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DPChallenge Forums >> General Discussion >> Returning merchandise to B&H
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 02/11/2011 10:56:35 AM · #1
I just spent a bundle and bought a camera and three lenses at B&H, and I'm still in the process of testing the equipment. But I am already pretty sure I have a very expensive and defective lens.

Complicating things are the fact that this was a Nikon camera + instant rebate situation.

I bought a 70-200 2.8 VR, a 24-70, and a 28-300 VR, as well as a Nikon d7000.

First I opened the 24-70, and was not too impressed with sharpness for such an expensive lens. Just doing test shots in the house. Then I opened the 70-200 and that seemed much better. Then I decided I should try some focus tests.

I've been a little wary of testing on the D7000, because until I decide to keep that, I have to keep the shot count down (it has to below 150 according to the website).

I just did the 24-70 and it looks like it front focuses. I tried it on two bodies (my D90 and the D7000).

So it looks like I should return that. Here's a sample, the center focus point on my D90, where I always focus, was on PERSEVERE.



Now my question, for anyone experienced returning to them, or anyone from B&H listening...

1) I can return it for exchange, but what happens with the next one? Do I have 15 days to test and decide?
2) The lens is brand new and defective...will B&H pay return shipping?
3) Should I wait until I've tested everything before initiating the exchange, or just deal with them as I find them?
4) If I return it for exchange, will I get a brand new lens, or someone else's exchange?
5) If I decide to try a different lens entirely, can I exchange it under the same terms I bought the original? Get the -300 instant on the other lens instead of this one?

I haven't even opened the third lens yet!

Lots of questions (obviously, if your just writing from your experience, just share what you know!) But I thought someone from B&H might be here too.

ETA: Actually, I see on their return page, they say: "Ship via insured ground service with a tracking number. Return shipping charges are the responsibility of the customer. We are not responsible for lost or damaged packages."

That will cost me about $30 or more given the cost of the lens! That's not right for a brand new purchase. I am pretty sure if I ordered it from Amazon, they'd supply a prepaid return label. And Nikon should test their pro lenses properly.

Message edited by author 2011-02-11 11:28:49.
 02/11/2011 01:52:07 PM · #2
Neil, I wish I could help you but I don't have a relevant experience. All I can do is to give a little bump to this thread :)

Sorry about your troubles! I think you should call them (too late today I guess, they close early on Fridays and don't work on Saturdays), generally their customer service is pretty good and receptive. On the other hand, I am hearing that you can correct focus "in camera". Never tried it before, though. I just my own two new lenses, a 28-300 (same as yours) and 20mm 2.8. So far haven't not noticed any glaring problems, but am going to check them more carefully now, after your post :). Good luck!
 02/11/2011 04:56:23 PM · #3
I returned something to B&H because it appeared to be a used lens instead of a new one and they paid for return shipping and sent out another via 3-day shipping... They are easy to work with.
 02/11/2011 05:07:19 PM · #4
Neil, have you checked the camera menus as most Nikons allow you to micro adjust focusing in camera and lenses using menus??
 02/11/2011 05:58:03 PM · #5
I start with a phone call--I suspect a defective product will get a return shipping label from them. I think the 15 day thing is just if you try it but don't like it, change your mind, etc. You aren't really doing a Return (one way) but an exchange/replace. I'd be very surprised, with their reputation, that they don't pay for return shipping in a situation like this.

Sorry to hear it.

I'm loving my new d7000--can't wait to get out for some serious shooting instead of just playing with settings, popping off random shots at home. :-)
 02/11/2011 06:10:20 PM · #6
Originally posted by SteveJ:
Neil, have you checked the camera menus as most Nikons allow you to micro adjust focusing in camera and lenses using menus??


Yes, I know about that, but if it focuses wrong, shouldn't I exchange it? It's an expensive lens! Or is that "just expected?"
 02/11/2011 06:19:28 PM · #7
I would absolutely consider it a flawed copy of the lens. If you have to make that big of an adjustment on your d7000 to use it (if the adjustment range is even that large), it still won't work properly on other bodies unless they are adjusted too, and many bodies don't allow it. Resale value for such a lens would be diminished. If, like me, you plan to use your d90 as a backup or ready-second-shooter, you need a lens that focuses properly on both, not to mention that this lens is a ff keeper--this lens should outlast your bodies by years and years.

I would not consider it to be normal, expected at all.
 02/11/2011 11:47:46 PM · #8
Originally posted by nshapiro:
Originally posted by SteveJ:
Neil, have you checked the camera menus as most Nikons allow you to micro adjust focusing in camera and lenses using menus??


Yes, I know about that, but if it focuses wrong, shouldn't I exchange it? It's an expensive lens! Or is that "just expected?"


My new 24-70 and 70-200 both are DEAD on with no adjustments on my D700 or D3s. If your lens is off you can

A: Send it back and have it exchanged. They won't pay shipping I'm pretty sure, but will ship the replacement to you at no charge.

B: Send it to Nikon and have it calibrated and not have to mess with it again.

I certainly wouldn't be micro adjusting a brand new lens. Does your D90 do micro adjust? What if you decide to use it on a D200 or something that won't?

Matt
 02/12/2011 01:21:47 AM · #9
henryp is the official B&H rep here on the forums. If anyone can answer your question, he can.

//www.dpchallenge.com/profile.php?USER_ID=40586

I have to say that both B&H and Adorama have taken very proactive roles in monitoring and responding to the online photographic community. They are on just about every photo board that I'm on.
 02/16/2011 11:18:02 AM · #10
Neil:

First we're sorry you're at all dissatisfied with any aspect of this transaction. I know how eagerly you must have anticipated delivery of this stuff and how disappointing it is when any of it is not as anticipated.

I found your order in our sales database and I see you have not yet contacted our customer service folks. They'd issue return authorization with a pre-paid UPS return label and handle the exchange.

I've been a little wary of testing on the D7000, because until I decide to keep that, I have to keep the shot count down (it has to below 150 according to the website).

Actually, the limit is 200, not 150.

1) I can return it for exchange, but what happens with the next one? Do I have 15 days to test and decide?

New lens -- new return policy time period.

2) The lens is brand new and defective...will B&H pay return shipping?

Yes. When you contact customer service make sure you tell them the lens is defective out-of-the-box and you want to exchange it for another.

3) Should I wait until I've tested everything before initiating the exchange, or just deal with them as I find them?

If you can resolve all your testing before the end of the month, doing this all at once is more efficient.

4) If I return it for exchange, will I get a brand new lens, or someone else's exchange?

Brand new.

5) If I decide to try a different lens entirely, can I exchange it under the same terms I bought the original? Get the -300 instant on the other lens instead of this one?

If I understand you correctly, you want to send back lens "A" and instead of getting another copy of the same lens you want to get lens "B" in its place? That's not a problem. If "A" is more expensive there'll be a credit; if lens "B" is more we'd have to charge the difference to your credit card ... or ... we'd simply make the return one transaction and the sale of lens "B" a second transaction using the credit from the return to pay for "B."

Message edited by author 2011-02-16 11:30:18.
 02/16/2011 01:44:33 PM · #11
Thanks Henry...that's reassuring. I've been wanting to retest everything and make sure I got it right before I call to be sure. I just haven't had time and the whole concept is a bit depressing to me.

But I guess I better get it together and retest and call.
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