sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

I have been nosing around for a Canon 85/1.8. Almost everyone on the planet sells them for $419 (+tax+shipping depending on seller, could be free on both)
Adorama has a $50 mail-in rebate bringing item cost down to $369. Canon sells them refurbished for $335.
Ran across a advertisement by americacameras for $321, no tax, free ship. Along with lowest price came some a few positive reviews and a host of poor ones, upselling, rude sales staff, failure to ship, cancellation of orders etc. Being the eternal optimist that occasionally overcomes logic, I tried to phone to mirror my first e-mail, in my attempt to get some answers to three questions. Is it grey market or U.S.A. warranty, what comes in the box, and are they in stock to ship today or tomorrow. Phoned 6 different times, three different dates. No one even picked up. Sent them two e-mails. No response. Their phone number is not toll free. When I called yesterday, the recorded message said they will be closed until this Sunday. I get that, no problem.
Not ranting but more of an awareness update. My last e-mail said if I did not hear back from them in 2 days (4 days ago) I will assume they had no interest in selling to me , or my questions about grey market etc. (first e-mail) indicate terms of sale may be different than advertised.
After second e-mail, decided will not buy from them in any case.
Canon factory refurbished has floated to the top of the list.
Curious if anyone has had a similar or even good experience with this company?

u02bnpx Loc: NW PA

You might have saved yourself a lot of time by checking this business out here:

http://www.resellerratings.com/store/AmericaCameras

This is a highly recommended site for checking out the history of all kinds of online stores, not just photo dealers.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

They may have done you a favor, by not answering your calls or email... Sounds like they saved you a ton of grief by not being able to place an order with them.

Haydon

Check out B&H at the url below. They have a used copy for $270 rated at a 9 condition wise.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/801121470-USE/canon_2519a003_ef_85mm_f_1_8_usm.html/1314/KBID/1724/KWID/used-28187687/SID/used-28187687

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

Check out KEH.com, they specialize in used photography equipment of all types, and lenses are there bread and butter. I've bought several from them. There grading system is conservative, so you'll actually get a better lens than you think. Mine both look new, and work perfectly, and saved me a lot of money. All the lenses come with a warranty, and trial period. Good luck.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Appreciate the site link. It goes back to the best deal vs. best value for me. By the reviews contained in the link, they are a classic bait & switch outfit. Thanks

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Thanks fellow hoggers. Will be going to B&H and KEH to have a look see. Thank you for your responses.

joe west Loc: Taylor, Michigan

id buy it was canon and say thank you very much, refrub, is like new you know

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Scam.

Ralloh Loc: Ohio

I would not even consider putting up with this crap to save so few dollars. Buy from one of the reputable firms.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

I was more curious than anything to see if they would even respond to my e-mails. Some of the reviews I read said that they are know for selling imports but they don't advertise them as such. They are also known for selling import camera kits then telling customers (after placing the order) that the battery and charger are extra.
I guess the only question that remains in my mind is how are they still in business?

BTW - did check KEH without luck, Adorama does offer a used for about $270 in excellent condition, and I am thinking I will go with either that or the refurbed Canon from the factory for $65 dollars more unless they will deal on the used model.
Thanks everyone - just wanted to share info on this particular seller. Analysis is correct IMHO - avoid and save headaches.

phkowalchuk Loc: Aurora, CO

I've worked with B&H and Adorama. Found them equal and great. Other than one local shop, no one else. The one time I did, I found, as noted above, that the camera was gray market, had no strap, no battery, no charger. Had to get AmEx involved in order to make the return and get my money back.