Camera websites - yay or nay

[Zdaman]

I don't know if this was placed in the right section, but I figured it fits.

I'm looking to purchase the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 VC for my Nikon D3000. The two sites that have it at the lowest price are

tristatecamera.com
- http://www.tristatecamera.com/lookat...=TAMAF1750VCN*

and

simplyelectronics.net -
Tamron Lens - Tamron B005 SP AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF) - Nikon Mount

Most other stores and websites sell it for $650. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with these two websites, if they're trustworthy, etc. Any information would be helpful, thanks so much!

[autofocus]

I've not used either of these vendors, but if it's too good to be true it usually is. Personally, for big purchases I stick to B&H and Adorama

[Izzy]

Tri state appears to be bonded through Liberty Mutual and or Travelers Ins. Look up "buysafe" - the people that are offering the bonding and see just what it means. If they check out you will save a bunch on that lens.

https://www.buysafe.com/Web/Seal/Ver...bl7dD7cg%3D%3D

[Zdaman]

Well, if buysafe is a legitimate website, then it seems that tri state is too!

[3bayjunkie]

why don't you try b&H or amazon? or that adorama one?

[amy_bb]

I don't know about the other company, but I would stay as far away from Simply Electronics as possible. Here are a few references for you:

SimplyElectronics - simplyelectronics.net - Reviews, Ratings and Prices at ResellerRatings

Simplyelectronics.net Reviews - SiteJabber Consumers Review Simplyelectronics.net

.
I have also read that they sell "grey" market products, are based in HK and have hidden this fact from buyers. Refunds are said to take a long time or not come at all and warranty claims are not able to be processed.

There are a few sites that show a more favorable review but honestly, I wouldn't take the chance,

If I'm going to make an informed, expensive, important photography purchase, I would stick to the reputable retailers like B&H and Adorama. Better yet, if you have a local pro/semi pro camera shop in your town, buy from them. I like to touch, feel, hold, try and ask lots of questions. Usually if I mention an internet price they will try and match it for me. Then when and if I have an issue, I have a consultant to talk to and get my problems resolved.

Just my 2cents.

[SwissJon]

Ever heard the saying "if it seems too good to be true, it probably is"?

Very very rarely will a retailer sell a product at substantially less than their competitors, it doesn't make financial sense.. They undercut each other, sure, but with profit margins usuallt at around 20%, it's unlikely they'll sell smething at a loss.

[Zdaman]

I bought my last lens from B&H, I was just looking around and found these prices. I figured it was too good to be true, but I also figured it was too good to not look into further. Does anyone have any experience with tristate camera? I've looked around and found good reviews, and actually just found a lot of bad ones too. Maybe I will stay away. Thanks everyone!

[APhotoSchool]

Personally, I've had bad luck with sites that provide seriously low prices. I think you should spend the extra money and go B&H, adorama, or amazon, or direct from manufacturer.

[Jonbar18]

Look at camera stores, and maybe a big electronics store (maybe future shop?) that have the lens. A lot of the bigger ones offer some sort of price match. Unfortunately, they usually have conditions, such as the price their matching being based in the same country, but with a little researching, you can save money, and be assured that you're buying from a safe source,