Do camera stores carry stock any more?

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

I'm a big believer in online shopping so I guess I only have myself to blame that there's no such thing as a well-stocked camera store in my area. I'm really thinking about the Canon EF 24mm-105mm f/4L IS USM as my first piece of "L" glass. I wanted to actually look at it and try a few shots before committing, though. More importantly, there was a big festival in town this weekend, and if I liked it, I was looking forward to getting some use out of it.

I called every store listed on Canon's web site within 120 miles of me. I also did a Google search, then did an EBay search to see if any of the Buy-It-Now auctions were near Virginia. Not only could I not find anyone within driving distance with the specific lens in stock, I only found two stores that had any Canon L-series lenses at all. (One store had one lens, the other store had two.)

Guess you've got to live in NYC to walk into a store and buy a nice lens any more?

 

[bob100]

I'm a big believer in online shopping so I guess I only have myself to blame that there's no such thing as a well-stocked camera store in my area. I'm really thinking about the Canon EF 24mm-105mm f/4L IS USM as my first piece of "L" glass. I wanted to actually look at it and try a few shots before committing, though. More importantly, there was a big festival in town this weekend, and if I liked it, I was looking forward to getting some use out of it.

I called every store listed on Canon's web site within 120 miles of me. I also did a Google search, then did an EBay search to see if any of the Buy-It-Now auctions were near Virginia. Not only could I not find anyone within driving distance with the specific lens in stock, I only found two stores that had any Canon L-series lenses at all. (One store had one lens, the other store had two.)

Guess you've got to live in NYC to walk into a store and buy a nice lens any more?

I guess so. Stores like Best Buy, HH Gregg, etc. have replaced the local camera stores.
Adorama and B&H have a 30 day return policy so you can try out a lens and if you don't like it return it

 

[photo_chick]

I guess I'm lucky to have a handful of full service camera shops here in the Dallas/Fort Worth area that do stock all thngs Canon and Nikon here. And one or two that have the "other" brands.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

Yeah, I'm luck too. I have two Calumet Photographic locations near me.

 

[Smooshdog]

I'd suggest renting it before buying! I rent all L series glass before buying! try borrowedlenses.com.