tropics68 Loc: Georgia

I buy from the one with the best deal. To me not a whole lot of difference. I'll second the gas card suggestion,

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

For new equipment either one. I thought about this and couldn't think of anything that really set one above the other as far as Canon goes. But for personal shopping B&H is like a Disney Land over Adorama. More stuff out to see and handle.

HelenOster Loc: New York

Thank you so much - I'll be sure to pass your appreciation on to Mark and our ALC editor

HelenOster Loc: New York

I'm so sorry to see that this was your experience; it's 100% true that when our own brand was first launched we didn't have systems in place to resolve issues like this. But we do, now.

Marionsho Loc: Kansas

I have to second buying local. To many local shops are going broke.
Marion

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

For me B&H and Adorama are local,

NikonCharlie Loc: Kansas USA

I like em both, but usually use BH

picbysandi

I swear by B&H. I just purchased a huge tele lens for my camera and realized once in Yellowstone I forgot a shutter release cord. They shipped one right out.
Anything I've ever ordered from B&H over the many has been great, fair priced and always arrived in excellent condition. Any issues were always addressed and resolved in a professional manner.
I would not hesitate to give someone a gift card for B&H.

Dannj

[quote=picbysandy]
.....I would not hesitate to give someone a gift card for B&H.

You could give me one😊

Spudwheat Loc: South Central Idaho

IDK anything about Greg's, but local is best. Why don't you inquire as to what she wishes she had, or investigate by swinging by the store and observing her. I just dealt w/Adorama and am less than impressed. (Sorry, folks)

Spudwheat Loc: South Central Idaho

Very funny! She'd be more impressed with lunch & a trip to the local camera shop.

NikonCharlie Loc: Kansas USA

I'm in the market for a 500 f4 Nikkor now (mine died and can't be repaired). Buying local will be a massive local and state tax amount, saved by going to Adorama or B-H. Both ship quickly. I will buy from which of these two have the best price. Tax alone is a good reason to buy from the NY houses.
I guess this is off topic, excuse me wont do this again.

Photo One Loc: Clearwater Florida

I also favor B&H.

Kenny

SonoraDick Loc: Tucson

Wow, four pages of responses, and each one with thoughtful and well-reasoned advice. Thanks to everybody who took the time to share their opinion.

I opted for an Adorama gift card. This is a young gal who's achieved a terrific photographic honor, and I thought an appropriate gift would have to be photography-related. That's why I ruled out a Visa or similar card, which, granted, would have given her much more flexibility. But I wouldn't have been any more comfortable giving one of those than if I'd just slapped a $50 bill in her hand. I checked out the online site of the local shop suggested, but couldn't even find any prices listed; didn't seem very user-friendly. In-store (the other side of town), they're probably fine.

The Adorama-B & H question was a tossup; couldn't go wrong with either. Like many others here, I'm a customer of both. I think Sharpshooter's reply about education (thanks very much!) tipped the balance to Adorama. But, if I had to guess, I'd say the card will go toward a tripod. I saw her checking out my friend's (purchased from Adorama) pretty closely last week.

Thanks again for all of the suggestions. Much appreciated!

mjgoulet

B&H. Their site is so much easier to navigate and their customer service is second to none.