Buying Nikon Lenses from Best Buy
- Thread starter Steve B
- Start date
Horoscope Fish
Senior Member
In my opinion a legit Nikon lens is a legit Nikon lens regardless of who sells it to me.
If you know it's what you want and you like the terms, what's not to like?
......
If you know it's what you want and you like the terms, what's not to like?
......
I don't see any problem, especially if you don't need any advice or help from them. I bought my d3100 on a one day sale from BB at an incredible price back when they it first came came out. I don't have any real camera stores within an hour drive so I buy online a lot. I usually try to order from B&h or Adorama if the price is good, because they have been helpful with questions that I email. I live in NY so my stuff usually comes next day. If the Bestbuy payment plan works for you and the price is good, go for it.
Mfrankfort
Senior Member
I have a friend that works at Best Buy that has gotten me a few things for my camera. They're an authorized dealer, and sell legit products... but I'm with MoabMan, in the fact that they know NOTHING about camera's. Atleast the one that I go to. If you know what you want, I'd get it from there. But don't rely on them for much help, lol.
Steve let me make a suggestion, rather than buying from Best Buy purchase the lens from a local camera shop. The reason being is if you need actual knowledgeable input (not necessarily this purchase but in the future) the camera shop is your odds on favorite that they can give you good advice. As to price, generally a camera shop is not going to be able to compete against a big box store. However, when I was actively racing mountain bikes, and I needed a part, I would go online and see what price I could find which was 90 percent of the time cheaper than my local bike store. What I did was print of the website, add in the cost of the shipping and maybe round it up a couple dollars for the fact I could get it right now with no wait. With rare exception, the store was happy to meet my price and they got a sale that would have normally been another one lost to the internet. I do the same thing with my local camera shop. I appreciate the immediacy and them as a valuable resource; they appreciate my business as it is hard for a camera shop when most people taking pictures anymore are using Ipads or phones.
Last edited:
Good point! Look out for the interest free deal. Usually, if you don't pay it completely off in the 18 months, they will then tack on interest from day 1 at a crazy rate. They bank on people not paying it off in time so they can do this.
Yep. They've spent millions researching it, just like 'extended warranties'. Use their knowledge to steer clear
If you can't pay cash, don't do it
Why is that? Three different sites online and three different prices. Granted, one is an overstock seller, but there could be negotiating room or maybe they throw in some extras. Maybe I have a really great camera shop locally, but they will work with a customer that supports the store.
[h=1]Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S VR[/h]$349 OverstockDigital.com
$586.95 Amazon.com: Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S VR Nikkor Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras: NIKON: Electronics
$589.99 Nikon AFS VR ZoomNikkor 70300mm f4.55.6G IFED Telephoto Zoom Lens 2161 - Best Buy
I should have clarified, most reputable retailers will have equipment like that for the same price. Many online vendors MAY offer things cheaper for a variety of reasons. With something like new glass, I'd much rather pay a little more buying from a reputable resource I believe I will have no issues with in the event there is a problem
Regarding Amazon, anyone can sell on Amazon. You need to be sure WHO you are buying an item THROUGH Amazon (just like ebay, although ebay does not to ANY product fulfillment).
Overstock - You have no idea where that product came from. Might be legit, might be 'gray box', might be refurbished. It's hit or miss. Over $200 off a $590 item is a lot of money. One has to ask why is it so cheap? When it comes to electronics and things like that, I take no chances personally.
It's like buying tires from a site like tirerack.com. Sure you might save $100 or so, but if there is a problem there is a HUGE hassle, not to mention some tire shops will not install products they didn't sell, and I don't blame them. I'd gladly pay a little more for true customer service sometimes.
Last edited:
Thanks for the input everyone. I try to support our (one) local camera store when I can, I bought my D7100 and a couple of my lenses from them, but there are times when I don't want the lump sum on my credit card and due the next month. I only carry a balance on puchases that I have financing on (Bill Me Later, Best Buy, Amazon) and make sure that I pay them off within the financing window. I suppose you could also argue that if I buy it from Best Buy I am supporting a local business. I only buy camera gear from a short list of trusted retailers. There are some things it just isn't worth trying to save a penny or two on. It is just unfortunate that smaller businesses, such as locally owned camera shops, can't work with someone like Bill Me Later to offer some form of financing. Anyway, I am pretty sure the lens will get ordered tonight. Happy Birthday to me!
My local dealer will usually sell at the Bh, amazon prices, they make a higher margin on accessories. I deal with them quite a bit and they generally throw in extras or discounts on accessories. When I bought my G15, they gave me the internet price and upgraded my PNY pro sd card from 8g to 16g for the same price. I bought my D600 from them and when I discovered the dust issues, they swapped it out immediately. I would have gone nuts if I had to pack it up and send it back to an online retailer. They also give me a free lens rentals (because they know I'll eventually buy it). I just pay $15 for insurance (which I want!) and I can have any lens for the weekend.
That's a real score.
I buy most everything I can, not just photo gear, off the Internet. I like delivery service. The one retail camera store within 50 miles of me considers 15% off retail a great deal.
Angelos Ballao
New member
I find this somewhat true. One time, I told them if they have the 50mm f/1.4D in stock. They said yes. And you know what? They showed me the 50mm f/1.8g. I was like, "No, no, no. I mean the f/1.4D." Apparently, they didn't know the difference between 'D' and 'G'.