Buying New Online

What kind of experiences have you all had with buying new lenses from online stores such as Amazon? I'm looking at a $700 price on Amazon for a brand new 17-40L versus $870 from my local retailer. I've bought plenty off of Amazon and have never had a bad experience, but I've not bought any photo gear.

just buy it from a reputable dealer and it should be fine.
sounds like a good deal; go for it.

I have never had an issue with any of my too many purchases at Amazon.

I dont mind buying gear or less expensive lenses like the 50mm 1.8II, but for a $500+ lens, i would much rather buy from someone like B & H photo, who i have bought 3 lenses from and a flash and always had a great experience, fast shipping and support. Id be curious if anyone has bought good lenses off Amazon and had a good experience. Right now your lens is 700 (free shipping) with the instant canon rebate at B & H Photo. http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_EF_17_40mm_f_4​L_USM.html

Hope that helps

Do some research on the seller but certainly purchasing online is great option. I always start by checking the price and availability with B&H and Adorama. Few reputable vendors beat them on price so if nobody else does I go that route. Amazon should be fine as well, I just dont like the endless supply of emails and crap they send you.

I've bought almost all my gear online mainly because of price. Amazon is a quality merchant, so is BH, Adorama, Canoga, Buydig, and several others. Find the gear your interested in at the price your willing to pay, then check the retailer here:
http://www.resellerrat​ings.com/
Look at their 6 month and lifetime ratings. Someone scoring above 9 with almost 2000 reviews in the last 6 months is a pretty decent indicator that they are legit and of high quality.
http://www.resellerrat​ings.com …B_H_Photo_Video​_Pro_Audio
Someone scoring a 8 or less with only a handful of reviews is less trustworthy.
http://www.resellerrat​ings.com/store/SkyPoin​tDigital

Thanks, I pulled the trigger at Amazon. I've also bought from Adorama and had a good experience.

I love Amazon so much that I signed up for Amazon Prime. Costs me like $79 a year but I get free two day shipping or $3.99 for overnight on any order. Kinda makes going out of the house to buy things even less appealing than before haha. I would say half of my house was purchased from Amazon. I wouldn't worry about it too much.

Amazon is a great company but Amazon marketplace seller could be somewhat tricky.

My only problem with Amazon and other online reputable retailers is the fact that they have taken too much of my money. And I keep giving it to them!

As a matter of fact, I ordered my 17-40L from Amazon (sold my Amazon) last year. The price was competitive, shipping was quick. That said, had I known better at the time, I would have probably purchased the lens from Adorama, or B&H Photo; or any other reputable online retailer.

I am all for giving patronage to local camera stores, but the sales tax is a big deterrent -for me anyways.

Should you choose to order from Amazon, I would just be sure to be aware of who is actually selling the item ... many retailers use Amazon as their online storefront.

It's actually much easier to return stuff at Amazon vs my local photo store, and it is cheaper. I really want to support local, but I can only give up so much.

I believe the 17-40 on Amazon is sold from Adorama so either way you are fine, both are reputable dealers.

The problem is not with Amazon or other retailers

vitacura wrote in post #10453850
My only problem with Amazon and other online reputable retailers is the fact that they have taken too much of my money. And I keep giving it to them!

tkbslc wrote in post #10454652
It's actually much easier to return stuff at Amazon vs my local photo store, and it is cheaper. I really want to support local, but I can only give up so much.

I completely agree... My problem is as much as i want to support local stores... when they sell items AT MSRP then add tax, you are talking a VERY good amount more then buying online.

Ive purchased from amazon, adorama, b&h, cameta, beach, etc... All reputable camera stores.

I always go to amazon first though. They have awesome customer service, the return policy its super easy, and exchanges are even better! If you need to exchange a product, they send you the new item first, (next day shipping even) then you return your defective item.

Not only that, but theyre shipping times are way more accurate and they update you on the process a lot better then any other online retailer ive dealt with.

I dont know why you would say or think adorama, bh, or etc are better then amazon.

I bought my d700, mbd10 and sigma 50 in one fell swoop for a little over 3k without even the slightest concern because they ship quickly, they keep me updated, and i know there customer support rocks.