Z600 TC - Smartest way to purchase?

[KurtH]

I have bought many items from them over the years with no problems, but as I now live in a high-tax state, B&H Payboo provides a better deal.

Thanks Barbara, that's kinda the way I'm leaning but I'm trying to inch out where the best deals are (purchase and trade-in). I don't like the trade-in figure B&H gave me for my z600 6.3 but my home state (Arizona) sales tax is 5.6% so that "saved" $860 is hard to beat at the moment.

 

[KurtH]

I buy a bunch from B&H but as it's cross border I can't buy camera/lens hardware from then. For the 600 tc (which I own) I wouldn't have bought it online anyway; definitely for cameras and lenses I always go to my trusted local camera store(s).

Hi Steve, totally understand. I put it out to several local stores (about 2 hours away in Phoenix) and neither reached back to me...not interested I guess. Unfortunate. I'm ok with buying gear on-line from B&H or the likes, they've always treated me well with the big purchases. Although the Z600 TC is probably the biggest single purchase I'd be making with them if I go that way. I did the Z9 with a few lenses from them but that still doesn't come close the Z600 TC .

 

[Mal Paso]

The lens doesn't take front element filters.

Kase UV Filter Kit for Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S Lens

 

[AlanB313]

We're talking about approx. $1000 difference between B&H (no tax) and a brick-and-mortar store. I'm all for supporting the little guy, etc., but not to the tune of $1000.

Are you guys still willing to take 10 crisp $100 bills out of your pocket (additional, beyond the price of the camera), count them out, and give them to the owner of a brick-and-mortar store for the sole purpose of keeping him/her in business? At that point, you are literally supporting a bad business model.

Now if that brick-and-mortar figured out a way to provide something tangible for that extra $1000, I might consider it. It doesn't have to be something physical (filters, etc.). How about services (beyond implying, undefined, some type of extra support as some have mentioned). A free seat in an in-person master class for <insert photography topic here> that would otherwise cost patrons $500 or $700 (but my seat is free for the purchase). Now that's a business model that may draw people to use that brick-and-mortar. Doesn't have to be an item, doesn't have to be equal to or better than, just something that offsets that cost somewhat. An attempt at providing value added, not just saying "support me from those evil on-line stores (that, BTW, figured out a better business plan).

World is changing, not my place to pay an extra $1000 to keep a bad business model chunking along.

My local brick and mortar store matched a B&H price for a lens bought. During covid when I bought my d500, the store couldn't get inventory and told me to get it at B&H.
I use my store when I can. But they often may not have specifically what I'm looking for.

 

[ssheipel]

Kase UV Filter Kit for Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S Lens

Which B&H ain't gonna toss in

 

[Mal Paso]

Which B&H ain't gonna toss in

Exactly! lol

 

[KurtH]

Thanks to everyone that provided their input, experiences, and opinions on the best purchase options. The information obtained on this forum, and on this thread, was invaluable as it led me to what I believe was the best choice. After looking hard at many of the options, I ended up using B&H.

It ultimately came down to the best price, but other considerations were also in play (local shop, support, etc.). B&H's Payboo card dropped the overall price by $868 and I couldn't find anyone that could come close.

I took delivery this morning and it's a beast. I'm transitioning from the 600PF to the 600TC so it's going to be interesting. I had no idea the difference between these two lenses was so dramatic, it's crazy.

Thanks again everyone! Kurt

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[Mal Paso]

Wow!