Canoga Camera - Excellent service!

[SpeedingSphere]

Photo-John referred me to them because I asked for a seller who ships during the easter and jewish holiday week. They were open and accepting orders.

This wasnt the smallest order, it was over $2300 for the two lenses. I ordered 2nd day shipping and sure enough, they sent it the same day I ordered it. It is in the major part of its transit today(coast to coast), and expected for delivery tomorrow.

They are quick, prompt, and very trustworthy. $2300 in lenses had me a bit nervous, but I trusted Photo-John as he said he had given them quite a bit of his money in the past. They are now one of my more favorite companies because of their quick shipping and dealings with expensive equipment. I never like to wait, lol.. They had it out the same day, although later in the day at around 7:30 EST. Had I ordered earlier that day, I have a feeling I'd be expecting it to arrive any time today.

All in all, excellent company. I would buy from them over and over.

[Photo-John]

Hope you told them that I sent you!

I've spent probably in the neighborhood of $7000 with them. And someone else I've referred to them has been spending about $5000 per year. So I'd say I trust them

[SpeedingSphere]

Nope I didn't mention. Sorry! :-( I'll mention to them if you want me to. I heard you talking about partners and that PR gets paid for whoever uses the partners. I'll let them know you sent me. What should I tell them in order for it to be recognized with PR? Does such a thing even exist?

[poker]

I have the good fortune to live a couple miles away from their store. I wish I knew of them years ago. They have a great variety of things while other local stores only carry one or the other 3rd party manufacturers. For example, Bel Air camera has Tamron but not Sigma. Also, they are the only store in town that has pricing almost similar to east coast stores. I don't mind paying taxes with them depending on the combination of my order. For me, it's either pay tax (and have it on the spot) or pay shipping (and wait).

I believe Derek is the most knowledgable behind the sales counter. They are not on commission and they don't pressure the warranty. They always let me try the product there even if there is no sample. They'll open a new box for me just to test.

Too bad they don't sell video since I'll be buying a lot of that stuff in the coming weeks.

There is nobody as fair as Canoga Camera in Los Angeles County as far as I know.

[SpeedingSphere]

Would you put them on par with B&H photo? Theyre close to me also, being in NY, and I in NJ(1 1/2 hour drive.. ehh), but I'd have to pay tax like you said. Tax on $2300 is $161, while shipping cost me $42 for 2nd day. In New York, I believe tax is 9%, so $207, another $40 in tax. Thats where they get ya. For that much, you could get next day air AM delivery, and still save a bit. Thats based on NY tax. I'm not sure about California's taxes though.

[poker]

Tax in Los Angeles is 8.25%.

Canoga is a tad higher in price than B&H but when you want it now it's always nice to have a good inexpensive local store.

Most of the camera dealers here go by MSRP. The only time they give you a deal is during their annual NO TAX sale but you are still paying MSRP. Finding Canoga was a breath of fresh air for an impatient/impulse buyer like me.

If you can wait, go for saving a few bucks...

Enjoy the new gear!

[SpeedingSphere]

both lenses I bought were cheaper at CC.. It was a deal for me! and they shipped during the holiday week! :-D

[poker]

both lenses I bought were cheaper at CC.. It was a deal for me! and they shipped during the holiday week! :-D

Excellent!

[Photo-John]

both lenses I bought were cheaper at CC.. It was a deal for me! and they shipped during the holiday week! :-D

Roger that. Canoga is actually very competitive. They know what they're doing and their prices are actually lower than B&H and Adorama on some stuff. It depends on what you're buying. So they're always worth checking.

[another view]

I haven't actually bought anything from them, but was looking for a newly released lens a couple years ago. I sent them an email asking if they had it and got a reply right away that unfortunately they didn't. B&H did have it but were closed for the holiday (Canoga and others must love that!) so I waited until the next week.

A lot of companies don't seem to respond to email, which surprises me. Canoga, and B&H for that matter, have promptly. I'll be sure to check with them next time I buy something.

[poker]

I bought a Canon EF 24-70 from them last Saturday in the store. I over heard Derick tell a customer they no longer accept AMEX due to their high surcharge and the fact they have such low margins. Once again, Derick is so no nonsense when it comes to the sale. You ask for the camera and he let's you mess around with it. He won't try to sell you warranty or up sell you.

They have a small store in the valley (lower rent), possibly no commission sales, and cut cost like no longer taking Amex. Their business strategy is why they can provide the best price in town. They also have some kids working at the register...I bet they are college students (another way to lower operating cost).

These people are LEGIT!

I tried to NAME DROP PR.com to Derick but like I said, he is so no nonsense...small talk doesn't seem to be in vocabulary. I was hoping to find out why they don't adverise with PR anymore....PROBABLY TO LOWER COST....lol

I was impressed with an inventory situation as well. Their website last week said they didn't have the 300 f/4 IS and Derick confirmed it. I asked when they would have it and he said next week. I checked their website and it now says in stock. Pretty good up keep.

I don't mind paying sales tax with those guys. I wish I knew of them years ago!

[Jerryjohn]

I actually just drove up to Canoga Cameras store a couple days ago. They do EVERYTHING out of one building. It's very real. I've bought stuff twice on line, and once in store.

IF YOU LIVE IN CALIFORNIA, do ground shipping. Trust me, it's cheaper, and it'l get to your house the next morning.

[Lao]

Hi guys!

I'm from Troy, MI and I want to ask you if I buy online from them would I still pay taxes?