I like Berger Brothers (516-496-1000) in New York. They’re great to work with. Ask for Brad.
Where to purchase? [re Nikon gear]
- Thread starter bkashner
- Start date
If you would like to post, you'll need to register. Note that if you have a BCG store account, you'll need a new, separate account here (we keep the two sites separate for security purposes).
jhorsch
Active member
I started with local camera shop but over time migrated almost exclusively to B&H because of a) wide offerings (pretty much anything you could want), b) sales tax savings using their PayBoo card (8.25% tax here), especially for large purchases, and c) excellent service and easy returns/exchanges. Also offer fair prices for used gear.
I've bought from Allen's Camera for years, 30ish. Allen was a bit easier the deal with than Brandon but I still phone him some. Only once I bought from Roberts Camera in Indianapolis, D2x camera. Mike (?) Baird, nice fellow, is he still there?
But many many times B-H has sold me gear. I expected a delivery yesterday but it did not show on schedule. PayBoo is a money saver. I contacted Henry a time or two with a concern, he is instantly on it.
But many many times B-H has sold me gear. I expected a delivery yesterday but it did not show on schedule. PayBoo is a money saver. I contacted Henry a time or two with a concern, he is instantly on it.
NeilH
Active member
We used to have a number of really good, knowledgeable local camera stores, but they have all closed and now the only one within any reasonable distance is 75 miles away. More than double that for the next one. Always liked supporting a local small business, but really tough now. I miss those days.
So, I had a Nikon handgun scope that after 15 years the front lens fell out of. It came with a lifetime warranty, so I returned it. Since Nikon no longer makes scopes, they gave me a credit that I could use only on the Nikon web site. With my credit I picked up a refurbished D7500 for $460 out of pocket last week, which pretty much maxed my "really don't need it" budget. I had a D7500 before and had a good experience with it. When I examined the camera I'm thinking it was actually brand new. Shutter count was 0. Looked it over with a magnifying glass and it was perfect. Don't know what experience others have had with Nikon refurbished, but I was really pleased. Have to check their site periodically.
So, I had a Nikon handgun scope that after 15 years the front lens fell out of. It came with a lifetime warranty, so I returned it. Since Nikon no longer makes scopes, they gave me a credit that I could use only on the Nikon web site. With my credit I picked up a refurbished D7500 for $460 out of pocket last week, which pretty much maxed my "really don't need it" budget. I had a D7500 before and had a good experience with it. When I examined the camera I'm thinking it was actually brand new. Shutter count was 0. Looked it over with a magnifying glass and it was perfect. Don't know what experience others have had with Nikon refurbished, but I was really pleased. Have to check their site periodically.
Roy
Well-known member
I have a long relationship with a local camera store.
The problem with B&H and Adorama is everyone buys there and they only get a limited amount of stock.
Whereas the local shop seems to look after me...
ricardo00
Well-known member
You already got lots of great advice but didn't see anyone ask the question, what are you looking to buy? Nikon gear that is "plentiful" (ie. in stock at most places) or hard to get items which have just been introduced? Do you know what you want or interested in seeing it first? Depending on the answers to these questions might effect where to buy the item?
I live in northern Arizona and have been doing business with B&H for many years. In general their service has been excellent. I've been able to return a couple of items that have been problematic with very little trouble. And their shipping is generally fast. One caution regarding their Payboo card that they use as a means to save you the sales tax: if the item you want exceeds the credit line the charge won't be approved. And Comenity Bank can be very narrow minded about increasing your credit line. It becomes an issue with some of the more expensive lenses.
ricardo00
Well-known member
You can split the purchase between your Payboo card and a regular credit card fairly readily at the time of purchase. I had to do that for awhile because as you said, Comenity Bank wouldn't give me the same limit as my prior Payboo card.
Sometimes I feel that I'm the only person in the world who's ever had issues buying refurbished gear from Nikon. I've twice gone the refurbished gear route, directly from Nikon. Those two items, a camera and lens, were my only pieces of Nikon gear that I ever had issues with. Granted, the camera, a D7100, could have been (likely was) damaged during shipping. The lens, a 70-200 f2.8 AF-S G VR II, flat out quit focusing one day when I was taking some family candid photos. I tried it on multiple bodies with the same results. That soured me on refurbished gear.
Not A Speck Of Cereal
Well-known member
I saved a ton of money using the B&H Payboo card. And I've had mostly good luck with them over the years.
I do shop at my local dealer, but if I'm making a very large purchase with something like a grand in taxes, I go the Payboo route. I can't afford not to.
I have contributed locally—just before the Payboo card, I dropped nearly $20k at a regular dealer here.
Chris
I do shop at my local dealer, but if I'm making a very large purchase with something like a grand in taxes, I go the Payboo route. I can't afford not to.
I have contributed locally—just before the Payboo card, I dropped nearly $20k at a regular dealer here.
Chris
Our last local camera store closed in 2020. I do buy from one a 5 hour drive accross the state from here in good weather.
During my move to Z9, Z6II, Z800 etc. I bought where I could find the gear and that was not B&H or Adorama.
I found several brick and mortar stores that sold on line and none charged sales tax for shipments to Idaho. I have established a good working relationship with one in California where my Z9, Z6II, Z800 and more has come from. Shipments from them normally takes 2 days ground, 3 if ordered on a Friday and over night air was included on Z9 and Z800.
Savings on the 6% sales tax added up fast and I got to get my normal cash back savings from my regular credit card.
During my move to Z9, Z6II, Z800 etc. I bought where I could find the gear and that was not B&H or Adorama.
I found several brick and mortar stores that sold on line and none charged sales tax for shipments to Idaho. I have established a good working relationship with one in California where my Z9, Z6II, Z800 and more has come from. Shipments from them normally takes 2 days ground, 3 if ordered on a Friday and over night air was included on Z9 and Z800.
Savings on the 6% sales tax added up fast and I got to get my normal cash back savings from my regular credit card.
For big ticket items B&H using the Payboo payment option is a no brainer. The money you save depending on the tax you save could be enough to buy a new lens. I have been a B&H customer for over 25 years and never had an issue with any of my purchases.
ricardo00
Well-known member
BlackRockArt
Well-known member
I will chime in with others: buy it from your lovely mama and papa camera store.
Oliver
Pistnbroke
Active member
Einfinity.com never buy anywhere else ...
Chiguy
Member
Roberts Camera is a family owned store in Indianapolis area been in business a long time I have had good luck with them also ProCam they have stores in Napervile IL Cincinati OH and Novi MI I have ben to the Naperville store many times very competitive pricing and big variety of products
Used both and all went well. Used Roberts in conjuction with Nikon Trade in deal at the Used Camer Pro branch. And as the others no sales tax when shipped to many states including Idaho.
Chris K
Well-known member
I buy local when I can, and B&H when I can't. Adorama and Best Buy are my backups, and Amazon is my absolute last resort.
As everyone else said, a local shop if you have one is best. If not, I currently would only use B&H of the three you mention. I used Adorama for years and spent around $20K over the years but my last order there was a major issue and they were completely uncooperative and uncaring in fixing it (even when I offered a reasonable solution). I will never use them again. Amazon may be ok, but B&H has stellar service and offers a no-hassle 30 day return policy. Nikon is more difficult getting returns (it can be done, it's just more of a hassle).