My First question in the Photography Forum...ever.

[BlueJazz]

I know a little about Astrophotography but not much everyday stuff regarding cameras..
Anyway...I'm thinking about a Nikon D5200 to go with my Orion 180mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope.

I see that 42nd st Camera store in New York has them (with lens 55mm ?) for $679.99
Are they a decent, store or should I go with b&H ? I think the kit is more at B&H but I've heard that B&H are "The best" and all that.
Any Advice?

Thanks much.


Hitting the bed right now but will check in morning,

[NYC_SKP]

1. I've purchased from both, never a problem with either.

Others may have had different experiences.

[Major Nikon]

2. Here's my thoughts

42nd street camera has been around for a long time. They used to be well known as a bait and switch outfit with many people reporting problems like receiving open box stuff and the store refusing returns. Perhaps they have cleaned up their act, but personally I would avoid them like the plague. Here's how the bait and switch works. You place your order for something that's way cheaper than everyone else. A day or two later the store calls you and says they are out of stock. Then they try to sell you something else. Another tactic is they say they have the body, but are out of the lens so they try to upsell you on a different lens which is usually non-OEM. When you tell them you want to cancel your order they harass you to no end with rude and aggressive sales tactics.

B&H, Adorama, and Cameta are the ones I've dealt with over the years. All have excellent reputations and excellent customer service. I've never had a single problem with any of those and I've bought a lot of stuff from all three.

Cameta has the Nikon refurbished 5200 (body only) for $529. Every Nikon refurb I've ever bought was indistinguishable from brand new and Cameta gives you a 1 year warranty. They come in a Nikon shrink wrapped box with all the manuals and accessories just like brand new. If it didn't say refurb on the box you'd never know other than the shutter count. As I'm sure you know you don't need a lens for astrophotography with a telescope, but if you want the 18-55 they have the body and lens for $599. If you wanted to save a few bucks over B&H's new price that would be the way I'd do it. The last two Nikon bodies I've bought have been refurbs from Cameta and they are still going strong with no issues.

[DrDan]

12. second these comments

I have dealt with B&J. Cameta, and 42nd. I found 42nd to be in a league with car salesmen. It is hard to place an order and get off the phone without a hard sell.

B&J and Cameta were easy to deal with and delivered exactly as ordered.

Those would be my recs.

[Stevenmarc]

3. As a NY'er

5th Ave electronic and camera stores have a dubious reputation, we don't shop in them.

B&H and Adorama have always provided a good value with great customer service.

[BlueJazz]

4. Yep...any time I see something that is WAY below everybody else's price (in this case: over 100.00)

The warning light starts a-buzzin'

"IE: Why would they be way cheaper than HUNDREDS of other places..mmmm.

[BlueJazz]

5. Thank you much for all your help, people. I appreciate it!

[sir pball]

6. 42nd Street used to be iffy, but they did me fairly well this time around.

I got a D5100 shortly after the 5200 came out for $350, body only, cash only. It had a good serial that I was able to register with Nikon. I usually go B&H though, they have more selection and are WAY more knowledgeable. Their hours are screwy, though.

[rdking647]

7. b and h is owned by orthodox jews

thats why their hours are screwy. the are closed on the sabbath and jewish holidays and take that closure to the point of not allowing orders from their website
adorama is the same

those are the only 2 ny camera stores i trust

[BlueJazz]

8. After some thought, I was thinking...maybe I should wait and go with the D5300.

You know, I hate to buy something that, in a few days, will be an upgrade to what I just bought.

"Oh...you have a D Fifty-TWO zero zero. Heh, Heh...such a pity...You DO know that the Fifty-THREE zero zero has the
UN-NEEDED IR filter removed. and a few other little goodies but of course, I suppose someone...even a lower class person
such as yourself has to be satisfied with an inferior product unlike MY...I repeat..MY Fifty-TheRRRRReeee zero zero.....heg....heh...heh..."

[justiceischeap]

9. You can get the 5200 kit at KEH if you don't mind getting it shipped

$599 (which may go down when the 5300 come out)

http://www.keh.com/camera/Nikon-Digital-Camera-Outfits/1/sku-DN014018676570?r=FE

[BlueJazz]

10. Thank you. That is an option. Looks like the 5300 is going to be a little hard to get and pricey..

..for a time.

[Fumesucker]

11. A Mak Cass has a long focal length and a high f #

That's a frustrating combo for anything other than lunar and planetary astrophotography at prime focus, you'll need an extremely solid mount and accurate drive for deep sky shots.

I have a 6" f5 Newtonian on a German Equatorial and deep sky shots are a real challenge with it, my best shots have been piggyback with a fixed focal length camera lens on the camera.

Good luck.