Shopping on internet for the next lens can be challenging not knowing who to trust. This article by Bob Atkins explains very well where NOT to shop.
http://www.lensplay.com/lenses/lens_buying.html
Some of the shops that I use.
Amazon is good but not always the cheapest. If you are a Prime member, it may be worth while -- the minor difference in price can be justified by free two day shipping. Also, Amazon has one of the best return policies in the market. Watch for the changing price on Amazon. They lower and raise price (I couldn't figure out the pattern but it seems weekends are most expensive and week days are better.)
B&H has most constantly good price if you use discount code. This code was easily available on forums but I don't know about now.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/
Some of the other sites:
BuyDig -- fairly good with minimum "up sale" calls.
http://www.buydig.com/shop/home.aspx
Adorama -- decent. I shopped couple of times with good experience.
http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl
Onecall
http://www.onecall.com/default.aspx?BCPID=1307
J&R
http://www.jr.com/
If all else fails, I try PriceGrabber and read the rating on merchant information.
http://www.pricegrabber.com/
Hope this helps.
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7 comments:
oh this is fantastic, especially the first article. i always wondered about the quality of those brooklyn stores. thanks for posting!
Richard, on another note. I'm interested in getting a prime lens, mostly to shoot portrait shots of my kids. I see the following 2 lenses on Amazon:
EF 50mm f/1.8 II at $76
85mm f/1.8 USM Telephoto at $347
The reviews on the 50mm lens are above average, and the reviews on the 85mm lens seem fantastic. From your knowledge, would you consider the 85mm lens worth the extra cost? Or would you say the 50mm can fulfill most of basic needs for portrait shots? Thanks!
James,
IMO, they serve different purpose. Obviously, it is personal choice but 85-135mm is good portrait and head shot focal length whereas 50mm is good general purpose. 85mm f/1.8 is known for its sharpness and many people love this lens. 50mm f/1.8 is best bargain lens canon sells currently. It is sharp when stopped down but built quality leaves something to be desired (mostly plastic construction).
Having mentioned this, if you have 1.6x crop body (RebelXTxx, 20D, 30D, 40D), 50mm f/1.8 is actually 80mm (35mm equivalent). This can be used for portrait and should serve you well. However, you will be much more satisfied with results from 85mm f/1.8.
The extra cost is worth it for 85mm f/1.8. Also, if you can, I would pick up both since 50mm f/1.8 can be so much fun (and inexpensive). I use my 50mm (f/1.4 version) on all 1.6X, 1.3X and full frame body often. It is small, compact, and great for family gatherings and casual shots -- it brings more artistic side of photography.
Good luck!
Richard, that's very helpful. Thank you.
I noticed your post on 16Jan'07, you reviewed a Tamron 70-300mm lens.
Is this the same lens as the one I see on Amazon with this description at $176?
Tamron AF70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Lens with hood for Canon DSLR Cameras
Here's the URL: http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-AF70-300mm-4-5-6-Macro-Cameras/dp/B000EXOXVA/ref=sr_1_2/103-0043485-3314223?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1190527946&sr=1-2
Overall, would you say you are happy with this lens? It seems like a good budget deal.
Thanks!
sorry, i guess URL's don't post too well on this comment section. but i'm sure you know the lens i'm referring to. i think gony purchased it also?
Tamron has three versions of this model. One Gony has is the latest one. Again, for the money, you can't ask for more. It is light and sharp (when stopped down).
I would recommand it. I will do an image quality test between this and Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 IS + 1.4Tx one of these days and will post the result.
richard
i look forward to seeing those comparisons. i'm curious to see how much of a better photo an extra $1.5k actually buys.
in the meantime, i'm taking your advice and go with both the 85mm and 50mm prime lenses. hope i can get some shots up soon as well.
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