Where are you guys finding the best deals on camera gear lately? I keep seeing ads for Greentoe, and Ive checked B&H, but some people on Reddit swear by refurbished sites while others say thats a huge gamble. Im in the UK and need a new lens for a wedding shoot next month with about 600 quid to spend...
Honestly, the UK market has been pretty rough lately. I tried Greentoe a while back and unfortunately the shipping costs and import duties just killed any potential savings. B&H is solid but once you factor in the exchange rate and customs, its rarely a bargain for us Brits. Since you have 600 quid and a wedding coming up, here is what I suggest:
- Check MPB or Wex Photo Video for used gear; they provide proper warranties which makes it way less of a gamble.
- Look for the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 if you are on Sony mirrorless, it is a workhorse that fits your budget perfectly.
- Avoid the risky grey market sites, as I have had issues with warranty support before and it is definitely not worth the headache when you are shooting a paid gig.
Building on the earlier suggestion, honestly check out Clifton Cameras. Over the years I have found their clearance section is gold. MPB is great, but Clifton often has better open-box pricing for new glass. If you can stretch the budget, the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Sony E-mount is a total workhorse for weddings. TL;DR: Check Clifton or LCE for open-box before going used. Dont ignore the smaller UK shops, they often beat the big guys.
^ This. Also, since you need that lens fast, avoid overseas shipping like the plague. I would suggest looking at MPB or Park Cameras for used gear. They offer warranties, which makes them way safer than random sites.
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is solid used.
- Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art is a great alternative. Make sure to check their shutter counts and glass quality before you commit.
Quick reply while I have a sec. ^ This. Also, I honestly had such a rough time with online marketplaces last year. I thought I was being clever grabbing a deal, but the item arrived with internal focus issues and the seller vanished the next day. It was a total nightmare trying to get my money back.
- Never trust a deal that feels too cheap
- Always prioritize seller reputation over price
- Documentation is your only friend I ended up having to pay for professional repairs out of pocket, which meant my current setup cost way more than if I had just bought it from a reputable shop with a proper return policy. It really soured the experience for me. If you are doing a wedding, just dont risk it with some random site. The stress of worrying about gear failure during a shoot isnt worth saving a few quid, trust me.
Same setup here, love it