Where to Buy Photography Equipment? Here Are the Best Options

Buying camera gear should be the fun part. However, the sheer number of shops – and the horror stories about gray-market lenses and dodgy marketplace sellers can make it stressful fast. The good news is that it really comes down to a handful of trustworthy names.

For new gear, dedicated camera retailers like B&H Photo and Adorama are the safe bet; for used bargains, specialists like MPB and KEH are hard to beat. And your local camera shop is still the place to actually hold something before you commit. Buying from a reputable, authorized dealer matters more than chasing the absolute lowest price. It’s what keeps your warranty valid and saves you the headaches.

Here’s a guide to where to buy photography equipment, no matter if you’re looking for new or used.

Where to Buy New Photography Equipment

For new gear, stick to established camera specialists. They’re authorized dealers, which means full manufacturer warranties and no gray-market surprises.

B&H Photo Video is the giant – widely considered the gold standard for camera gear, with a massive inventory, consistent service, and an unmatched reputation. Based in New York with a famous superstore, it ships across the US and beyond. Adorama, its NYC neighbor, is the other big US specialist, with a similarly deep catalog and strong service.

In the UK and Europe, the equivalents are shops like Wex Photo Video and Park Cameras (UK). Buying from your region’s authorized dealers keeps warranty and repair access clean and stress-free.

Don’t overlook manufacturer stores either – Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm all sell direct, often where you’ll find official refurbished bodies at a discount with a real warranty. And big electronics retailers (Best Buy in the US, for instance) stock mainstream cameras, handy if you want to hold one in person before buying.

Where to Buy Used Photography Equipment

This is where the real savings live. A camera bought used in good condition can cost a fraction of new, and the reputable used dealers test and grade everything before resale, with warranties to back it up.

MPB is the standout for both sides of the Atlantic – it buys, tests, and resells used gear with a huge catalog and very good prices, running offices in the UK and Brooklyn and serving both the North American and European markets. It offers a 7-day return window and a six-month warranty on its products. For European readers especially, MPB is usually the first place to look.

KEH is the US heavyweight – the largest pre-owned camera store in the United States, highly regarded for great prices, strong customer service, warranties, and a huge catalog spanning everything from 35mm to large format. It offers savings of up to 40% off retail and a 180-day warranty.

Adorama and B&H both have used departments too, so you can buy second-hand from the same trusted names you’d buy new from, with their customer service attached.

What about eBay, Amazon, and Marketplace?

You can find deals here, but the safety net is thinner, so buy carefully.

Amazon carries a huge selection, including refurbished gear, with the advantage of genuine verified-purchase reviews. Just confirm you’re buying from a reputable seller, check the ratings and reviews, and check if the shipping applies to your region. eBay can land you a bargain, and many legitimate dealers sell through it. However, it’s riskier than going directly to a specialist retailer, so scrutinize the listing. You want close-up photos showing all sides of the body and a seller with strong feedback.

Local classifieds and Facebook Marketplace are the wild west: potentially the cheapest, but there’s zero protection. Only worth it if you can inspect and test the gear in person before money changes hands.

What to Check Before Buying Used

A quick checklist so a bargain doesn’t become a regret:

• Shutter count on the camera body – it’s the rough equivalent of mileage on a car, and tells you how much life the shutter has left. However, it’s not set in stone and is not a guarantee of your future camera’s life, so check the following items more carefully.
• Sensor condition – ask about scratches, dust, or marks, and request photos if you’re not able to see the camera in person.
• Lens condition – if you’re buying a kit, or just a lens, make sure there are no bigger scratches and mold… Or even bugs trapped inside.
• Seller reputation – read reviews, and favor dealers with a clear return window and warranty.
• Return policy – a reputable used seller usually gives you time to test the gear and send it back if something’s off.

[Related Reading: Does Shutter Count Really Matter When Buying a Used Camera?]

So, Where Should You Buy Photography Equipment?

Match it to the purchase. Buying new and want it bulletproof? Go straight to B&H, Adorama, or your region’s authorized specialist. Hunting a bargain? MPB and KEH are the safe, smart way to buy used. Want to hold it first? Your local camera shop – which also deserves your support, because those shops are getting rarer and the in-person advice is genuinely valuable.

Where do you buy your photography gear – big retailer, used specialist, or a local shop you swear by? Let us know in the comments.

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