Where do you buy your camera's and lenses?

[Jackatkc]

I was wondering where you buy your camera's, lenses, etc. I see there are lot's of online stores that are much cheaper than the brick & morter stores. I am somewhat worried about buying from a places I have never heard of though. Would anyone like to share which places they have had success with?

Thanks,

Jack

 

[YEKCIM]

Success:
B&H
Beach
Butterfly
Amazon
Buy.com
Dell (really!)

Of those, B&H is generally accepted as the best. You should definitely check www.resellerratings.com before buying from *any* online retailer.

~YEKCIM

 

[deletedpenguin]

I bought my Canon 30d at Costco, but get my lenses from B&H.

 

[fitzperry]

Yeckim is absolutely correct to check resellerratings before purchasing on-line. I've passed on some ostensibly great deals because of information I've found there and likely saved myself a lot of trouble in the process.

I'll also second the recommendation for B&H. I've ordered quite a bit from them. They ship promptly, things are packaged well, prices are reasonable, and they are handle returns well too. We've also ordered from buydig.com and Amazon and been pleased.

That said, I bought my D70 and two of my lenses from a locally owned shop because I want to support them and want their support when necessary. Their prices are always fair, so I didn't lose too much $$ by going that route.

 

[jann1033]

i would add J& R to the above list although sometimes they are high priced.( haven't used dell personally) imo beach and buy dig are usually the best prices but sometimes b& h is really close...amazon can be crazy high or in line and often uses another store ie adorama, etc to ship from. i have also bought from fotoclub and some other amazon store (?)as well as adorama with no problem...truthfully while i have usually researched before hand, i have never had a problem with any online store and use them all the time...guess i've just hit it right

 

[DisneyGirl4188]

I bought from beachcamera.com I chose standard shipping and had it in two days.

 

[Jeanne B]

I've purchased cameras and a lens from beach and buydig (sister sites) and a lens from Amazon. I purchased my Pentax 50mm prime from OneCall. I see B&H and Adorama recommendef often although I haven't purchased anything from them yet.

I always choose free shipping with beach and buydig and my orders have always shipped FedEx the same day and have been delivered in 1 or 2 business days.

 

[boBQuincy]

I usually buy our photo equipment from B&H, their service has always been good. I have bought a few items from Adorama (indirectly through Amazon) and their service has been good also.

 

[photo_chick]

I have used B&H and been very happy with them.

 

[Groucho]

I'd go with Beach for camera bodies and Adorama or BH for lenses and accessories. (Sometimes Beach's lenses are higher-priced than at the others.) The downside for me with Adorama and BH is that they're in New York State so I have to pay sales tax. I had bought a few things from well-rated eBay resellers as well (like my tripod) with no problems.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

The downside for me with Adorama and BH is that they're in New York State so I have to pay sales tax.

Even people living in states outside of NY are obligated to pay a "use tax" when ordering online, assuming that their state levies a sales tax. The difference is that when ordering from a merchant with a presence in your state, the merchant collects the tax for you. In other cases, you are legally obligated to file and pay the tax yourself.

 

[handicap18]

I have bought a body, lens and flash on amazon.com. A lens at ritzcamera.com, onecall.com and at keh.com (awesome for used lenses).

I've bought SD cards at amazon.com, buy.com and newegg.com.

1 other lens I got locally. Needed it in a matter of days and didn't want to pay the overnight shipping. It would have cost more doing it that way online than buying it locally. I've bought a bunch of other accessories locally as well and also other accessories online.

 

[garris3404]

I've purchased from these with no problems and great service.

17th Street Photo
Adorama
B&H

 

[Yellow_Stitch]

I bought from Butterfly and they shipped the same day.

 

[DizGeek]

B&H
Adorama
JR's
Amazon...although now, I find myself buying through Amazon more due to their "Prime" account....good deal.

 

[Groucho]

Even people living in states outside of NY are obligated to pay a "use tax" when ordering online, assuming that their state levies a sales tax. The difference is that when ordering from a merchant with a presence in your state, the merchant collects the tax for you. In other cases, you are legally obligated to file and pay the tax yourself.

My mother is a IRS-certified master tax preparer, believe me, I know about that law.

However, I also drive 60 in a 55 mph zone, know what I mean? Let's just say that Uncle Sam doesn't need to know everything that I buy!

Tell you what, New York State, start seriously enforcing the "no cell phone when driving" law and maybe I'll start declaring more of my internet purchases. That's my little protest.

 

[Jeanne B]

However, I also drive 60 in a 55 mph zone, know what I mean? Let's just say that Uncle Sam doesn't need to know everything that I buy!

Yup, I'm guilty too (what percentage of us aren't) and I'm an accountant, how bad is that?!!

 

[Groucho]

My sister is an accountant... and I'm quite sure that she also doesn't declare her internet purchases...

Err, 'scuse me, there's someone knocking at the door... that's funny, I wonder what the police could want, maybe they're here to warn me about an escaped mental patient or something?