So, I talk to a LOT of people who are excited about Nikon’s new products (although this post applies to any manufacturer) but there’s often an issue with availability.
In fact, I get e-mails and comments on a regular basis from people asking if I know anything about a particular product’s availability (and no, I don’t).
However, there is a simple little trick for finding hard-to-get gear. In fact, I just purchased a new (second) 500PF – a lens that’s normally incredibly hard to get – and I didn’t spend one second on a waitlist. Want the simple secret? Watch the 2 minute video below 🙂
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PS – If you enjoyed this post, I think you’ll REALLY like my e-books and video workshops! Thousands of pages and hours of videos filled with tips, tricks, and techniques – all my best content! Check ’em out – click here (hey, it’s free to look).
Steve\
I would appreciate any assistance in locating a store with a 500 f5.6 of Ed vr
This is how I got the 500 PF, where it may have been the first one sold in Seattle area, the day after they were released. I could have picked up the day of release, but I was busy that day. I also got the D850 earlier than I might have otherwise by going to a local shop.
Definitely a great tip, and worth calling around to find out who might have them along with what their wait lists are. As a FYI, Brad Berger of berger-bros.com took my name down a couple of weeks ago for the 500PF and called me today with one in stock (and now on its way!). He has been getting them in pretty regularly, though they are a scarce item. Definitely would recommend reaching out to him if you’re interested – no affiliation, just a happy customer who will be looking for the UPS truck tomorrow. You can generally get a laugh… Read more »
Sorry, but this has NOT been easy to locate the new 500mm PF lens even at local camera shops. I have called many camera shops across the U.S., and have my name on many lists. One camera shop told me that you needed to be Nikon Professional Member. You could get a lens faster. All the NPS members I know have the lens. I may have to get my daughter to pick up the lens in Japan when she travels there at the end of September. I’m sure that there is some camera shop in the U.S. that has the… Read more »
Okay, that was easy…just got home with my new 500mm PF from a local shop less than a mile away. They had 2 this morning, on the shelf. Thanks for the advice!
Can you give me the info so I can see if they have any left???
Paul’s Photo in Torrance, CA. Authorized Nikon dealer, good shop. As Steve mentioned in his video they get a couple in stock every few weeks, I got lucky on timing!
Thanks I called and he had the beginning of the week. I’m now on his list. Thanks for the info
I had a hard time finding a Sony 24mm GM. Was able to find a brand new one on eBay for a small mark up after bargaining with him.
Though I have nothing against and have purchased from the big New York stores, I have always believed in shopping local. The folks at my local camera shop are always able and willing to provide advice. This is not to imply that the out of town stores aren’t helpful, because they are great, but by shopping local it helps maintain the economy of my town. Further, I have not found a difference in price. Your point about availability of product is just icing on the cake.
Great advice. I got my D850 months before the big NY stores from a brick and mortar dealer in Idaho Falls, Idaho. That store has now opened another to great success in West Yellowstone, Montana. Perfect Light Camera and Supply is the only full line dealer for Nikon, Canon and Sony in Idaho. 5 hours from Boise but if I order early enough in the day usually have stuff the next day. Yes I own all your e books thank you for producing all the great material you do 🙂
Oh man, you’re killing me, Steve 🙂 I’m on a wait list with a small camera shop. called last week to see where I stood, they said, we called you July 25th and left a message! Apparently I deleted the message w/o knowing who it was from… Still waiting. Good advice in the video, as always!
Berger Bros. is one store that has come through for me with hard to get cameras and lenses. Oddly enough, Ritz Camera can be a good source for pro level cameras and lenses. I suspect that they are overlooked by the prosumer shooters and their average customer is not looking for a D850 or 500mm PF lens.
Good to know! I’ve been waiting for 5 months (via Nikon) and I live a half an hour from Procam
Guess my logic was opposite… I figured the smaller shops would hardly get any. Lesson learned! Thanks for another great tip, Steve!
It’s not fair Steve- so you’ve got two PF500s and I’m still waiting for mine, which I’ve ordered in a smallish retailer in Australia.
Good advice! I just bought a 500pf from a local camera shop in Salt Lake City that I love to support, Pictureline. They are always exceptionally helpful and offer good advice. I only had to wait about 3 weeks.
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I do this. There is only one independently owned and operated camera store. He either has, or can get stuff quite quickly. I like to support local business whenever I can too.
I would add that it helps keep that small-town store in business so it is there when you need it.
The only problem is when you actually live in NYC so there aren’t any “local camera stores” other than the big guns. 🙂 Luckily I got mine from a store in the midwest although even then I was on their waiting list for about five months.
Yup; good advice! That’s where I found my D850 in stock last year, when the ‘big boys’ were still wait-listed.
I agree, I got mine (in France) through my local dealer without a long wait, plus he doesn’t charge more than the “big companies” plus in case of problem, I know I can count on him!
Got mine in a little less than three months from Allen’s Camera, Levittown, PA . I’b been on the biggie store in NYC since September ’18, cancelled that lens thanks to Allen’s.
Awesome lens, truly a WOW. (D5 – D500)
This is how I got my 500pf a couple of months ago..but I didn’t even have to call around. Someone I knew on a photo website was aware that I was looking for one. He bought his and found another dealer that had one in stock and he told me to call them…which I did. I bought the lens. Not sure this topic is worthy of a video on your site but it is good advice for hard to find items which seems to happen with nikon more than sony or canon.
Great advice. Three months ago I used the same technique with my local dealer for my 300 PF. Also, as good as the big camera stores are, their service levels can’t compare with a top notch local camera store.
Hi Steve- Unfortunately the reality is that Nikon is only shipping a handful of lenses each month and our waiting list keeps getting bigger … at least in Canada anyway. While I applaud your advice to “promote the local camera store”, sometimes mathematics gets in the way … when we receive only 1 500mm PF lens when over 20 people want it! I wish I could change this situation but it’s out of our control! Take care … nice post by the way!
Yes – exactly so I got a few weeks ago my 500 PF after waiting here in Germany many months with one of our big dealers . Right in my neighbor-town I got this lens without waiting list !
Great Steve! I saw your post on FM last night 🙂 Never before, have the smaller, more local retailers needed the direct support of their more local clientele. More of these small shops are being squeezed out by drop in customers, who click on orders from the biggest outlets instead. All these compound these delays and frustrations PLUS environmental costs of yet more cross-continental shipping.
thanks
looking for the latest Nikon 500mm or 600mm, lens for my d 500 for BIF,Sports and Wildlife.
Want a real pro lens not an imager lens.
Which lens do u recommend and where?
ty,
Tom Pallan
Doctor
BIF
The 500mm F/4 E and 600mm F/4E are what you want.
Ty Steve for your response.
Can the 500mm F/4E use the Nikon teleconverter 1.4 and 2.0?
Are the images just as good as using the prime lenses, 500 and 600mm?
Which tripod and mount to handle the weight of each lense and D-500 Nikon camera.