Vistek West

Let me first start by saying that I was a loyal customer of Vistek in Edmonton AB for years because their service and selection were very good. So when I moved to Calgary it was a no brainer for me to continue supporting this chain. Firstly, the selection at this location is basic, containing mostly camera bags, lens cases, tripods and printer paper. There is a small selection of studio lighting but nothing unique. This is all fine because for the most part I could probably order anything that I have previosly researched on my own.
My problem comes in however when it comes to the customer service and knowledge of their service people. I went in once with all of my lenses to show the salesperson what I already had in hopes that he could pin point what I needed for an upcoming safari to Kenya. Long story short, he dropped my 50 mm 1.2 prime lens which broke. He said sorry but when I asked if they could fix it he gave me the name of a place I could mail it to to have it fixed on my own. I can’t help but think that if I had dropped one of their lenses that I would have had to pay for it. Considering that I had previously bought that lens there the month before, I would have thought that they would have offered to fix it for me. Nope.
And yet I went back again last month only to find the salesmen more interested in eating their lunch and watching the world cup soccer game than helping me buy a new Canon 5D Mark III… and a $ 2000 portrait lens. I left frustrated and empty handed.
And yet I went back AGAIN last week! This time the guy who dropped my camera lens was there and as clueless as ever. My goal was to set up an off camera flash system for an upcoming wedding. I simply needed a monopod with a soft box and shoe for my speed light, but I had a number of questions as I have never used a system like this before. I concluded that this guy had no idea what I was talking about and 30 minutes later another salesperson (who had been hanging out in the back talking to another sales person) came out and I asked his opinion as I was getting nowhere with the other guy. Within 2 minutes he had me set up and ready to check out.
Conclusion: I will not be stupid enough to go back to this location. I will give the downtown location a try even though it is very inconvenient for me to get to. I visited The Camera Store yesterday and literally had butterflies in my stomach at the prospect of looking around and checking things out! Their photography reference selection was awesome and there were so many helpful sales people that I wonder why I tortured myself at Vistek in the past! It was very busy there so I may pick a quitter time!

While waiting my turn a few doors down for a haircut I popped in here to see what boxing day deals were to be had. While nothing was mind blowingly cheap, I did almost grab a new tripod. The staff were great. I had three different people ask if I needed help while I was killing time.