where to buy lenses

[on the move]

Hi
Can anyone recommend a decent shop or online store where I can purchase a lens.I would like to find a store, where, that in the unlikely event that i was unhappy with a lens that I would have no problem getting replacement or a refund. Thanks for any advice.

[Boddie]

Originally Posted by on the move

Hi
Can anyone recommend a decent shop or online store where I can purchase a lens.I would like to find a store, where, that in the unlikely event that i was unhappy with a lens that I would have no problem getting replacement or a refund. Thanks for any advice.

What brand?

[Geoff F]

If you go to a local shop (assuming you live in a city and have a decent outlet nearby) you do have the opportunity to browse and try before purchase.

Being more rural, I tend to purchase mostly from mail order/online. There are a number of reliable internet organisations although prices can vary a bit between brands at the same store.

As Boddie remarked, which brand do you require? Some places are cheap for Canon but expensive for Sigma, or the other way around.

So far, quickly touching top of head, I haven't had any problems with any of them; except one company which sent me a £2000 Nikon body instead of a £600 Canon lens. But that was quickly corrected.

My last purchases have been through Amazon and Camerabox but there are quite a few other good outlets.

Have a search around for competitive prices then ask again to see if anybody has had any problems with your 'best buy' company.

[Kayleigh]

There you go..

Warehouse Express - Digital Camera, Digital SLR Cameras, Lens, Canon, Nikon

[Boddie]

Originally Posted by Geoff F

If you go to a local shop (assuming you live in a city and have a decent outlet nearby) you do have the opportunity to browse and try before purchase.

Being more rural, I tend to purchase mostly from mail order/online. There are a number of reliable internet organisations although prices can vary a bit between brands at the same store.

As Boddie remarked, which brand do you require? Some places are cheap for Canon but expensive for Sigma, or the other way around.

So far, quickly touching top of head, I haven't had any problems with any of them; except one company which sent me a £2000 Nikon body instead of a £600 Canon lens. But that was quickly corrected.

My last purchases have been through Amazon and Camerabox but there are quite a few other good outlets.

Have a search around for competitive prices then ask again to see if anybody has had any problems with your 'best buy' company.

That is one problem I would have liked, and I would have kept schtum

[johnf3f]

Originally Posted by Kayleigh

There you go..

Warehouse Express - Digital Camera, Digital SLR Cameras, Lens, Canon, Nikon

I have used these and been happy with their service and prices. They are a big well known company and, as bad news travels fast, do their best not to dissapoint. I certainly have never had cause to complain!

Don't know your location but I (mainly) use WaltersPhoto Video (Merthyr Tydfil branch). They do mail order but if you can vist I have had some VERY good deals, especially on used items. Which is why I am now poor!
I have recommended this shop on a couple of forums simply because of the service they have given me which has been excellent.
I have no connection with them or any other retailer - for my sins I work in a bank! Don't mention bonuses mine would barely buy a decent filter let alone a camera!

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by johnf3f

I have used these and been happy with their service and prices. They are a big well known company and, as bad news travels fast, do their best not to dissapoint. I certainly have never had cause to complain!

Don't know your location but I (mainly) use WaltersPhoto Video (Merthyr Tydfil branch). They do mail order but if you can vist I have had some VERY good deals, especially on used items. Which is why I am now poor!
I have recommended this shop on a couple of forums simply because of the service they have given me which has been excellent.
I have no connection with them or any other retailer - for my sins I work in a bank! Don't mention bonuses mine would barely buy a decent filter let alone a camera!

I had my eye on a nice new camera for about £1000 with lenses included but while my fujifinepix is still fulfilling my needs I am loathed to replace it.

I do go to Wales we have family in Merthyr so its possible I can pay Walters a visit when we go back, are they on the web.

I dont work for anyone so I am impartial too..

[eeyore]

two points about warehouse express

a) dont expect them to know a great deal about the kit - they are a good retailer but its not like a propper camera shop where you can go in and play with the kit (i think i'm right in saying that they are web only)

b) dont buy on credit from them as their credit deals work out at over 30%apr - you'd be better off using a credit card

If you want propper camera shops i'd suggest ffordes (invernessshire), T4 (witney, swindon etc), camtech - second hand only (cambridgeshire), Mifsuds (brixham devon), and SRS (watford)

the other option if you arent worried by grey imports is ebaty, with traders like Kerso (ian kerr) and URgalaxy having a reasonable reputation (there are others but i cant recall them at the moment)

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by eeyore

If you want propper camera shops i'd suggest ffordes (invernessshire), T4 (witney, swindon etc), camtech - second hand only (cambridgeshire), Mifsuds (brixham devon), and SRS (watford)

I guess like many other camera shops, SRS (who are a 15mins walk away from me) don't have many of the items they advertise online actually in stock.

the other option if you arent worried by grey imports is ebaty, with traders like Kerso (ian kerr) and URgalaxy having a reasonable reputation (there are others but i cant recall them at the moment)

I've used Kerso several times in the past and can recommend him as being reliable. If you buy directly off him you can get the items cheaper.

Jim

[briar rose]

The only shop I can go and try is Jessops, the first time I went was to purchase my first DSLR camera, and they were very helpful and seemed to know what they were talking about (being a newbie to DSLRs, it was all gibberish to me anyway) but then after I dropped my camera I went to get another, and again the chap that served me was very knowledgeable, and answered all my questions without hesitation and this time I did know what he was talking about

In the past I've bought a lens from them that I wasn't happy with and took it back, got a refund, no questions asked