Which Camera Gear Websites Should I Trust?

[jpw173]

Hello, 

I am very new to this, so, first things first...please forgive me if this has been asked before!

I recently bought a Canon EOS Rebel T7 kit with the EF-S18-55 II, and the EF 75-300 lenses for a trip to Alaska that my wife and I went on.  The camera and lenes worked amazingly well, and I was able to capture some truly amazing shots.

However, just due to the fact that wildlife doesn't always show up where to you want it too, even the 300 mm lens didn't have enough zoom at times.  I am looking to correct this, and pricing a couple of lenses I have seen recommended on here.  However, these all show up on websites that I am quite unfamiliar with.  

MPB, Adorama, KEH, B&H.

Which one(s) of these are trustworthy?  I just want to make sure before I make any purchases.

Thank you so much!

[Jkarl]

Adorama and B&H sell both new and used equipment and are registered dealers for Canon.

MPB and KEH sell mostly used equipment but are reputable stores. I have delt with B&H and have found them to be very good to deal with.  

[kvbarkley]

I have rented them from Lens Rentals to evaluate them.   if you really like the one you got, you can buy it from them. For a wildlife lens I suggest the Sigma or Tamron 150 - 600.

[SignifDigits]

Concur with @Jkarl .  I've used both B&H and Adorama for new and MPB for used gear and wouldn't hesitate to do business with them again. 

Just a plug for Canon refurbished gear if you wind up considering Canon.  It's got a new warranty and new in every respect other than a) packaging (doesn't come in the new product box and b) price.

[March411]

KEH is another good @jpw173. Purchasing from the list that @SignifDigits mentioned plus KEH all of them have a limited warranty and return policy. These supplies are preferred as there is consumer protection and returns if you do no believe the item is as described or not working. 

Also, the two lens manufactorers mentioned by @kvbarkley  for the 150-600mm lens are a great option. If you go with Tamron look at the G2 series. I owned several Sigma lenses and all performed great.

[jpw173]

Thank you all for the suggestions!  I really appreciate them!

[ebiggs1]

Keep in mind KEH and MPB are not the cheapest resources and will likely be the highest prices. However with these stores you are paying for the service and safety they offer which is worth something. At least to me it is.

B&H and Adorama are top drawer retail stores as are a few others not necessarily in NYC.. IMHO, I would avoid 42nd Street Photo completely. A highly questionable store with a bad reputation. 

[ebiggs1]

"... the 300 mm lens didn't have enough zoom at times."

Well you found out the hard way probably the best way. 300mm is not really a wildlife FL and in my opinion 400mm is the shortest, bare minimum FL for any reasonable wildlife photography. Of course it does depend on what wildlife you are shooting. Elephants don't require as much FL as squirrels might but it does depend on how close you can get or want to get to your subject. You may not want to get as close to a grizzled bear that you would for a blue bird.

For your Canon EOS Rebel T7 there are really only a few choices with one of the 150-600mm super zooms being the better way to go. Both Sigma and Tamron make models with the Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 being the slightly better choice. However the Sigma C model 150-600mm is another really nice lens. It is important if you go with the Tammy it is the G2 model. Otherwise go fo the Siggy C. Keep in mind these are big rather heavy lenses and will require you to learn there best use by practicing with them before you take out on another venture.

You can sell your 75-300mm zoom because you will never use it again if you get one of these top performing super zooms. My personal lens of choice is the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens. It is the best lens ever made in this category of super zooms but it is very big and very heavy and more expensive. The size and weight of this big lens doesn't bother me. It is what it is but you may want to try before you buy any of these big fantastic zoom lenses.

[stevet1]

jpw173,

You can buy cameras and lenses from lots of different places, but I would make sure that you buy from a Canon Authorized dealer.

Here is a list of Canon Authorized Dealers broken down by state:

https://www.usa.canon.com/contact-us/where-to-buy/authorized-dealers

Steve Thomas

[SignifDigits]

Oh, and if there is a brick and mortar store near you, by all means support them - they are SO few and far between these days but there's nothing better than having a local store to touch gear and expertise in person.  I know that wasn't the question, but just want to put that plug out there for anyone that DOES have a local dealer.