Best site to buy photo equipment in the USA

[Antonio Correia]

A young friend of mines is going to the US and would like to buy camera/photographic equipment and asked if I could recommend a place where he could buy with confidence.

As long as I know, the warranty of material bought in the US is not valid within Europe. A shame indeed.

So, there is a certain amount of risk involved in this bought and he must buy at a reliable place.

To begin with I suggested B&H.

Would you recommend this house ?

Any other options ?

Thank you !

[Colin Southern]

B&H without hesitation. Heck - I've ordered from them 3 times in the past 2 weeks, and I'm in New Zealand! I might also add that 2 out of the 3 orders from B&H have already arrived (the last only placed 2 days ago, and even that's probably on it's way), whereas I'm still waiting on an order I placed FIVE weeks ago via a local supplier that comes through a national agent.

At the end of the day, B&H have the goods - they have the knowledge - they have the service - their prices are sharp - and they have integrity. What more could you ever ask for?

Check out reseller ratings for them.

[Antonio Correia]

Hello Colin.

That's what I thought.
Thank you so much !

[Colin Southern]

Hello Colin.

That's what I thought.
Thank you so much !

No worries Antonio - it's a business doing pleasure with them (as the prostitute said to the bishop!) (old joke!).

[Antonio Correia]

No worries Antonio - it's a business doing pleasure with them (as the prostitute said to the bishop!) (old joke!).

And she was right, wasn't she ?

[Jim B.]

I buy from B+H exclusively.A great company to deal with.I'm in the process of returning a lens for exchange.It was 20 days past their window for returns,but they are taking care of it without hesitation.Shipping is the fastest I have seen for any company I have dealt with.You can't go wrong.

[Antonio Correia]

I buy from B+H exclusively.A great company to deal with.I'm in the process of returning a lens for exchange.It was 20 days past their window for returns,but they are taking care of it without hesitation.Shipping is the fastest I have seen for any company I have dealt with.You can't go wrong.

Great ! Thanks Jim !

[Dave Humphries]

I'm in the process of returning a lens for exchange.

Oh dear, is there a story here?

[Blazing fire]

Many will recommend B&H, as colin had. I personally cannot testify to this though.

[Antonio Correia]

What's up ?

There was a post before this one !
Am I wrong ?

[Jim B.]

That was mine,Antonio.It really didn't have much to do with the topic.Just me whinning about my gear problem for vacation

[Antonio Correia]

That was mine,Antonio.It really didn't have much to do with the topic.Just me whinning about my gear problem for vacation

Oh I see.
But it a point of view wasn't it ?

[Jim B.]

Not really.Dave wanted to know why I had to send my Sigma 12-24 back.It has a soft zone, which is a known issue of this lens.I'm going to give another one a try.

[Radu Dinu Cordeanu]

Hi
I bought from B&H and Adorama.I heard and about Ritz but I did not.
Radu Dinu

[Colin Southern]

My closing thought on the topic is "if you don't buy from B&H, at a minimum, check the reseller rating of the store that you do buy from". The likes of Sonic Cameras had great pricing - a great looking website - and were about as genuine as a Rolexxx watch. Terrible reputation for bait & switch - fraud - and outright lies.

Apparanty "Sonic Cameras" are out of business now - but I wouldn't be at all surprised if the same crooks opened up a new store the very next day. So pays to do your research.

[Antonio Correia]

My closing thought on the topic is "if you don't buy from B&H, at a minimum, check the reseller rating of the store that you do buy from". The likes of Sonic Cameras had great pricing - a great looking website - and were about as genuine as a Rolexxx watch. Terrible reputation for bait & switch - fraud - and outright lies. Apparanty "Sonic Cameras" are out of business now - but I wouldn't be at all surprised if the same crooks opened up a new store the very next day. So pays to do your research.

Thank you Colin.
Nice of you to let me know all these important "details".

[PopsPhotos]

I have purchased from both B&H and Adorama. Both have been outstanding. I stick with Adorama for my processing, but whichever of the two has the price gets my (new) equipment business.

Pops

[Antonio Correia]

I have purchased from both B&H and Adorama. Both have been outstanding. I stick with Adorama for my processing, but whichever of the two has the price gets my (new) equipment business. Pops

Thank you !

[Amberglass]

You didn't say where your friend was visiting in the US unless he/she is visiting New York where BH and Adorama (the two I used most) is located. Calumet is another great photo and video store to deal with. FYI, Adorama is pretty much BH's direct competitor in New York. If you're friend is staying outside of New York, he/she can save some money via mail order; avoiding the sales tax and some items may include free shipping. Just compare the websites for the best deals.

Another option would be www.keh.com for mail orders in second hand gear. In case your friend is on a tight budget.

[Antonio Correia]

You didn't say where your friend was visiting in the US unless he/she is visiting New York where BH and Adorama (the two I used most) is located. Calumet is another great photo and video store to deal with. FYI, Adorama is pretty much BH's direct competitor in New York. If you're friend is staying outside of New York, he/she can save some money via mail order; avoiding the sales tax and some items may include free shipping. Just compare the websites for the best deals. Another option would be www.keh.com for mail orders in second hand gear. In case your friend is on a tight budget.

Great tip.

In fact he - it's a he - is going to NY.
I am sure he will read this post because I gave him the link to.

Very kind of you. Thank you