Same question, different day: I was looking thru Ebay for Nikon lenses and came across an ad from "The Pixel Hub" offering the Nikon AF-S 16-80mm I'd like, for $719.99. Whoa. Which...

moosus

I was looking thru Ebay for Nikon lenses and came across an ad from "The Pixel Hub" offering the Nikon AF-S 16-80mm I'd like, for $719.99. Whoa. Which begs the question: Has anyone dealt with, or heard of, these folks. The online blurb is generic. Just leery. Thanks in advance. MM

Sirsnapalot Loc: Hammond, Louisiana

You can usually tell by the feedback they’ve received weather their legit or not

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

I have not done business with Pixel Hub and am not defending them. Their own policy statement says 3 different times that any returned items must be in the original manaufacturer’s packaging, must include all original parts, accessories and warranty cards, and must not have been mishandled by unauthorized repair agents. That all sounds pretty aboveboard to me.

https://www.amazon.com/sp?seller=A16C74U1D8NTV2

moosus

Yes, I saw they had a 98% customer satisfaction rating but I often wonder who does the math for these sites. They've been online since 2011, again good. It just seemed a little…suspect?

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

moosus wrote:

I was looking thru Ebay for Nikon lenses and came across an ad from "The Pixel Hub" offering the Nikon AF-S 16-80mm I'd like, for $719.99. Whoa. Which begs the question: Has anyone dealt with, or heard of, these folks. The online blurb is generic. Just leery. Thanks in advance. MM

I don't see The Pixel Hub on Nikon USA's list of authorized dealers, so, the lens you are looking at is almost certainly grey market, if that makes any difference to you.

https://cdn-6.nikon-cdn.com/where-to-buy/nikon_img_auth_dealers.pdf

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

I always look at the negative ratings to get an idea of what can go wrong. If I see shady practices complained of by several people I go elsewhere.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

moosus wrote:

I was looking thru Ebay for Nikon lenses and came across an ad from "The Pixel Hub" offering the Nikon AF-S 16-80mm I'd like, for $719.99. Whoa. Which begs the question: Has anyone dealt with, or heard of, these folks. The online blurb is generic. Just leery. Thanks in advance. MM

This lens is commonly paired with the D500 as a kit and Nikon commonly offer's this lens at 50% off when used as part of the Kit package.
I would suggest looking on Ebay, folks sometimes buy this Kit and then sell the lens later on Ebay at a nice price for a lens that is mint.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=nikon+16-80mm+f%2F2.8-4&_sacat=0&rt=nc
Make sure no matter who you buy from that the lens is a US lens, other wise it will not be serviced by Nikon. And make sure the pixel hub is offering a US lens, that way it can be repaired under US warranty for one year.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

I don't know anything about this outfit. But I stay away from sources I have never heard of. My .02

aellman Loc: Boston MA

moosus wrote:

I was looking thru Ebay for Nikon lenses and came across an ad from "The Pixel Hub" offering the Nikon AF-S 16-80mm I'd like, for $719.99. Whoa. Which begs the question: Has anyone dealt with, or heard of, these folks. The online blurb is generic. Just leery. Thanks in advance. MM

For all ebay transactions, you have to look for a seller with a very high rating and a ironclad return policy. With those two things, you are fairly safe. If the worst ever happens, ebay will come to your aid with their buyer protection policy.

Dalek Loc: Detroit, Miami, Goffstown

I agree, if the seller is not on Nikon's approved dealer list --- DO NOT BUY!

Dalek Loc: Detroit, Miami, Goffstown

Do not like this
All non defective items over $1000.00 are subject to a minimum mandatory 15% restocking fee.
Pixel hub has no address or phone number. Amazon states they have been in business for 15 years and has a staff of experienced photographers. However, you are not able to talk to them. I was unable to verify who Pixel Hub is.