[stepheno]

....after reading a few posts on here that made references to tripods and heads I realised that my trusty old Vivitar tripod was a bit long in the tooth and that I needed something more suitable and up to date. So I decided to buy something more appropriate and ordered a Manfrotto 458B Neotec and a 322RC2 Ball Head. I ordered from Warehouse Express at 10 am on Tuesday morning with next day delivery to my work and received an acknowledgment. By Thursday nothing had arrived so I phoned their sales section and asked where the goods were. They told me, as it was a first order, they could only deliver to the address on my card so......they didn't deliver. I canceled the order.

By now it was 2.20pm on Thursday afternoon and after a quick search on the internet I telephoned Camera King and inquired about stock. Both items were in stock, they took my order and card details over the phone. Despite the fact that a next day delivery required an order before 2pm they said they would deliver next day - both arrived at 10.45am on Friday. That I call service.

I'm not knocking Warehouse Express as it is my first experience of them but it doesn't make me want to try them again. However - top marks to Camera King Oh and by the way - thanks to Charlotte for the recommendation for the tripod and Rob for his review of the head

[Steve]

You would have thought that Warehouse Express would at least of got in touch to explain the issue, just doing nothing and basically ignoring the order would make feel the same way as you. Not a good experience overall.

Glad you got the goods in double quick time for Camera King. That's 1-0 to Camera King in my books

[Charlotte]

Sorry to hear you had a bad experience with Warehouse Express, Stepheno They've never let me down yet - ordered from them 3 times now + each time I've dealt with them (ref. enquiries too) they have been tops. S'pose, as with any company, it depends on the salesperson you happened to get (there are always a few that let the side down)

Anyway, glad you got your kit ... I trust you upgraded your ability first (per your signature)

Soooo, waddaya think of the kit, then??? Is it fab, or is it fab?

[stepheno]

Originally Posted by Charlotte

Soooo, waddaya think of the kit, then??? Is it fab, or is it fab?

So far so good - the only downer so far are the clips for the handle, nearly broke my fingers.

[P-E]

Sorry to hear of the problem with W/Express but glad you got your kit quickly elsewhere and all is well

As for W/Express......they have given me excellent service over the last few years accept on one occasion that was quickly dealt with over the phone

[Charlotte]

Originally Posted by stepheno

So far so good - the only downer so far are the clips for the handle, nearly broke my fingers.

Yes, they are quite harsh, but you get used to them. The strap also gets in the way when you change the tripod to ground-level mode, so it has to come off. You don't really need the carry handle on unless you're going trekking, as the legs do stay together if you carry the 'pod by the neck, which is comfy enough for short distances.

Also, I took the centre column out for ground-level mode, + haven't bothered to put it back yet, as I find the 'pod less cumbersome without it, + obviously a bit lighter too; you only need the centre column if you want to use the horizontal feature or extend it really high, which I haven't yet, although I have used it horizontally which is cool for shooting those hard-to-reach close-ups (my examples = in the kitchen)

[stepheno]

Thanks for the added advice, Charlotte. Yes - I too have removed the carry strap although I might look at getting some better clips.

[Rob Barron]

I have to say I have also had delivery problems from Warehouse Express. I can live with delays but what really annoys me is bad communication and on both occasions that I have had a delay, they have not done anything to inform me despite having both my telephone number and e-mail address.

I have been very happy with what I have bought and the prices paid, but I have to say their communication with customers does leave a lot to be desired.

Cheers,
Rob

ps I am sure you'll be delighted with the head though

[stepheno]

Thanks Rob...the head is first class