You'd think that TDP was big enough and legit enough that Canon would be rushing to ensure you had everything you needed to tell the world about their latest toys... but I also understand the "gear bought at retail, we have no obligations to Canon" side of reviewing gear too.
On Flickr - Namethatnobodyelsetook on Flickr
Canon: R8 | R7 | 7DII | 10-18mm STM | 28-70mm f/2.8 | 50mm f/1.8 | 85mm f/1.8 | 70-300mm f/4-5.6L | RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L
Sigma: 18-35mm f/1.8 Art | 35mm f/1.4 Art | 50-100mm f/1.8 Art Laowa: 100mm 2X Macro
I don't want TDP to be receiving special review gear, no matter how "big and legit" it may be - it's better for all of us if Canon doesn't have an opportunity to pick & choose which unit goes to a reviewer.Originally Posted by DavidEccleston
On the flip side, I struggle with the notion that TDP might pre-order 2-4 copies of something to be able to gather consistency data, while others are anxiously awaiting the 1 copy they've ordered. I'd sure like it if TDP developed a partnership with LensRentals.com such that one (or more) of LR's orders is auto-rented (and potentially direct drop-shipped) to TDP, so that the additional copies needed for consistency turn into rental stock after a reasonable period.
We're a Canon/Profoto family: five cameras, sixteen lenses, fifteen Profoto lights, too many modifiers.
Coincidentally enough, that's kind of what Bryan does with some lenses – especially the super-telephotos. He orders a couple of them, tests them, then sells one of them to LensRentals because they can always use the stock. Plus they're usually happy knowing the lens has been pre-vetted and they won't have any initial problems with it.
Typically speaking, Bryan preorders one camera/lens for review purposes. If his test results indicate a problem, that's when he orders additional units to either validate his results or confirm abnormalities. For reviews he feels are greatly anticipated, he may preorder two lenses just in case there is an issue with one (there rarely is) and to also ensure he gets the lens as soon as possible (assuming he orders from two separate retailers, one may arrive before the other).
In the case of the 7D II, Bryan is preordering one for testing purposes and I'm preordering one for personal use.
I am watching, B&H better not play favorites and ship yours first.
Hey now, I posted the preorder news as soon as it became available. Don't you think I picked one up first? ;-)I am watching, B&H better not play favorites and ship yours first.
Flipping the flip side... I do not know how many TDP orders; but if it was 2-4 out of the thousands ordered, it is such a small fraction of a percent that it is not really causing any overall heartache to the public in general. In fact, I think the opposite argument can be made. After he is done with them, he sells them as used equipment... so someone gets a fairly new camera with low miles at a discounted price. Seem like he is doing the photography community a service with the review as well as potentially providing a discounted camera.
5DS R, 1D X, 7D, Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6, 24mm f/1.4L II, 16-35mm f/4L IS, 24-105mm f/4L, 50mm f/1.8, 100mm Macro f/2.8L, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II, 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L, 580EX-II
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He does sell some of the cameras/lenses that he reviews on the used market. I acquired the site-reviewed 7D (orig. version) this way...long before I ever worked for the site. :-)
Looks like Sean already answered while I was typing.
5DS R, 1D X, 7D, Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6, 24mm f/1.4L II, 16-35mm f/4L IS, 24-105mm f/4L, 50mm f/1.8, 100mm Macro f/2.8L, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II, 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L, 580EX-II
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