Shopping For Gear Through Amazon.com

I would use B&H KEH or Adarama before Amazon but thats me.

Amazon's fine, I've shopped there many times, they can use a course in packaging though, and alot of delivery services like ups and fedex treat Amazon packages like books that can tossed around, probably because of their history in books. But I just ordered a lens today and though Amazon was on my list, they didn't offer any deals, and the kicker I found is they now collect tax in a number of states. I ended up ordering from Adorama which is where I usually order from anyhow (or bhphotovideo). Adorama is good for stuff like camera bodies, they generally toss in a number of niceties like extra battery or a bag or memory cards, etc. BUT, Adorama tend to have items out of stock but don't list it as out of stock and you find out only after you make your order which can become a hazzle. If not for Adorama's "extras", I would normally order from bhphotovideo.


-W

amazon isn't always cheaper than everyone else, but they are good for reviews. i always check outside of the place if i needed something. avoid ebay, you could get a gray market and you'll never be able to send it in for repairs. i've gotten lots of things from amazon, but you still have to do your homework first. however for big ticket items i use bhphoto, JR.com and i think TigerDirect, though that might have been for computer stuff. some shifty stores will send you a camera and remove the batteries, selling you those at some other price.

what lenses are you looking for?

because you can still get them used for less, they just don't have the same warranty's.


---Mike Savad

the only thing i don't like about BH and adorama is that they are closed on every single jewish holiday, and it's like 7 days at a time. i remember one month where they were only open for 4 days.

---Mike Savad

You'll find that B&H and Adorama are often the sellers on Amazon. I've dealt with them both and never had any problems, and if you go to their websites and get on their emailing list they will often send special sales to you that are not found on Amazon or their websites.

Amazon is the next Wal-Mart. Deals are good, customer service is good but I'd rather have some other camera stores still around to choose from so I order from other sites when possible.

I bought a new lens from B&H - but had to send it back - it had a small scratch on the rear element. They were good about giving me a refund and replacing the lens. I mostly buy from Amazon - never had a problem with them.

Dave Gordon
http://dgportfolio.net