Reliable but Competitive Pricing in US

[MrTED]

Hi Everyone,

I am looking at purchasing a fair bit of equipment (L Series Lenses and other gear to value of around $5000+) and would like to know some of the more competitive stores in the US.

Using B & H Photo as a comparison, they generally give excellent service with very quick turnarounds, but their price is not always the best. Is there anywhere that is cheaper, either online or shopfront, that is still fairly reputable and is quick to deliver items to you?

You advise and help appreciated.

Nathan

[RichNY]

Beach Camera. But don't expect to see too many reputable places with prices much lower than B&H.

[MrTED]

Beach Camera. But don't expect to see too many reputable places with prices much lower than B&H.

They are a little cheaeper, thanks, I will have a closer look.

Nathan

[DaveSt]

I will second Beach Camera. I just purchased a lens from them this week. They had the best price and free shipping to boot. I received the lens two days after placing the order as well.

[bacchanal]

Sigma4less, but some of there stuff is imported (they do specify).

[blueM]

Another vote for Beach. Take a look at BuyDig also. I think they are basically the same company as Beach. Sometimes the prices are lower.
I have rec'd shipments from Beach very fast. Usually the 2nd day on their free shipping (FedEx Ground, I think). That's probably not going to work for you in NSW. :)

[sumocomputers]

I personally like Amazon (not Amazon 3rd party merchant).

Sometimes their prices are the same or a couple dollars more than B&H and others, but the shipping is free, and their 30 day return policy is very easy to use.

I also watch prices for 30 days, and when their own price drops, just call them up and they refund the difference quite happily. They will even honor multiple price drops within the 30 days. I saved about $120 just this month with that method.

[gjl711]

Another vote for Beach. I just purchased two lenses and a flash and a few filters. Their price was a bit lower almost across the board and with their free shipping it amounted to enough to toss in an additional CP filter. Received everything in 4 days, came package fairly decently so all in all it was a positive experience. I love B&H but lately others have been beating them in price. I wish they would lay off the phone book sized catalog and give us the savings back in lower prices.

[angryhampster]

I've had good experiences with adorama.

[bacchanal]

I've had good experiences with adorama.

You have to watch out with adorama though, some of their sales reps are a little on the aggressive side with upselling and whatnot.

[gasrocks]

Another vote for Amazon.com - best customer service I have ever seen. Often their prices are lower than B&H, though usually about the same. Very often free S&H.

[Pasukun]

I will only shop from these sites.
I have personally dealt with them before, and so far I had no trouble at all.

Amazon
B&H Photo
Beach Camera
Buydig
PC Nation
Sigma4Less
Butterfly Photo
OneCall

[angryhampster]

You have to watch out with adorama though, some of their sales reps are a little on the aggressive side with upselling and whatnot.



I prefer dealing with the internet most of the time anyway :)

[unix04]

canoga camera (but only if you live outside of california)
good service and good prices
you can find them online at canogacamera.com

[astigmatist]

The I like about B&H is their selection is great including accessories and the web-site well designed. If you're aiming to order everything in one place, B&H is probably the best and easiest. If you're just looking for deals, Amazon is VERY good. I've also had very good experience with 17th Street Photo. BTW, 17th photo as well as Beach Camera and Adorama sell through Amazon and prices are sometimes lower through Amazon site.

[lostdoggy]

Do a price check w/ your favorite shopbot like pricegrabber.com or mysimon.com or nextag.com.

There is an old store w/ new online site call H1 don't know the URL its an outfit from PA.

I've done business w/ Adorama, 17 ST Photo, BH, Amazon, Dell, & Buydig.

[dontblink]

canoga camera (but only if you live outside of california)
good service and good prices
you can find them online at canogacamera.com

Canoga Camera is my neighborhood camera store, and I love that place. But it does suck to pay sales tax on multi $1000 dollar purchases.

[unix04]

Canoga Camera is my neighborhood camera store, and I love that place. But it does suck to pay sales tax on multi $1000 dollar purchases.

i hear ya on that... but it's actually pretty nice for all your needs under $500 (if you live within cali). the cheaper items are usually $10~30 cheaper than the prices at BH. the price discount and no shipping almost negate the tax AND you get brick and mortar service. cant beat that! hehehe

[MrTED]

Thanks everyone, I am compiling a list at the moment and will be purchasing in the next few weeks/months.

Nathan