Reliable Equipment Vendors
Nov 27, 2016 00:45:00 #
I am in the market for a new Nikon lens (18-140), or possibly a new camera kit. I have looked at Nikon, some of the major online outlets (B&H, Adorama, etc.), local stores, and the many eBay sellers. I don't want to spend any more than necessary for either the lenses or camera, but am concerned about getting a product that I am paying for. The price differences are incomprehensible.
Are there any online vendors, particularly eBay vendors, that anyone can recommend to be trust worthy?
What do i need to be wary of?
Thanks for your help.
Randy Hammond
Are there any online vendors, particularly eBay vendors, that anyone can recommend to be trust worthy?
What do i need to be wary of?
Thanks for your help.
Randy Hammond
Nov 27, 2016 05:00:31 #
Since you asked about Nikon, I can help you with this one. Welcome to the forum. I see this is your first post. Please note, check the search info portion of UHH. When buying from B&H, Adorama, ect. you have chosen companies that will do more for you than just sell you a lens. Some cities have Nikon dealers that have established themselves over the years and have outstanding local reputations. Stay away from bait and switch stores with big names and a lot of internet advertisement. Don't buy gray market. If you buy off eBay, know why they are selling their lens. Do they want to upgrade, or did they drop it? The lens might look good cosmetically, but does it function properly? The lens your asking about is a good lens and might very well do what you want it to do. The lens is not one I would personally buy, but if I did, I'd buy it as a referb from say Adorama, National Camera, Roberts, est. Remember the cost of a usable warranty is not free.
Nov 27, 2016 05:11:55 #
RanHam wrote:
I am in the market for a new Nikon lens (18-140), ... (show quote)
You sound like you are trying to get new gear at used prices, which I would caution you against. Buying used is a gamble if you are new to the game, but a great way to save money when you are been doing it for a while. A third way is to buy Nikon refurbished - it's half way between the used prices and new.
I buy 90% of my gear used, but I've been doing this for 50 yrs. I have never been bitten by a bad deal, except for buying a pair of Sunpak speedlights from an estate sale on eBay, and the seller misrepresented the condition of the items - one was completely defective. I did not pursue, because the price I paid was only $20 for both. The amount of used gear I have purchased over the years is in the 6 figure range, most of it used.
Nov 27, 2016 07:33:09 #
I have bought on-line from B&H, Adorama, and Cameta. Those stores are all reputable and often have sales and specials.
My experiences with ebay have all been fine as I'll only buy from sellers with excellent ratings. The same goes for Amazon.
I will also give a thumbs up to buying refurbished equipment - never been disappointed.
My experiences with ebay have all been fine as I'll only buy from sellers with excellent ratings. The same goes for Amazon.
I will also give a thumbs up to buying refurbished equipment - never been disappointed.
Nov 27, 2016 09:27:15 #
I have bought many items from B & H and some from Amazon. Completely satisfied with both and would recommend either. I lean towards B & H for personal satisfaction. Check their used items on internet. They are usually spot on.
Nov 27, 2016 10:01:03 #
Be careful of some of the Amazon sellers they will sell you imported product without US warranties. Not all of them do but watch for major pricing differences.
Nov 27, 2016 11:21:49 #
You can also consider KEH camera. They sell used and the items i have bought there so far were under rated for what they said they were.
http://www.keh.com
http://www.keh.com
Nov 28, 2016 05:42:31 #
Approach your local crack heads and tell em what you want. Take a picture to leave with them and point out places where lots of folks with cameras hang out.
Within a week you will be offered all sorts of stuff they have "found" so you can take your pick. I got a Nikon 7200 at a ridiculously low price and the blood stains came off with a damp cloth. I also bought a Canon and a Sony and made a fat profit on Ebay. Best of luck bro!
Within a week you will be offered all sorts of stuff they have "found" so you can take your pick. I got a Nikon 7200 at a ridiculously low price and the blood stains came off with a damp cloth. I also bought a Canon and a Sony and made a fat profit on Ebay. Best of luck bro!
Nov 28, 2016 06:29:39 #
Roberts, Hunts photo, ePhotocraft all good places to buy online.
Nov 28, 2016 06:41:52 #
The bottom line is that official Nikon dealers have to offer products at the MSRP and can only lower the price when Nikon has an official sale and/or rebates. Others offer "Grey Market" products - these are purchased overseas and imported by others than Nikon. The good news/bad news: Nikon USA will not repair these if repairs are needed. Some grey-market dealers offer third-party warrantees that will cover repairs at non-Nikon repair centers. You can save 20-30% by getting a grey market camera - it's a crap-shoot. It is very unusual to require repairs during the warranty period. So - you pay your money and take your chances. If you want a non-grey-market camera or lens, make sure it says "Nikon USA Warranty". Also be aware that you may see certain packages and then find a lower price elsewhere - check carefully to see if the lenses are the same. I have seen that, although Costco sells decent packages, their packages of cameras and lenses often have a lesser quality lens assortment than the nationally advertised packages.
Nov 28, 2016 08:39:29 #
RanHam wrote:
I am in the market for a new Nikon lens (18-140), ... (show quote)
Adorama, Amazon, B&H, Crutchfield, and Hunt's are just a few of the good sellers. I've bought lots of used lenses on ebay with no problems at all. Refurbished lenses would also be less expensive. A much lower price on new gear indicates that it's probably gray market, with a limited warranty. To be sure it's a new Nikon USA lens, ask the seller. When you get it, register it with Nikon online. If it's not a USA model, you will find out then.
Nov 28, 2016 08:40:01 #
jethro779 wrote:
You can also consider KEH camera. They sell used and the items i have bought there so far were under rated for what they said they were.
http://www.keh.com
http://www.keh.com
Yes! Excellent!
Nov 28, 2016 09:15:41 #
Try Craigslist. You might have to wait for what you want to become available but I have purchased probably 20 used Nikon lenses listed on our local Craigslist in Austin. I have NEVER had an issue with any lens I've purchased - you see, you can feel, see and try it out before you buy. Buying used has allowed me to buy and try many lenses I'd otherwise not be able (or want) to afford. Example: bought a Nikon 105mm f2.8G on Craigslist for $300. No box but otherwise complete and in perfect condition. Sells on Amazon new for about $900.00. These roses taken with this lens.
Nov 28, 2016 09:50:14 #
mas24
Loc: Southern CA
RanHam wrote:
I am in the market for a new Nikon lens (18-140), ... (show quote)
Today is Cyber Monday. There are many vendors that are participating in deals until 11:59 PM. Check them out.
Nov 28, 2016 12:49:23 #
ABC plus a few others. Adorama, B&H, Cameta, Roberts, MidWest Photo, KEH are all good.
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