Hi,
I'm going to Kalkan in Turkey in June, and am thinking of upgrading my Nikon 70-300 VR lens to capture some of the birds in the area. I stayed nearby last year and the variety of new birds was amazing - Kruper's nuthatch, Long-legged buzzard, Black-headed bunting, Short-toed eagle, Syrian woodpecker among many others. Can't wait.
My problem though is where to buy a new lens. I have my heart set on the Nikon 300 F4 with 1.4 TC combination, as I've read rave reviews on birdforum, although I'd be interested to hear if anybody has the sigma 120-400 as a cheaper alternative. The various forums make me very nervous about where to buy, as they talk about 'grey imports', and poor service from some vendors. In motorcycle terms (which I'm more familiar with), a grey import is a model which is not usually available in the UK. This does not seem to be the same when referring to camera lenses, and some of the prices advertised vary so much it makes me wonder if there is a catch with some of the cheaper stockists.
Without risking libel action, does anybody on this forum have any advice on which vendors are safe? I don't want to buy cheaply but risk problems with after service. This lens business is like a drug by the way - I only bought the camera and 70-300 this Christmas!
Any advice gratefully received.
Simon
Hi Simon
I usually buy from Warehouse Express, they have very quick and cheap delivery and are usually fairly cheap. All stock is UK so no probs with warranties etc. If you want a very good service try Mifsud, they are a small business in Devon and their prices often match or are cheaper than Warehouse Express. I have dealt with them (bought a Nikon 300 f2.8 lens) and the service was very good. Also they only sell UK stock, so no grey imports. If you want a local shop try RGB in Middlebrough they are usually good and you can see what you are getting.
If you are thinking of the Nikon 300 f4 compared to the Sigma 120-400 then I would say go for the Nikon. I have the Sigma 150-500, and although the lens is not bad, I am saving for the Nikon 300 f4 as it is in a different league to the Sigma.
I found simply electronics to be good and as cheap as anywhere when I bought my gear. The Nikon lens is in stock
http://www.simplyelectronics.net/mainproduct.php?pid=904
Stew
Quote from: StewH on March 04, 2011, 09:18:42 PM
I found simply electronics to be good and as cheap as anywhere when I bought my gear. The Nikon lens is in stock
http://www.simplyelectronics.net/mainproduct.php?pid=904
Stew
Um! I'd suggest doing a Google search on them - I dare say everything may go according to plan and have no problems but I know quite a few people have had issues with this firm. There's been quite a bit of discussion about them on Bird Forum and other forums over grey imports and poor customer relations.
At least with a UK stockist you get a warranty and a reliable service should there be any problems.
Hi,
Personally I would get it from either Warehouse Express or RGB. The first has an excellent reputation and the second is local and also a good price. It may cost you £130 more than a grey import but for me the peace of mind would be worth it.
If I was going to buy a grey import I would go for http://www.onestop-digital.com/ where it is £839 incl postage. They are up front about all they do and pay pack any VAT you get charged. They did have a good reputation last time I looked but before I bought from them I would go a search as Ian mentions to check
I have used RGB in Middlesbrough a few times and would recommend them to anybody,very friendly,knowledgeable and good prices
Not sure about Nikon lenses but, certainly for Canon, you'll do well to get one other than as a 'grey import', without horrendous waiting times.
Basically, the web-based merchandisers buy them, directly, often from Hong Kong. Not sure why this would make the products any less reliable?
I used simply electronics on recommendation from RGB - who I went to first but couldn't quote a delivery time other than 'many months'.
Stew
Beware of Simply, I to have heard bad press about them.
If you go for the Nikon 300 then try Mifsuds (www.mifsuds.com/) they are Nikon professional stockists and they usually have most of the lenses in stock (Nikon 300 f4 £949 + PnP)
id stay away from simply electronics it took me over a month too get my lens even though they taken the money the same day as ordering. it took a phone call and email nearly everyday to be told they were having delays from nikon and it would be soon
for they 30 quid i saved on the price id rather of paid the extra and got it from rgb who ive had no problems at all with over the last few years
Thanks everybody for replying
The posts reflect others I'd seen about some bad experiences with vendors such as Simply Electronics. The Sigma 120-400 I was considering is £100's cheaper, but £529 for a 'budget' lens is still a lot of money for me so I need to be absolutely sure I can get good after service. As Ian and others have said, most purchases from such places are probably fine, but I break out in cold sweats thinking I might end up splashing out then be unhappy either with what I've bought or with after sales service.
I think I'm still going to go for the Nikon 300 F4, taking into account the reliable vendors you have suggested. I've also seen a used 300 F4 at Mifsuds which I may consider.
Thanks again
Simon
On the subject of new lenses I have two suggestions, as a pro photographer I have been most impressed with Dale Photographic in Leeds and for second-hand or near new try Camtech near Cambridge. Both on web, and great to deal with....
Good Luck,
Whitfield
Regarding RGB, according to RGB Website it states that RGB Photo is no longer trading.
shame about the news about RGB, always found them friendly and very helpful
Hi,
I've had a look into this and apparently they were just loosing money supplying photo gear so they have stopped to concentrate on the printing side of their business and moved into Riverside Park in Middlesbrough as http://www.brighouseprints.com . I will remove them from the website links menu when I next update
Regards,
Jamie