Toronto Photography Meetup Group

Hi guys,

I would like some of your opinions on the following matter: After speaking with the wholesale manager at Maxsaver, they may begin to offer Manfrotto/Gitzo tripods and OEM battery grips. But they are not sure if these products will bring in good demands. What are your thoughts?

If we can persuade them to bring these product lines to the public I may be able to do group buy on these items in the future; of course, at a not-for-profit scenario.

Your suggestions are welcomed. And please let me know if you have thoughts on what else would be considered as hot items for the photography community.

-Rick

Purchases for these items won't be as frequent as with filters and other smaller accessories...although, right now, I am in the market for a nice tripod.

I'm in the market right now for some light stands, but like the tripods I've bought I want to try them in person before buying; IOW a tripod is one thing I WOULDN'T buy over the internet, no matter the savings.

As for a grip it's only a one time purchase...I bought mine years ago and will not be buying a new one anytime soon.

Even for filters Maxsaver isn't that impressive...they only have the ordinary ones, none of the creative ones I would be interested in (I've managed to buy most through the local camera shows for much cheaper).

Why not try them at Henry's first and then buy them online? That is what I do. If they're the same brand name and model, why not?

I've done this myself in the past as well but I try not to if I can because if everyone keeps doing this, unfortunately there won't be any brick and mortar stores around for us to see and feel the equipment in our hands. If the price difference isn't substantial, I usually buy it from the local store.

Now on to the topic at hand, I'm in the market for a good sturdy CF tripod.

What kind of discount would they be providing? or would this only be to save on shipping?

I'd be interested in a grip...

Doubt these items are in demand very frequently. I picked up my manfrotto tripod over a year ago and don't see myself on the market for another for a long while.

I am interested in a Nikon MB-D80 Grip

Many thanks to people that had chimed in with their thoughts and ideas.

I agree to people that suggested tripods and grips are in the low demand category since they don't get replaced as often as the lens filters.

Wendy brought up an interesting point; smart buyers these days would go into retail store to try out an item they are interested then order the same exact model online to save money; regardless the amount of money saved. However, there will always be people that still buys from the local retailers for the human-to-human interaction. But business is business, online or offline, as long as the customers are satisfied with their purchase and the service levels are met.

For people that wanted grips and tripods; if the wholesale manager and I can come to an agreement I will let you guys know the available models and prices. But currently I'm not sure when this will fall through. I'll try my best. I will have to do a test buy first to make sure these items are not knock-offs.

Keep the comments flowing

Yeah, I'd be interested in the BG-E7 grip for my 7D. This is a "nice to have" option if it's cheap enough. I just don't like the idea of spending $300 on a hollow plastic extension. 3rd party is okay, if it's reliable and doesn't throw error codes.

As for the tripod, I'm sorry I just bought one a month ago

Don't know about the 7D's grip but the grip for the 5DMkII is magnesium alloy to match the body but I still think its overpriced.

Ah, maybe that's why the 7D grip is similarly priced. It's just not a piece of plastic after all

Good luck Rick!

Darn... just got a tripod.

... Maybe a grip or the wireless grip for 7D
more $ that I shouldn't spend!
Thanks, Rick!

It seems a lot of you are interested in the 7D battery grip. If you are looking for one, keep the thoughts with you. I'm gonna see if I can get a group buy price going.

The shipping costs for a whole tripod must be atrocious.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Revi ... eview.aspx


I agree that it is a lot of money for a grip... but if the group discount is enough, I think that I could be persuaded.

... just look at how much cheaper maxsavers filters are compared to the prices we see elseware. Hopefully they can do that with grips.

you people think the 7d grip is overpriced? well at least be happy you don't own a d300/d700.

If these grips are genuine Canon grips then thats too bad since I already picked one up for my 5DMkII.

I said it's a lot of money... doesn't mean it isn't worth it

I may be interested in a 5dmkii grip and/or tripod if the savings is good.

My test purchases had arrived, but I won't be able to test them out til this weekend. I'll keep you guys posted.

Things to check out this weekend:
5D MKII battery
5D MKII battery grip
430 EXII flash unit
Manfrotto 190XDB Tripod with 804RC2 head

I'm excited.

what do you mean by test purchase?

He bought only one of each to see the quality before buying multiples.

exactly

I'm interested in a Gorilla and will order in a group buy.

I'd be interested in a Gitzo tripod if prices are good.

If prices are good, would be interested in a tripod.

im interested in a Slik tripod. the Carbon Fibre models 714 or 814.

lol guys, I don't have access to everything and every brands.

Anyways, at this point I'm only focusing on flash, battery grip, battery and manfrotto tripods. I will list out what I can get in the next few days.