Where Do You Buy?

ShutterStaciShutterStaci Registered Users Posts: 43 Big grins
edited August 24, 2010 in Accessories
Okay my question is what is your favorite place to buy equipment from? I would really like to get more props/lighting/backdrops for my photography. I don't have any lights of any sort, no light box or tent, no photo back drops for indoor portraits, no props. etc. etc. I've been doing a lot of researching online but I wanted to ask where you fellow D-grinners get your equipment. Who has the best deals/quality? Where is it worth it to spend a few extra bucks?

I don't actually have a photography business but i've done a few senior pictures, some dancer portfolio pictures and I would like to do more of this type of photography but I don't want to actually charge until I can practice with equipment and have trust in my results. So where do I start?
Nikon D5000
Nikon P80
Nikkor 22-300 VR
Nikkor 18-55 VR

Comments

  • Art ScottArt Scott Registered Users Posts: 8,959 Major grins
    edited July 31, 2010
    Lights: Paul C Buff - Maker of the White Lightning Series of Lights and the very cool Alien Bees that were being used at the Academy Awards........
    Props - Pro Studio Supply - http://www.prostudiousa.com/ great selection ......Also I love EBAY .......... and Garage Sales

    Backdrops.....I get the cheapest I can find on EBAY, Baqckdrop outlet....buy when a sale hits.....start whitr, a blk backdrop and a few colored gels for yo0ur back light and make that back drop virtually any color you want......I have done that for 30+ yrs........

    light box or tent.....Home depot or Lowes or whatever you have in your area........... for 1" pvc and few elbows and few tees do not glue.....white flat sheets (goodwill, dav, salv. army) and a roll of velco straps (10-12" long),,,,,,bag of 10 or so plier type clamps (plastic) ...... Make back panel and sides out of the pvc...strap together at corners .....use clamps to hold sheets for back and side walls and top in place oh yeah a small white plasic table (around 30$ at wally world).........now you set...... you can adjust size of ten if need be and store it in an army duffel bag.....
    "Genuine Fractals was, is and will always be the best solution for enlarging digital photos." ....Vincent Versace ... ... COPYRIGHT YOUR WORK ONLINE ... ... My Website

  • OhiohikerOhiohiker Registered Users Posts: 117 Major grins
    edited July 31, 2010
    Midwest Photo Exchange is a great place.clap.gifwings.gifivar
    Chris Blank

    http://www.ohiohikerphotography.com
    Facebook
    Flickr
  • ShutterStaciShutterStaci Registered Users Posts: 43 Big grins
    edited August 2, 2010
    thumb.gif Thanks! I can't wait to start buying!
    Nikon D5000
    Nikon P80
    Nikkor 22-300 VR
    Nikkor 18-55 VR
  • The Loft StudiosThe Loft Studios Registered Users Posts: 2 Beginner grinner
    edited August 7, 2010
    Adorama
    Calumet
    eBay
    KEH
    B&H

    .....basically in that order
  • HelenOsterHelenOster Registered Users Posts: 173 Major grins
    edited August 8, 2010
    The Loft Studios wrote: »
    Adorama
    Calumet
    eBay
    KEH
    B&H

    .....basically in that order

    clap.gifclap.gif

    Thanks so much for the recommendation!
    Helen Oster
    Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador
    http://twitter.com/HelenOster
    Helen@adorama.com
    www.adorama.com
  • catspawcatspaw Registered Users Posts: 1,292 Major grins
    edited August 8, 2010
    Adorama
    Amazon (which is 90% through Adorama...)
    Pictureline (local store but also does great internet orders)

    I just don't like B&H and nearly always find stuff cheaper at Adorama!
    //Leah
  • photogreenphotogreen Registered Users Posts: 180 Major grins
    edited August 10, 2010
    I favor B&H and Amazon
  • asprinasprin Banned Posts: 22 Big grins
    edited August 16, 2010
    The Loft Studios wrote: »
    Adorama
    Calumet
    eBay
    KEH
    B&H

    .....basically in that order
    did you try them, those are good, but recently i went here, an asian site, maybe you would likebowdown.gif
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,133 moderator
    edited August 16, 2010
    That site has one of the worst reseller ratings I have come upon in some time:

    http://www.resellerratings.com/store/DinoDirect

    I recommend staying away from them.
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • Ric GrupeRic Grupe Registered Users Posts: 9,522 Major grins
    edited August 16, 2010
    ziggy53 wrote: »
    That site has one of the worst reseller ratings I have come upon in some time:

    http://www.resellerratings.com/store/DinoDirect

    I recommend staying away from them.

    The Ziginator on watch! thumb.gif
  • asprinasprin Banned Posts: 22 Big grins
    edited August 16, 2010
    true we should be careful, b i have to say this stuff deserves some risk, fit my 580ex II, and it did work well, i checked, rate on nextag and .shopzilla is also ok, dunno what wrong with resellerratings
    here is shopzilla
    http://www.shopzilla.com/212814/merchant_report_card
    check mine
    attachment.php?attachmentid=467046&stc=1&d=1280376909
    attachment.php?attachmentid=467047&stc=1&d=1280376909
  • kdogkdog Administrators Posts: 11,681 moderator
    edited August 16, 2010
    asprin wrote: »
    dunno what wrong with resellerratings
    In a word, impartiality.
    Moderator of Landscapes forum
    Link to my Smugmug site
  • DoorbieDoorbie Banned Posts: 18 Big grins
    edited August 19, 2010
    kdog wrote: »
    In a word, impartiality.
    yes, i believe them
  • HelenOsterHelenOster Registered Users Posts: 173 Major grins
    edited August 24, 2010
    richy wrote: »
    Adorama for new stuffs....I will be checking out adorama more for used stuff....

    If you need any advice or after-sales support, please don't hesitate to drop me an email: HelenO@adorama.com
    Helen Oster
    Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador
    http://twitter.com/HelenOster
    Helen@adorama.com
    www.adorama.com
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