par4fore Loc: Bay Shore N.Y.

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

Try to find the regular price frim old ads so you have something to compare. I got a huge laugh out of a local camera store's ads. Laat summer their price for a particular camera was $699. During the past seasons holiday sales ads, the same camera's sales price was $699. Regardless of store, make sure you know their regular price and the manufactures suggested retail price, too. These give a starting point.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

I think I would go for the refurbished from Nikon USA for $1250, rather than $1100 for a used one at Adorama. An extra $150, just for assurance is worth it to me. A new one is about $1400.

romanticf16 Loc: Commerce Twp, MI

This is a relatively new lens, in high demand. I doubt you'll see it on sale any time soon. Even factory refurbs are few and far between.

baseball dad

I think the consensus is that since this lens is still in it's novelty phase (i.e. Nikon making money), I am unlikely to find a serious deal unless I am willing to go gray or used. I am an "in for a penny, in for a pound" kind of person and will look to get the best new price on the lens. Perhaps I can at least find who will give me the most frequent flier miles!

Thanks all for the enlightenment!

Dragonophile

My understanding is that Nikon or Canon can only set the price authorized dealers can ADVERTISE. I have purchased a Greentoe Canon camera for less than standard price from authorized dealer with warranty. The dealer seems to get in no trouble since they never as advertised lower price. Is that the case?

WessoJPEG Loc: Cincinnati, Ohio

I buy all my cameras and lenses on Craig's List.

Bugfan Loc: Toronto, Canada

Actually no, nothing ever goes on sale.

To be a licensed distributor for Nikon or Canon or most of the other manufacturers of cameras, lenses and accessories, the retailer has to sign a contract that also stipulates that it is the manufacturer who establishes the selling price. Some manufacturers offer a bit of leeway on pricing but most do not. So ... when you see a Nikon or Canon product on sale it was set by the manufacturer, not the retailer.

I had a close relationship with a professional camera store for about a decade and a half and that was a question I had asked in the past. Add to that the store often would offer me discounts but in each case the discount was minor. As they explained to me many times they were contractually prevented from giving me a good break.

I used to think this was price fixing, and in fact I still think that, but it seems that the retailers have managed to find some glitch that allows them to get away with this.

If you want sales and competitive pricing look at the resellers of used equipment. They are not constrained by a manfacturer's contract if they are not "authorized" dealers and as a result they actually do compete with each other. That can get you good prices sometimes. But as to the vendors of new products, the only thing that goes on sale is whatever the manufacturer decides to clear out.

romanticf16 Loc: Commerce Twp, MI

I've read several tests where 3 or 4 samples were rejected before a good one was obtained by the tester. Perhaps a Nikon refurb would be better than "new", as it would be adjusted to factory specs and tolerances?

Dragonophile

So how does Greentoe get around the price fixing? You turn in a copy of the sales receipt as part of the warranty process. Greentoe only sells USA products from authorized dealers.

Dragonophile

So how does Greentoe get around the price fixing? You turn in a copy of the sales receipt as part of the warranty process. Greentoe only sells USA products from authorized dealers.

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

GRAY MARKET, GRAY MARKET, GRAY MARKET.

jethro779 Loc: Tucson, AZ

USED, USED, USED, USED.

Read the entire ad.

(Download)