought you said that paying overnight shipping was an option. Shipping times are dependent on the shipper's schedules so nothing different between sellers. One option is Amazon and their prime shipping. It's something like upgrading to 2nd day for the regular shipping cost. I think you can sign up for a free trial which is something I did last Dec. The item's came very fast. I didn't keep the prime membership once the trial ended and it was simple to cancel.

 

[wenrob]

Buy it from Amazon, do their 90 day Prime trial and then pay the $3.99 for 1 day shipping.

eta: Make sure to select Prime offers only and that it is in stock.

 

[tink2020]

I did misread your post and had thought you said that paying overnight shipping was an option. Shipping times are dependent on the shipper's schedules so nothing different between sellers. One option is Amazon and their prime shipping. It's something like upgrading to 2nd day for the regular shipping cost. I think you can sign up for a free trial which is something I did last Dec. The item's came very fast. I didn't keep the prime membership once the trial ended and it was simple to cancel.

Buy it from Amazon, do their 90 day Prime trial and then pay the $3.99 for 1 day shipping.

eta: Make sure to select Prime offers only and that it is in stock.

You know, as soon as I shifted gears thinking about buying online again I went straight to Amazon. We had already done their Prime trial but my husband's partner is a Prime member so he placed the order for us. It's on the UPS truck for delivery!


Thanks again!

 

[ssanders79]

When I lived in columbus I used to frequent Cord Camera. Some locations even have a used department. There are a few locations in Cincy
http://www.cordcamera.com/Locations.aspx

In fact, I make it a point to stop in to the Columbus location when I am in town to check out the used inventory.

 

[KCmike]

Buy it from Amazon, do their 90 day Prime trial and then pay the $3.99 for 1 day shipping.

eta: Make sure to select Prime offers only and that it is in stock.

Never heard of that. How does it work?

 

[wenrob]

Never heard of that. How does it work?

You pay $79.99 for a year of Prime Membership. Anything that is Prime shipping will come in two days, no shipping charges. If you want something in one day you pay $3.99. Not everything is Prime but 90% of the time what I order is. (My DH always manages to find something obscure that isn't, lol.) The $80 pays for itself in no time. I've ordered things regular 2day prime and had them on my doorstep that evening (usually books) or the next day. When I bought the D700, I ordered it Friday morning paid the $3.99 and had it in my hands almost exactly 24hrs later. At Christmas I used it to buy and ship gifts out of state, so NICE! Anytime I order anything from somewhere else I'm stunned at how long it takes to ship and get here. I'm 100% spoiled by Amazon Prime.

You can get the 90day trial and select "do not auto renew" and try it out. They don't hassle you to join and you get your deliveries free for 90days. They also have Prime for students which is free and one for Moms but I can't remember the stipulations for that one.

The biggest thing to remember is to make sure it's Prime and in stock. (DH forgets that, haha) Above it will tell you how many hours you have to get it by a certain day.

 

[Suburbanmom]

I see you already have one on the way...congrats!
I'm in Dayton and we have several local Dodd Camera stores (they used to be Click! Camera). When I dropped a lens and needed a replacement right away, they called all the Dodd's in the state and found a used one in Cleveland that they shipped to my local store in 2 days. Just for future reference, of course.

Have fun with the new toy!! Are you going to Newport Aquarium? I let my season passes expire. Last time I was there, the jellyfish were being rennovated and I was so bummed. I could spend HOURS taking on the jellies.

 

[ukcatfan]

I'm hoping to secure a lens I should have already had (50mm 1.4) for an outing to the aquarium with my girls later this week, which means I need to consider buying from a store instead of online as I had originally planned. We have very few camera stores left around the area, and I can't seem to find it, despite being under the impression that it's one of the simplest, least-expensive, most common lenses available.

Considering I ended up getting my T2i randomly at Meijer(!), I checked local big box stores too, and they thought I was nuts.

I am just guessing here, but the 50mm f/1.8 is a very common lens. The f/1.4 version is not common and runs four times the cost. It is possible that if you told them you wanted the f/1.4, that might be why they thought you were nuts. Honestly, they probably don't have a clue about either one , but it might solve the mystery.

 

[tink2020]

I am just guessing here, but the 50mm f/1.8 is a very common lens. The f/1.4 version is not common and runs four times the cost. It is possible that if you told them you wanted the f/1.4, that might be why they thought you were nuts. Honestly, they probably don't have a clue about either one , but it might solve the mystery.

Well, you're right about my error - but they still just don't sell lenses in the stores, apparently. I'm still surprised they sell the bodies, but I wasn't going to argue the price after a random general merchandise coupon. Of course, it was the most expensive grocery shopping I've ever done!

 

[theboys]

You pay $79.99 for a year of Prime Membership. Anything that is Prime shipping will come in two days, no shipping charges. If you want something in one day you pay $3.99. Not everything is Prime but 90% of the time what I order is. (My DH always manages to find something obscure that isn't, lol.) The $80 pays for itself in no time. I've ordered things regular 2day prime and had them on my doorstep that evening (usually books) or the next day. When I bought the D700, I ordered it Friday morning paid the $3.99 and had it in my hands almost exactly 24hrs later. At Christmas I used it to buy and ship gifts out of state, so NICE! Anytime I order anything from somewhere else I'm stunned at how long it takes to ship and get here. I'm 100% spoiled by Amazon Prime.

You can get the 90day trial and select "do not auto renew" and try it out. They don't hassle you to join and you get your deliveries free for 90days. They also have Prime for students which is free and one for Moms but I can't remember the stipulations for that one.

The biggest thing to remember is to make sure it's Prime and in stock. (DH forgets that, haha) Above it will tell you how many hours you have to get it by a certain day.

I have to agree with you 110%!! We're long-time Amazon Prime members and we take advantage of it as often as possible. We earn that money back in no time, and often receive items in only 1 day without paying the $3.99 for overnight service. There isn't much that we don't buy that doesn't come from Amazon...super fast delivery, the lowest price you will find anywhere, and NO sales tax (as long as you don't live in a state where Amazon has a distribution center). We've ordered everything from a 54" flat screen TV, Mac Powerbooks, vitamins and toothbrushes...and never had to leave the house! The only nice thing about the big box stores that remain (like Best Buy) is that we visit them to compare products and be able to see and touch in person...then we go home and order from Amazon (or place the order from the store on our iPhone using the Amazon app). Yea...I know...a little much for most people...what can I say. LOL

If you're ever looking for lenses (or anything camera related), dont forget to check out eBay. I've purchased just about everything camera related (except for my camera body) off eBay, and have always had great luck. That's where I found my prime lens, along with Pocket Wizards, lighting....you name it. Craigslist is another good one, but the selections aren't as good unless you check it daily (and often people want more than what it's worth).

I know this didn't help your initial question...but just wanted to chime in for future purchases. I hope you had a great time at the aquarium!