Where I buy my gear and why you should too

Like most photographers, I have a lot of gear. Lenses, camera bodies, flashes, diffusers, reflectors, tripods, cords, radio slaves, flash cards, card readers, chargers, batteries, computers, software etc. The list goes on and on and will continue to go on until they stop making cool new ways to create images.

 
People always ask me where I buy my gear. It’s very simple; I buy 95% of my equipment online from Adorama.com and BHphoto.com. The other 5% is at random or because of geographical reasons. It just depends on what I’m looking for, both sites have everything like cameras, lenses, used inventory, studio lights etc. Take your pick.If one doesn’t have it the other will. No matter how many things I buy, my wish lists on their sites never seem to get smaller.

Both sites carry all the major brands but some of the more obscure or unique are usually only carried by one or the other. For example, I bought my Lumedyne Strobe kit from Adorama because B&H doesn’t carry that brand. On the other hand, I’ve bought two of my Mac Book Pros and all of my Western Digital Passport external hard drives from B&H, Adorama doesn’t sell Macs or WD drives. I’ve also picked up some nice used lenses from both sites over the years.

Either way your golden, both sites have everything on comprehensive websites; inventories are always current, street prices (no retail mark up) and no sales tax. Shipping is exact and the entire process is streamlined. Even when dealing with them on the phone for purchases or other assistance, they are competent and professional. No bullshit hard selling, no “bait and switch” games or uncertainty about when you’ll get your stuff. It’s the way it should be.

Here’s a tip: Don’t pay taxes. Buy a Mac from B&H. They already have customized versions in stock. I’ve bought from the Apple store online also and yeah their fine, BUT you have to wait for them to build it, they have an “expected delivery date” and the worst part is you have to pay the sales tax. That’s a lot of uncertainty and extra money. It’s like you’re waiting for a baby rather than a computer. B&H already had it made and will ship it that day AND there's no sales tax. You’re welcome.

The Endorsement

As someone who owns and buys a lot of photo equipment from them: this is my whole hearted endorsement. If you are going to buy some gear, buy from either of these sites by clicking the adds through out this site. They are the best. (I’ll get a small kickback.) Please and thank you.