Is canoga camera a good place to buy a DSLR?

Question

I've been researching DSLR's for months, reviewing and comparing camera prices and when compared to most recognizable businesses and online businesses, conoga camera seems to have the best prices. On average their prices are $200, sometimes up to $400 cheaper than say, a wolf camera or B&H. For example, the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM is sold for $1,999 at wolf. This same lens, the cadillac of Canon lenses, is sold for $1,684 on canogacamera.com. Are these prices too good to be true, or is this the place I should buy my camera gear? Has anyone done any business with canoga? If so, were you satisfied? I'd really love some guidance, and as always, thank you for your input.

And another question, what's the deal with kits? I've heard that kits are not as good a deal as they seem and it seems like the kits that include a bag, CF card, cleaning kit, and whatever else has a better price than if you just bought the camera, lens, and CF card. Kit, or not kit?

And, will they reserve the right to substitute the lens due to availability like ebay stores do?

Answer 1

Canoga camera is a very reputable camera dealer. Wolf/Ritz camera is also reputable but they are a LOT more expensive and I honestly don't know why people would shop there online, other than people are familiar with them because of their strong "brick and mortar" store presence. B&H is probably the top online camera retailer and has very competitive prices and most people get good service from them (some exceptions though I'm sure). You may also want to check out Beachcamera.com. They have very cheap prices, but I've never had to deal with them on a return, so I don't know how good their service is if things go wrong.

If you are unsure of an online retailer, you should first check them out at www.resellerratings.com

Typically kits are just OK deals, but I personally steer away from them. Typically you get stuff you don't want or really need. Since a lot of dealers have a fairly hefty markup on "accessories", kits make it look like your getting a great deal. Plus typically your kit choices are pretty limited. When it comes to things like camera bags, I very highly recommend trying them out in the store before buying one. Some bags just don't work well for some people. Kits that come with lenses are generally OK deals, but the lenses are generally consumer-class lenses. That really makes it a convenient package for the casual or beginning shooter, but the more advanced shooter will be looking for something more specific and a little higher in quality.

Reputable dealers will not substitute products without your approval first.

Answer 2

Don't confuse a made-up "kit" with the official kit from the manufacturer. Often, the "kit" from the manufacturer only adds a lens to the items you are already getting with the camera body, like software, a battery and charger. A "kit" from a retail store has a bunch of useless junk that you would never buy or use in a million years and it's overpriced at that.

Check http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Canoga_Camera for a rating. There are relatively few ratings, but this is the first ten-out-of-ten score I have seen. They must be excellent to deal with.

I just checked both Canoga and B&H for this lens. As you said, Canoga has it for $1,684.94 plus $16.89 shipping. B&H has it for $1,699.95 plus $17.70 shipping. I'm not putting this here for comparison shopping, but just to put your mind at ease. Canoga is only $15.01 cheaper than B&H, so they are right in the ballpark and not too cheap to believe it is a valid price. This is less than one percent difference in price.

Answer 3

You can buy canon dslr camera from any local camera shop.