http://www.centraldigital.com reliability

[Theo]

I'm considering buying the Canon 28-135mm IS USM lens. The cheapest price for a new one is from Central Digital (CentralDigital). I'm wondering if you guys have heard any reports from this store. Is it reliable and trustworthy because if it is I will be saving myself a good $80.

[inkista]

I'd look them up on resellerratings.com, and do a google on "centraldigital scam". From what I turned up, I'd stay away. The multiple different URLs on resellerratings generally gives me very bad vibes.

Generally, when the prices look too good to be true, they usually are. I tend to shop from Amazon, Adorama, B&H, and KEH.com because I know they're reputable.

[Theo]

Thanks for the advice. Luckily, I think I've found a better solution. Adorama is selling a refurbished version for only $290. (http://www.adorama.com/CA28135ISUR.html) I think that sounds like a good deal. What do you think?

[HelenOster]

Originally Posted by Theo

Thanks for the advice. Luckily, I think I've found a better solution. Adorama is selling a refurbished version for only $290. (2562A007BA Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Image Stabilized AutoFocus Wide Angle Telephoto Zoom Lens - Refurbished) I think that sounds like a good deal. What do you think?

If you need any advice (or after-sales support) you are most welcome to drop me an email.

[inkista]

Originally Posted by Theo

Thanks for the advice. Luckily, I think I've found a better solution. Adorama is selling a refurbished version for only $290. (2562A007BA Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Image Stabilized AutoFocus Wide Angle Telephoto Zoom Lens - Refurbished) I think that sounds like a good deal. What do you think?

I think... well, if you need to save money and you're ok with a refurb that's got an Adorama warranty on it, rather than a Canon factory warranty, then go for it. (I live in California, about an hour away from Irvine, so I prefer a Canon factory warranty--it's more convenient and faster for me).

Personally, I think the 28-135 IS USM is not a great combination with a crop-body camera, because you essentially have a normal-to-telephoto zoom. If you plan on doing landscape/architecture shooting with it, as is typical with walkaround lenses, you're going to have a hard time going wide. I think the 28-135's crop-body replacement, the EF-S 18-135 IS is probably a better fit, but you're not going to find that kind of deal on it.

[HelenOster]

Originally Posted by inkista

I think... well, if you need to save money and you're ok with a refurb that's got an Adorama warranty on it, rather than a Canon factory warranty, then go for it.....

What that means is that a refurb with a return-to-Adorama warranty will be exchanged for a replacement.

A return-to-Canon warranty means that you will need to wait while Canon repairs it........

[Theo]

So if my refurbished camera breaks under warranty, I can send it in for a new one?

[HelenOster]

Originally Posted by Theo

So if my refurbished camera breaks under warranty, I can send it in for a new one?

You contact me or anyone in the CS team first and we ask you to discuss the 'symptoms' with a technician, as sometimes we find problems can be resolved.

If it needs to come back to us, then yes, we will send you a replacement.

[Theo]

sounds great!