Purchase options (Page 3): I agree...

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

cjc2 wrote:

Although I do love my B&H and Adorama as well, I would finding a local dealer as most good ones would also have the same price. I believe in supporting local dealers, when that makes sense, to help keep them in business so they'll be there when I need them. Best of luck.

I agree

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

Selene03 wrote:

I have had excellent luck buying refurbished lense... (show quote)

From what I've been told B&H has opened a new warehouse in NJ and they are having some startup issues. I have also had poor packaging issues on more than one occasion. I also concur with you about FedEx and I hope B&H listens and returns to UPS. On this past Monday three packages were shipped to me. Two arrived Thursday and one yesterday. No bad for packages that should have arrived the next day as we're talking less than 100 miles. I'll give them a day for poor weather, but the rest was their own fault. I am also using alternative sources until B&H stops using FedEx. Best of luck.

rwoodvira

Abe's - no, no, no. Do a search and that will confirm my opinion. Do local if you can and your budget will allow. If you know exactly what you want Greentoe is an option, and have a major constraint.Again, read the notes on them. Lastly, make sure to buy something with a US warranty. My 2 cents.

bpulv Loc: Buena Park, CA

junglejim1949 wrote:

I have been considering a lens purchase and there are many options.

My question is:
1) Is it better to purchase from manufacturer (Canon)?
2) Purchase from Amazon?
3) Purchase from B&H?
4) From local Best Buy?

I live in Sacramento, CA

The prices are the same and I am wonder what advantage there might be.

Thanks for your input,
Jim

I purchase most of my from Adorama, B&H or Sammy's Camera. I never buy directly from Nikon because Adorama and B&H always give me the best price, which is often the same as Nikon's, however their before and after purchase support is superior. Also, they sometimes beat the Nikon factory price of offer package deals that make it worth it to do business with them.

As far as Sammy's goes, they are about 20-miles each way from me so I limit my purchases to when I can't wait for the mail or to high end items that I must touch and try before purchase. They are the most expensive option, however since everything is sold a list price plus California sales tax.

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

rwoodvira wrote:

Abe's - no, no, no. Do a search and that will confirm my opinion. Do local if you can and your budget will allow. If you know exactly what you want Greentoe is an option, and have a major constraint.Again, read the notes on them. Lastly, make sure to buy something with a US warranty. My 2 cents.

Heard Abe's a no-go by many hedgehoggers...
That is why I have reached out to the group.

jackpinoh Loc: Kettering, OH 45419

junglejim1949 wrote:

I have been considering a lens purchase and there are many options.

My question is:
1) Is it better to purchase from manufacturer (Canon)?
2) Purchase from Amazon?
3) Purchase from B&H?
4) From local Best Buy?

I live in Sacramento, CA

The prices are the same and I am wonder what advantage there might be.

Thanks for your input,
Jim

If price is the same, what is the return policy? 7days, 14days, 30days?

latebloomer Loc: Topeka, KS

boberic wrote:

If there is a local store near you, and the price is about the same, buy from them. It's a benefit to have dealings with locals, assuming they are a reliable outfit. Mike's camera. Looks like it might be worth a look

Unless the item is pre-owned, the cost new at a local reliable camera store will be set by camera/lens company and will be the same as the larger BH, Adorama, etc. stores. At the local store you will be able to handle the equipment, take test shots in the store or outside, and receive good advice while asking questions. It also helps keep the store open. It is a luxury to have a local reliable camera store.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Ditto Canon refurbished products.

JeffDavidson Loc: Originally Detroit Now Los Angeles

B&H reputable , no tax or shipping fees.
Amazon similar but for a lens, questions, suport, etc., I would definitely go with B&H.

I have been using them for years.

ppkwhat Loc: Gibsonton, FL

junglejim1949 wrote:

I have been considering a lens purchase and there are many options.

My question is:
1) Is it better to purchase from manufacturer (Canon)?
2) Purchase from Amazon?
3) Purchase from B&H?
4) From local Best Buy?

I live in Sacramento, CA

The prices are the same and I am wonder what advantage there might be.

Thanks for your input,
Jim

Please add Adorama to your list. They are great and most of the times they add extras at no cost included in the price. (Filters, cleaning kits, hoods, etc). My favorites are B&H and Adorama. Both are great and with excellent reputation.

davidb1879

RE: JUNGLEJIM: I think B & H is your best bet. They have a "no questions asked" 30 day return policy. Their representative have photography expertise. You can call them for advice. Davidb1879

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

davidb1879 wrote:

RE: JUNGLEJIM: I think B & H is your best bet. They have a "no questions asked" 30 day return policy. Their representative have photography expertise. You can call them for advice. Davidb1879

Consensus seems to.be B&H. Thanks to all!

fantom Loc: Colorado

junglejim1949 wrote:

I have been considering a lens purchase and there are many options.

My question is:
1) Is it better to purchase from manufacturer (Canon)?
2) Purchase from Amazon?
3) Purchase from B&H?
4) From local Best Buy?

I live in Sacramento, CA

The prices are the same and I am wonder what advantage there might be.

Thanks for your input,
Jim

I would purchase from B&H in a heartbeat over the others for the many valid reasons presented by other posters.

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

fantom wrote:

I would purchase from B&H in a heartbeat over the others for the many valid reasons presented by other posters.

Robert1 Loc: Davie, FL

I do purchase from B&H mostly, but Adorama is just as good. Best Buy is a joke for photo equipment and/or technical support/advice.