K-r will be my first! But where??

cas814 · 02-25-2011, 04:44 PM

Hello all, I am new here and am excited to join this forum!

After extensive research (my boss would probably not appreciate the amount of time I have spent doing this), I have decided to purchase the K-r as my first dSLR.
I was originally looking at the K-x and the comparable Canon and Nikon models, but it seems like the K-r is the way to go when you consider optical quality, price, functions, etc.
I am new to the dSLR world. The vast majority of my photos will be of kids, kids' sports, wildlife, scenery, etc. I am looking at the K-r kit that includes the DA L 55-300. From what I've read, this could be a good lens for me to start with.
I'm sure that this question has been asked and answered before on this forum, but I really need some good advise on which online retailer to go through. Needless to say, there are a ridiculous amount of "retailers" out there and it seems like you can interpret the reviews any way you want.
I am leaning towards B&H, however, they are a little more expensive than some of the others (Tri-state, Abe's) and I do need to be conscious of $$.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you and I can't wait to get this going!!

Chad

Ole · 02-25-2011, 06:44 PM

Adomara and B&H are two good places to buy from and they will not call you and try to upsell you as some of those retailers with lower prices will.

chukers · 02-25-2011, 07:02 PM

Hi my name is chuck... I'm new but I plan to spend alot of time on this forum...

I am moving from a P&S camera to a DSLR and from all my research I have settled here... more specifically the Pentax K-R...

Chad... I am EXACTLY where you are now... I am watching all the online retailers for the last few days... here is what I found so far...

NW $756.19 Free shipping (on back order)
B&H $804.00 Free Shipping (in stock)
Amazon $804.00 Free SS Shipping (in stock)
Provantage $744.40 Shipping ?? (3 to 4 weeks delivery) (special order)
Abe's $742.95 Free shipping (in stock)
Tri-State $809.00 Free Shipping (stock ?) (has extras for that price)
Adorama $804.00 Free Shipping (stock ?) (has an extra package for $847.45)

I was hoping to find one under $700 with the 300mm lens... I'm still waiting and watching... has anyone purchased it for under $700?

Chukers

hcc · 02-25-2011, 08:11 PM

Shop around, but do buy from a good-reputation dealer. Adorama and B&H are reputed sellers and you can be confident of the quality of the service. If you are not in rush, wait for their promotion every so often.

In any case, do buy only from a good reputation dealer... You do not want your dream to become your nightmare.

Last edited by hcc; 02-26-2011 at 02:17 AM.

chukers · 02-26-2011, 09:03 AM

That is what I am hoping for... a promotion... I am patiently waiting for the right deal... I am hoping this thread or one of the others I'm watching will list a special... I am ready to buy! Remember your first DSLR? how exciting it was to be moving into a "real" camera... well I'm there now... I can't wait to get my hands on it! I appreciate all the comments and help you guys offer... I bet Chad is feeling the same way!

Chuck

cas814 · 02-26-2011, 09:55 AM

I am feeling exactly the same way!! My little Nikon CoolPix is a neat little camera, but I am ready to move into a whole new world of photography.
A promo code would be nice, but I don't know if I will have Chuck's patience!
I am leaning towards B&H.....I have worked with them before (years ago I was a videographer), and they were awesome. Plus, after exploring this forum I noticed the relationship between this community of Pentax users and B&H. Hopefully I can place the order next week, just waiting on a bonus check!

Chad

ukwoody · 02-26-2011, 10:35 AM

I'm not an American, nor ever used B&H (or adomrama) but from spending the last few years on various photographic forums, I would certainly be willing to pay that teeny bit extra to buy from one of those two if it were me. I have only ever read very high praise for both, and when things have occasionally gone wrong, the response from both seems exemplary. Just my tuppence worth (or two cents if you prefer, lol).

Just watch those retailers who are signifcantly lower priced; invariably the goods are either out of stock (contrary to what their site says), grey imports, or there's hidden charges - not to mention real hassel if things go wrong.

woody

chukers · 02-26-2011, 11:51 AM

Originally posted by ukwoody

I'm not an American, nor ever used B&H (or adomrama) but from spending the last few years on various photographic forums, I would certainly be willing to pay that teeny bit extra to buy from one of those two if it were me. I have only ever read very high praise for both, and when things have occasionally gone wrong, the response from both seems exemplary. Just my tuppence worth (or two cents if you prefer, lol).

Just watch those retailers who are signifcantly lower priced; invariably the goods are either out of stock (contrary to what their site says), grey imports, or there's hidden charges - not to mention real hassel if things go wrong.

woody

Yeah I totally agree with you... what's 800 dollars if you are already going to spend 700... well ya see I started out only being able to spend 400 then I found out what DLSR's are and what they can do... so I wanted to get K-x so now I am up to 500... and then I found the K-R so I'm up to 600... then I found out the price of lenses so I see the K-R kits with the 300mm lens is a great deal... so now I am at 800... so ya see... I am already way over budget... but I know it'll be worth it even at 800 dollars... but I gotta save every little bit I can because I am actually spending twice what I originally intended!

Chuck

Thank for your opinions...

lawman98 · 02-26-2011, 02:19 PM

I bought mine with the 55-300 and 18-55 lenses from Tri-State about 3 weeks ago for $719. It went up to $789 the next day. I just checked it today and it is $769. I had good luck with them but they did try to upsell me when I called in to ask a question.

By the way, I love the camera! My first DSLR so I am right there with you.

chukers · 02-26-2011, 09:17 PM

Originally posted by lawman98

I bought mine with the 55-300 and 18-55 lenses from Tri-State about 3 weeks ago for $719. It went up to $789 the next day. I just checked it today and it is $769. I had good luck with them but they did try to upsell me when I called in to ask a question.

By the way, I love the camera! My first DSLR so I am right there with you.

Where in Texas are you?

chukers · 02-26-2011, 09:26 PM

I just wish I could get the white K-R with the 300mm lens... don't care if its a black lens... I just like the white body...

Chukers

chukers · 02-26-2011, 09:57 PM

here is the list I am watching... anyone have others?

Pentax K-r Digital SLR Camera with PENTAX-DA 18-55mm and 55-300mm lenses (Black)

Chukers

lawman98 · 02-26-2011, 11:26 PM

Originally posted by chukers

Where in Texas are you?

Lubbock.

chukers · 02-27-2011, 12:28 AM

Originally posted by lawman98

Lubbock.

Cool... I am around the Abilene area...

Chuck

chukers · 02-27-2011, 12:29 AM

Originally posted by lawman98

I bought mine with the 55-300 and 18-55 lenses from Tri-State about 3 weeks ago for $719. It went up to $789 the next day. I just checked it today and it is $769. I had good luck with them but they did try to upsell me when I called in to ask a question.

By the way, I love the camera! My first DSLR so I am right there with you.

I probably would of jumped at that... I can't wait....

02-25-2011, 04:44 PM	#1
cas814 New Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Idaho Posts: 19	K-r will be my first! But where?? Hello all, I am new here and am excited to join this forum! After extensive research (my boss would probably not appreciate the amount of time I have spent doing this), I have decided to purchase the K-r as my first dSLR. I was originally looking at the K-x and the comparable Canon and Nikon models, but it seems like the K-r is the way to go when you consider optical quality, price, functions, etc. I am new to the dSLR world. The vast majority of my photos will be of kids, kids' sports, wildlife, scenery, etc. I am looking at the K-r kit that includes the DA L 55-300. From what I've read, this could be a good lens for me to start with. I'm sure that this question has been asked and answered before on this forum, but I really need some good advise on which online retailer to go through. Needless to say, there are a ridiculous amount of "retailers" out there and it seems like you can interpret the reviews any way you want. I am leaning towards B&H, however, they are a little more expensive than some of the others (Tri-state, Abe's) and I do need to be conscious of $$. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and I can't wait to get this going!! Chad

02-25-2011, 07:02 PM	#3
chukers Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 53	Hi my name is chuck... I'm new but I plan to spend alot of time on this forum... I am moving from a P&S camera to a DSLR and from all my research I have settled here... more specifically the Pentax K-R... Chad... I am EXACTLY where you are now... I am watching all the online retailers for the last few days... here is what I found so far... NW $756.19 Free shipping (on back order) B&H $804.00 Free Shipping (in stock) Amazon $804.00 Free SS Shipping (in stock) Provantage $744.40 Shipping ?? (3 to 4 weeks delivery) (special order) Abe's $742.95 Free shipping (in stock) Tri-State $809.00 Free Shipping (stock ?) (has extras for that price) Adorama $804.00 Free Shipping (stock ?) (has an extra package for $847.45) I was hoping to find one under $700 with the 300mm lens... I'm still waiting and watching... has anyone purchased it for under $700? Chukers Last edited by chukers; 02-25-2011 at 07:28 PM.

02-25-2011, 06:44 PM	#2
Ole Administrator Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Copenhagen, Denmark Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,408	Adomara and B&H are two good places to buy from and they will not call you and try to upsell you as some of those retailers with lower prices will.

02-25-2011, 08:11 PM	#4
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,002	Shop around, but do buy from a good-reputation dealer. Adorama and B&H are reputed sellers and you can be confident of the quality of the service. If you are not in rush, wait for their promotion every so often. In any case, do buy only from a good reputation dealer... You do not want your dream to become your nightmare. Last edited by hcc; 02-26-2011 at 02:17 AM.

02-26-2011, 09:03 AM	#5
chukers Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 53	That is what I am hoping for... a promotion... I am patiently waiting for the right deal... I am hoping this thread or one of the others I'm watching will list a special... I am ready to buy! Remember your first DSLR? how exciting it was to be moving into a "real" camera... well I'm there now... I can't wait to get my hands on it! I appreciate all the comments and help you guys offer... I bet Chad is feeling the same way! Chuck

02-26-2011, 09:55 AM	#6
cas814 New Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Idaho Posts: 19 Original Poster	I am feeling exactly the same way!! My little Nikon CoolPix is a neat little camera, but I am ready to move into a whole new world of photography. A promo code would be nice, but I don't know if I will have Chuck's patience! I am leaning towards B&H.....I have worked with them before (years ago I was a videographer), and they were awesome. Plus, after exploring this forum I noticed the relationship between this community of Pentax users and B&H. Hopefully I can place the order next week, just waiting on a bonus check! Chad

02-26-2011, 10:35 AM	#7
ukwoody Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Pembrokeshire, Wales,UK Posts: 152	I'm not an American, nor ever used B&H (or adomrama) but from spending the last few years on various photographic forums, I would certainly be willing to pay that teeny bit extra to buy from one of those two if it were me. I have only ever read very high praise for both, and when things have occasionally gone wrong, the response from both seems exemplary. Just my tuppence worth (or two cents if you prefer, lol). Just watch those retailers who are signifcantly lower priced; invariably the goods are either out of stock (contrary to what their site says), grey imports, or there's hidden charges - not to mention real hassel if things go wrong. woody

02-26-2011, 11:51 AM	#8
chukers Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 53	Originally posted by ukwoody I'm not an American, nor ever used B&H (or adomrama) but from spending the last few years on various photographic forums, I would certainly be willing to pay that teeny bit extra to buy from one of those two if it were me. I have only ever read very high praise for both, and when things have occasionally gone wrong, the response from both seems exemplary. Just my tuppence worth (or two cents if you prefer, lol). Just watch those retailers who are signifcantly lower priced; invariably the goods are either out of stock (contrary to what their site says), grey imports, or there's hidden charges - not to mention real hassel if things go wrong. woody Yeah I totally agree with you... what's 800 dollars if you are already going to spend 700... well ya see I started out only being able to spend 400 then I found out what DLSR's are and what they can do... so I wanted to get K-x so now I am up to 500... and then I found the K-R so I'm up to 600... then I found out the price of lenses so I see the K-R kits with the 300mm lens is a great deal... so now I am at 800... so ya see... I am already way over budget... but I know it'll be worth it even at 800 dollars... but I gotta save every little bit I can because I am actually spending twice what I originally intended! Chuck Thank for your opinions...

02-26-2011, 02:19 PM	#9
lawman98 New Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 5	I bought mine with the 55-300 and 18-55 lenses from Tri-State about 3 weeks ago for $719. It went up to $789 the next day. I just checked it today and it is $769. I had good luck with them but they did try to upsell me when I called in to ask a question. By the way, I love the camera! My first DSLR so I am right there with you.

02-26-2011, 09:17 PM	#10
chukers Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 53	Originally posted by lawman98 I bought mine with the 55-300 and 18-55 lenses from Tri-State about 3 weeks ago for $719. It went up to $789 the next day. I just checked it today and it is $769. I had good luck with them but they did try to upsell me when I called in to ask a question. By the way, I love the camera! My first DSLR so I am right there with you. Where in Texas are you?

02-26-2011, 09:26 PM	#11
chukers Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 53	I just wish I could get the white K-R with the 300mm lens... don't care if its a black lens... I just like the white body... Chukers

02-26-2011, 09:57 PM	#12
chukers Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 53	here is the list I am watching... anyone have others? Pentax K-r Digital SLR Camera with PENTAX-DA 18-55mm and 55-300mm lenses (Black) Chukers

02-26-2011, 11:26 PM	#13
lawman98 New Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 5	Originally posted by chukers Where in Texas are you? Lubbock.

02-27-2011, 12:28 AM	#14
chukers Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 53	Originally posted by lawman98 Lubbock. Cool... I am around the Abilene area... Chuck

02-27-2011, 12:29 AM	#15
chukers Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 53	Originally posted by lawman98 I bought mine with the 55-300 and 18-55 lenses from Tri-State about 3 weeks ago for $719. It went up to $789 the next day. I just checked it today and it is $769. I had good luck with them but they did try to upsell me when I called in to ask a question. By the way, I love the camera! My first DSLR so I am right there with you. I probably would of jumped at that... I can't wait....