Darin Brunin
EF5
I have to throw in some love for http://buydig.com. I have used them several times and have never had a problem. They usually have better deals than B&H as well.
-
After witnessing the continued decrease of involvement in the SpotterNetwork staff in serving SN members with troubleshooting issues recently, I have unilaterally decided to terminate the relationship between SpotterNetwork's support and Stormtrack. I have witnessed multiple users unable to receive support weeks after initiating help threads on the forum. I find this lack of response from SpotterNetwork officials disappointing and a failure to hold up their end of the agreement that was made years ago, before I took over management of this site. In my opinion, having Stormtrack users sit and wait for so long to receive help on SpotterNetwork issues on the Stormtrack forums reflects poorly not only on SpotterNetwork, but on Stormtrack and (by association) me as well. Since the issue has not been satisfactorily addressed, I no longer wish for the Stormtrack forum to be associated with SpotterNetwork.
I apologize to those who continue to have issues with the service and continue to see their issues left unaddressed. Please understand that the connection between ST and SN was put in place long before I had any say over it. But now that I am the "captain of this ship," it is within my right (nay, duty) to make adjustments as I see necessary. Ending this relationship is such an adjustment.
For those who continue to need help, I recommend navigating a web browswer to SpotterNetwork's About page, and seeking the individuals listed on that page for all further inquiries about SpotterNetwork.
From this moment forward, the SpotterNetwork sub-forum has been hidden/deleted and there will be no assurance that any SpotterNetwork issues brought up in any of Stormtrack's other sub-forums will be addressed. Do not rely on Stormtrack for help with SpotterNetwork issues.
Sincerely, Jeff D.
Buy From These Companies!
- Thread starter Darin Brunin
- Start date
Dan Cook
EF5
Spinoff of the bad company thread. Post good experiences with online companies you've had here.
Buydig, BH, Adorama have all been good to me.
Buydig, BH, Adorama have all been good to me.
I've had great experiences with these companies - some for over 10 years:
Allen's Camera - no online, but just call Allen - awesome!
J&R
Newegg
Amazon (only purchasing if it goes through Amazon itself - no third party)
B&H
Adorama
Wimberley (the only place I get my tripods from)
Skywatch - even has updated website! I've used RealEMWIN for at least 4 years now, it is great!
StickyPod - have had good experience so far, and Tom was great with answering all my questions - while in the middle of another store!
Have many more
- but those are majority for weather stuff.
Allen's Camera - no online, but just call Allen - awesome!
J&R
Newegg
Amazon (only purchasing if it goes through Amazon itself - no third party)
B&H
Adorama
Wimberley (the only place I get my tripods from)
Skywatch - even has updated website! I've used RealEMWIN for at least 4 years now, it is great!
StickyPod - have had good experience so far, and Tom was great with answering all my questions - while in the middle of another store!
Have many more
- but those are majority for weather stuff.
Wes Carter
EF5
I buy most of my stuff through these sources because they have been almost trouble-free. If you do have trouble, they will work to resolve the problem.
KEH Camera Brokers
http://www.keh.com/
My favorite source of used gear. They are based out of Atlanta and have a wide variety of used gear, some of it the latest greatest that people have bought and decided that it wasn't for them. You can buy much of it at signifigant savings over new. They also sell new stuff at competitive prices. Their grading system is very conservative in your favor. I have a few reservations reccomending their repair service, which is still fairly new. One of my chase partners had a bad experience which they did resolve, but it kept his camera out of commission for a good while.
Roberts Distributing
http://www.robertsimaging.com/
When I worked quite a bit as a stringer for Reuters many of the people I worked with used Roberts. Although their selection of used gear is not as great as that of KEH, they are another good source of used gear. I have not used them as much as KEH because they don't always have what I need but they are fair and reliable.
Midwest Photo Exchange
http://www.mpex.com/
This is a second hand reccomendation. Although I have never used them I know a few people who do. They tell me they are a good reliable source of used gear. They also sell new gear and according to their website their prices are competitive, at least on the items I priced. I don't have any personal experience with them so take it for what it's worth.
Adorama
http://www.adorama.com/
I know someone mentioned them earlier, I'm just casting my vote in their favor. They have always been good to me.
There are some good dealers in the New York area but there are some real losers as well. Just remember that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. You might miss a good deal every once in a while but you will miss more bad deals than good. Just weigh the risk versus cost. Would you risk $500 to save $100?
KEH Camera Brokers
http://www.keh.com/
My favorite source of used gear. They are based out of Atlanta and have a wide variety of used gear, some of it the latest greatest that people have bought and decided that it wasn't for them. You can buy much of it at signifigant savings over new. They also sell new stuff at competitive prices. Their grading system is very conservative in your favor. I have a few reservations reccomending their repair service, which is still fairly new. One of my chase partners had a bad experience which they did resolve, but it kept his camera out of commission for a good while.
Roberts Distributing
http://www.robertsimaging.com/
When I worked quite a bit as a stringer for Reuters many of the people I worked with used Roberts. Although their selection of used gear is not as great as that of KEH, they are another good source of used gear. I have not used them as much as KEH because they don't always have what I need but they are fair and reliable.
Midwest Photo Exchange
http://www.mpex.com/
This is a second hand reccomendation. Although I have never used them I know a few people who do. They tell me they are a good reliable source of used gear. They also sell new gear and according to their website their prices are competitive, at least on the items I priced. I don't have any personal experience with them so take it for what it's worth.
Adorama
http://www.adorama.com/
I know someone mentioned them earlier, I'm just casting my vote in their favor. They have always been good to me.
There are some good dealers in the New York area but there are some real losers as well. Just remember that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. You might miss a good deal every once in a while but you will miss more bad deals than good. Just weigh the risk versus cost. Would you risk $500 to save $100?
Kory Hartman
EF2
B&H rules... even if it's a touch higher price, it's always the right product, in stock, as advertised, no issues...
I have to mention Full Compass, too... www.fullcompass.com ... don't go by the prices on the website, call a human and ask for a quote... just a hint. Ask for Ron Vogel.
I have to mention Full Compass, too... www.fullcompass.com ... don't go by the prices on the website, call a human and ask for a quote... just a hint. Ask for Ron Vogel.
Mike Davis
EF1
Good Camera equipment companies
I have used BuyDig
B&H
Amazon
Adorama
All have been good. Adorama is good, but is sometimes slow in processing.
Overall, B&H is where many pros go when they need good service. They are not the cheapest, but everyone I have seen that is cheap is also problematic.
Forget SonicCamera or any of their companies, for example. They will be gone in a few months, but will surface with a new name.
I have used BuyDig
B&H
Amazon
Adorama
All have been good. Adorama is good, but is sometimes slow in processing.
Overall, B&H is where many pros go when they need good service. They are not the cheapest, but everyone I have seen that is cheap is also problematic.
Forget SonicCamera or any of their companies, for example. They will be gone in a few months, but will surface with a new name.
Mark Manchester
EF1
I've used http://www.vanns.com/shop a couple of different times and they've been excellent to deal with. Excellent customer service group. I waited a day too long when deciding on a camera and when I went to order it the package that was listed with it earlier wasn't available anymore. I called them and they spent about 30 minutes going through what I could remember being in the package and they bundled it for me at the reduced price and shipped it. 
Alex Fisher
EF1
I usually go to the actual B&H store in NYC for my photography needs. While it is always insanely crowded and the staff isn't necessarily very friendly, they do have great prices and know a TON about the products that they sell.
I have been shopping there for years, and if you can deal with crowds and sometimes cranky staff, I would definitely recommend B&H.
Their used store in NYC is also quite good (the entrance is right next to the main store) , and I have bought high-quality products from there (including an old enlarger) at very low prices.
I have been shopping there for years, and if you can deal with crowds and sometimes cranky staff, I would definitely recommend B&H.
Their used store in NYC is also quite good (the entrance is right next to the main store) , and I have bought high-quality products from there (including an old enlarger) at very low prices.
David Drufke
I've also used:
Beach Camera
Sigma4Less
Never had problems with either, multiple orders.
Beach Camera
Sigma4Less
Never had problems with either, multiple orders.
Chris Gullikson
EF2
On a recommendation I saw here last year, want to give a thumbs up to Barry at www.cameralensrental.com
I am renting a 10-22 Canon lens for a whole month at a rather reasonable price.
Chris.
I am renting a 10-22 Canon lens for a whole month at a rather reasonable price.
Chris.
Stephen Barabas
EF0
If you're big into research, especially dealing with sensible and latent heat flux, or solar radiance or anything of the black body nature, I'd recommend searching Kipp and Zonen.
http://www.kippzonen.com/
http://www.kippzonen.com/
Ryan McGinnis
EF5
I've also had good experience with Calumet -- they're a very legit photography outlet.
Josh Murfield
EF1
Anybody have any experience with Abe's of Maine?
cdcollura
EF5
Good day all...
You also want to consider http://sterlingtek.com
SterlingTek is a battery wholesaler, and NOT grey market or such. As you know, buying camera / camcorder batteries can be a real dent in your wallet. They are SEVERELY over-priced!
For example, a BP-511 battery (for Canon Digital Rebel) can set you back $89 at the stores (such as Best Buy), PLUS tax.
At SterlingTek, I ordered TWO of them for $24 plus shipping ($7). Definitely something to check out for you battery needs.
You also want to consider http://sterlingtek.com
SterlingTek is a battery wholesaler, and NOT grey market or such. As you know, buying camera / camcorder batteries can be a real dent in your wallet. They are SEVERELY over-priced!
For example, a BP-511 battery (for Canon Digital Rebel) can set you back $89 at the stores (such as Best Buy), PLUS tax.
At SterlingTek, I ordered TWO of them for $24 plus shipping ($7). Definitely something to check out for you battery needs.
Richard Dickson
EF2
Windscreens For Camcorders
I know it’s a specialty item that not everyone wants or needs, but I had a heck of a time searching the internet to find a windscreen to fit the shotgun microphone on my Sony VX2100 camcorder. I finally located a small company in Great Falls Montana who fixed me up right away with exactly what I wanted at a very good price.
http://www.thewindcutter.com/shop/
I dealt with a very helpful lady by the name of Rebekah who indicated that they can furnish a windscreen for just about any type of device with a microphone or any application you are using it for. We did a couple of emails deciding the difference in products and styles for what I wanted and it was shipped the same day I ordered it. Seems like a small outfit that really appreciates the business they can get.
I know it’s a specialty item that not everyone wants or needs, but I had a heck of a time searching the internet to find a windscreen to fit the shotgun microphone on my Sony VX2100 camcorder. I finally located a small company in Great Falls Montana who fixed me up right away with exactly what I wanted at a very good price.
http://www.thewindcutter.com/shop/
I dealt with a very helpful lady by the name of Rebekah who indicated that they can furnish a windscreen for just about any type of device with a microphone or any application you are using it for. We did a couple of emails deciding the difference in products and styles for what I wanted and it was shipped the same day I ordered it. Seems like a small outfit that really appreciates the business they can get.
Similar threads
