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DPChallenge Forums >> General Discussion >> Places to buy lens from ?
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04/03/2012 01:31:36 AM · #1
Has anyone purchased lens from this place before ? //www.photo4less.com/Default.aspx . Are they reliable ?

Thank you for any comments :)
04/03/2012 02:13:33 AM · #2
Cheap and reliable - //www.eglobaldigitalcameras.com.au/
04/03/2012 02:17:44 AM · #3
The BBB report is good but they're not accredited and they are located in an address that has/is used by many other photo retailers. This is a big sign that they may be a rip off. There are many of these sorts of businesses in NY. There are also reputable ones, but I'm not one to risk it when it comes to photo equipment, as there are many outfits that use photo gear to lure people.

Also, if you check out resellerratings, there are a good number of reviews on the merchant that seem like they were generated by somebody on break from writing Nigerian e-mails, if you get my drift.
04/03/2012 02:20:38 AM · #4
Originally posted by spiritualspatula:

The BBB report is good but they're not accredited and they are located in an address that has/is used by many other photo retailers. This is a big sign that they may be a rip off. There are many of these sorts of businesses in NY. There are also reputable ones, but I'm not one to risk it when it comes to photo equipment, as there are many outfits that use photo gear to lure people.

Also, if you check out resellerratings, there are a good number of reviews on the merchant that seem like they were generated by somebody on break from writing Nigerian e-mails, if you get my drift.


thank you for getting back to me :)
04/03/2012 02:21:10 AM · #5
Originally posted by KP_82:

Cheap and reliable - //www.eglobaldigitalcameras.com.au/


im looking into it . thank you for your suggestion :)
04/03/2012 02:23:40 AM · #6
There are a lot of dubious camera sellers out there. These guys seem to sell grey market lenses, and have about a 50/50 ratings between folks who are rhapsodic with praise almost like they are trying to sell the place as the ultimate camera mecca, and half who say it is a bait and switch shop. Any place that says they can sell name brand cameras at 40% off begin your relationship by lying to you.

One of my favorite "A picture is worth a thousand words" website showing what various Brooklyn camera stores look like. Be very very wary. PHOTOS4LESS IS # 67 ON THE LIST.

I buy from places with long track records and good return policies. B&H, Abe's,ect.

PS I would take advice from people who have never posted on the site before with a grain of salt.

Do you know the difference between grey market and white market camera equipment?

Message edited by author 2012-04-03 02:36:31.
04/03/2012 02:30:19 AM · #7
Originally posted by BrennanOB:

There are a lot of dubious camera sellers out there. These guys seem to sell grey market lenses, and have about a 50/50 ratings between folks who are rhapsodic with praise almost like they are trying to sell the place as the ultimate camera mecca, and half who say it is a bait and switch shop. Any place that says they can sell name brand cameras at 40% off begin your relationship by lying to you.

I buy from places with long track records and good return policies. B&H, Abe's,ect.


I have bought from B&H and they were great . ill look at the other one also . thank you :)
04/03/2012 09:51:12 AM · #8
All reputable dealers will be selling lenses and bodies for nearly the same price. Anything way lower is a sham.
04/03/2012 11:36:00 AM · #9
Originally posted by mike_311:

All reputable dealers will be selling lenses and bodies for nearly the same price. Anything way lower is a sham.


I believe you r right , was just hoping not to have to sell my first and only born ...
04/03/2012 12:28:48 PM · #10
Photo4less is the same place as Sigma4less. I bought a "Sigma" lens from them a few years ago, and when I got it, it wouldn't auto focus. I called Sigma U.S. directly, and got a very helpful person. He told me that Sigma4less wasn't an authorized Sigma dealer, and asked for the serial number of my lens. It turned out that my lens was counterfeit...much worse than gray market! I contacted Sigma4less, and told them what I had found out, and they actually replaced the lens with one with a full U.S. warranty. It took a few weeks to get replaced, but in the end, I was happy. That said, I don't think that I would ever use them again, and would stick to authorized dealers.
04/03/2012 12:38:58 PM · #11
You can save a considerable amount of money by buying refurbished lenses directly from Canon. I've done it several times, and every lens has been indistinguishable from new— absolutely no marks or defects of any kind.
04/03/2012 01:16:50 PM · #12
Originally posted by twmax:

Photo4less is the same place as Sigma4less. I bought a "Sigma" lens from them a few years ago, and when I got it, it wouldn't auto focus. I called Sigma U.S. directly, and got a very helpful person. He told me that Sigma4less wasn't an authorized Sigma dealer, and asked for the serial number of my lens. It turned out that my lens was counterfeit...much worse than gray market! I contacted Sigma4less, and told them what I had found out, and they actually replaced the lens with one with a full U.S. warranty. It took a few weeks to get replaced, but in the end, I was happy. That said, I don't think that I would ever use them again, and would stick to authorized dealers.


thank goodness it worked out for you ..
04/03/2012 01:17:13 PM · #13
Originally posted by scalvert:

You can save a considerable amount of money by buying refurbished lenses directly from Canon. I've done it several times, and every lens has been indistinguishable from new— absolutely no marks or defects of any kind.


I will look into that . thank you
04/03/2012 08:20:44 PM · #14
also, don't discount buying used.

not a single lens i own was brand new when i bought it, i doubt i will ever buy a band new one again.

Message edited by author 2012-04-03 20:20:50.
04/09/2012 03:03:18 AM · #15
Originally posted by mike_311:

also, don't discount buying used.

not a single lens i own was brand new when i bought it, i doubt i will ever buy a band new one again.


Thanks Mike , I won't :)
12/26/2012 05:19:45 AM · #16
Originally posted by lola72:

Originally posted by mike_311:

All reputable dealers will be selling lenses and bodies for nearly the same price. Anything way lower is a sham.


I believe you r right , was just hoping not to have to sell my first and only born ...


I agree! But they also offer coupon codes for you to get some discounts.
12/26/2012 07:46:16 AM · #17
i've bought most of my used equipment from keh.com and have saved 1000's. they guaranty their descriptions and classifications, meaning that if they tell you it's in excellent condition, it will be in excellent condition. the key to buying from them is to keep an eye on what you're looking for and have the money ready for when they have what you're looking for at the price you want to pay, because their stuff moves pretty quickly. it's a matter of first-come-first-serve. they price things based on marking up what they had to pay to get an item into inventory, as opposed to charging what the market will bear; that means that sometimes you can get some unbelievable bargains.
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