Where To Buy Canon Lenses
If you ever opened a photography magazine up to the full-page ads in the back,
you have undoubtedly seen some eye-opening deals from some certain retailers.
Well, they are likely not as they appear.
The unscrupulous retailers play a large number of games to hook you -
and the first game is a very low advertised price.
It creates a desire and excitement that some people can't control.
And you will not end up with the Canon lens you want for the advertised price.
The games played varies, but a common one is that you get a phone call after you place your order.
They will likely try to sell you some overpriced accessories such as filter kits.
Or they may inform you that the advertised lens was an imported version and
that they are out of stock - BUT they just happen to have the USA version in stock - for more money of course.
The may tell you that the imported lens is plastic but the USA version is metal (Canon does not make two versions of the same lens).
A similar scam refers to the lens mount being plastic on a lens that Canon manufactures with a metal mount (most of them).
If they do sell you the lens,
it will likely be missing something that is normally included with that model.
This includes lens hoods, pouches, cases ... and likely the warranty.
Many of these low-ball retailers sell non-warranted lenses.
Another game played is that the item simply never shows up -
but your credit card gets charged.
You can spend a huge amount of time getting the situation and your account settled.
Oh - and be sure to find out what they are charging for shipping.
It is often more eye-opening than their low-ball prices.
I was going to list some of the worst offenders,
but they are continually opening new online and mail order storefronts under new names.
I can't keep track of them and don't want to give you a false sense of security.
So be alert and be aware.
When making a purchase, always use a credit card and
don't be afraid to dispute a fraudulent charge - even after the bill is paid.
The credit card often has additional benefits such as warranty extensions
and some limited-time insurance against theft or breakage.
I generally source my Canon lenses from the retailers listed within the
Canon Lens reviews.
The retailers listed there have proved to be reliable.
No retailer is perfect, but these are some of the best.
I recommend that you use these retailers.
