Nikon 600mm, I think I am ready, advice

Hi
I been with the same Nikon 500 VR for over 10 years now. While I do not have a problem getting close to birds, I feel Its time to treat myself to a new lens.
My current 500, the AF is squeaky and slow. 

Can anyone recommend a place where i can make this purchase? I live in CT and buying it from B&H photo in New York City is one option. I was wondering if you know of other options / retailers.

Lastly I would like to sell my 500. KEH ranges about $2500-3200. Does this sound fair? Thanks for your input.

James

I much prefer MPB to KH. KEH has acquired a terrible habit over the last couple of years of telling you one thing before you ship it and then lowballing you once they receive the gear. MPB also seems to be a lot faster. As for where to buy, there are many reputable dealers and the price is likely the same wherever you get it from, the differences being whether that establishment collects sales tax for your state or not.

E.J. Peiker wrote:I much prefer MPB to KH.  KEH has acquired a terrible habit over the last couple of years of telling you one thing before you ship it and then lowballing you once they receive the gear.  MPB also seems to be a lot faster.  As for where to buy, there are many reputable dealers and the price is likely the same wherever you get it from, the differences being whether that establishment collects sales tax for your state or not.

Thanks so much E.J.. 
James

E.J. Peiker wrote:I much prefer MPB to KH.  KEH has acquired a terrible habit over the last couple of years of telling you one thing before you ship it and then lowballing you once they receive the gear.  MPB also seems to be a lot faster.  As for where to buy, there are many reputable dealers and the price is likely the same wherever you get it from, the differences being whether that establishment collects sales tax for your state or not.

who is mbp.  I assume kh is keh.

MPB not MBP - simply go to their website... mpb.com

James, when you do end up selling your 500 f4 VR, could you please post back here and tell us what you got for it? I have had my 500 f4 VR for sale over a month now here locally, and not one person of interest for it at all. I would also be interested in knowing how you sold it and to whom, especially if it is MPB.com.

Does anyone know if I can sell a Canadian lens to MPB?

Tim Zurowski wrote:Does anyone know if I can sell a Canadian lens to MPB?

EU and USA only currently!

James,

Call Brandon at Allen's camera in PA. 888-547-2841. Best service and price.

As stated above there are plenty of reputable retailers and the prices are similar. If you can purchase from a dealer that grants free shipping and no sales tax you save a lot of money. Another option is to find a refurbished lens from a reputable dealer and that saves money. I purchased my refurbished Nikon 600 VR lens from Roberts Imaging in Indianapolis and saved approximately 1000 dollars over purchasing new. I have owned the lens for 4 years and never had a problem and I use it 2-3 times per week. Just another option.