New NPS Member

[kathyt]

I am a member of the Canon side. (CPS) The service is amazing. They clean all of my lenses and cameras. I can evaluate (rent) any gear that I want for free. I just have to pay for return shipping. I have had almost every lens that I could ever want in my hands. Downside.....then you want to buy the lenses. There is a bunch of other perks too.

Nikon is free, Canon isnt

No Canon is not free. I don't mind paying though. I feel it is worth it. I like being able to have whatever lens and/or camera I want at my disposal whenever I want. Especially being a wedding photographer it comes in really handy. My second shooter is also a CPS member so we always try out lenses and then we share them.

 

[brian_f2.8]

The most important benefit is quick turn around on repairs. When you need to work, you need to work. NPS and CPS do a good job.

 

[imagemaker46]

Both have benefits, there is no doubt.

 

[Helen B]

It makes sense to admit semi-pros as well as pros because I guess that they are both equally reliant on equipment when working - and many full time pros will be less likely to really need the support from Nikon anyway, because they are more likely to have their own connections and support (and access to very fast repairs and rental/loan equipment) as well as more spare equipment. The other side of this is probably that Nikon aren't very well represented in our niche, so it would do them no harm to actively seek us out. My colleague is a Canon Explorer of Light, and that seems like a good scheme by Canon.

 

[brian_f2.8]

I have heard very good things from many pros at sporting events how reliable CPS in NJ is.
I don't agree with the charge. Not my problem being with NPS.

 

[imagemaker46]

Canon has always charged CPS members for loan gear, Nikon has never charged for the gear. In Canada Canon used to be really great to deal with, back in the mid 1980's then it slowly started to fall apart, a lot of the problems started with the pro reps they have used, some have been outstanding and willing to help out, others would treat the loan pool like it was their own gear, one of them would show up at the Toronto Indy car race with and the new Canon gear, and yet when the pros tried to get gear for the same event he would say it was all out, because he wanted to shoot the race himself. He eventually got the boot after a couple of years. I have been dealing with the Nikon pro rep here in Canada and he has been one of the best people I've ever worked with. I use Canon, and yet he loans me what ever Nikon gear I ask for, has been for a few years now. Canon seems to be more interested in the amateur market now.

Canadian Press switched to Nikon last year, a lot had to do with the quality of service.

 

[kathyt]

Canon has always charged CPS members for loan gear, Nikon has never charged for the gear. In Canada Canon used to be really great to deal with, back in the mid 1980's then it slowly started to fall apart, a lot of the problems started with the pro reps they have used, some have been outstanding and willing to help out, others would treat the loan pool like it was their own gear, one of them would show up at the Toronto Indy car race with and the new Canon gear, and yet when the pros tried to get gear for the same event he would say it was all out, because he wanted to shoot the race himself. He eventually got the boot after a couple of years. I have been dealing with the Nikon pro rep here in Canada and he has been one of the best people I've ever worked with. I use Canon, and yet he loans me what ever Nikon gear I ask for, has been for a few years now. Canon seems to be more interested in the amateur market now.

Canadian Press switched to Nikon last year, a lot had to do with the quality of service.

You don't get charged to borrow their gear. You pay your membership fee for whichever level you choose per year. I only pay $125.00/year. That includes everything including equipment rentals, service, cleanings and so forth. You can't even rent a lens for 3 day for $125 bucks.

 

[brian_f2.8]

Lets keep this thread to NPS benefits. I have no interest any further to discuss CPS benefits. If you are not a NPS member please do not comment. Im asking for NPS benefits ONLY!

 

[tirediron]

Lets keep this thread to NPS benefits. I have no interest any further to discuss CPS benefits. If you are not a NPS member please do not comment. Im asking for NPS benefits ONLY!

Please leave the moderating to the moderators. I see nothing wrong with a comments comparing one company's professional services to those of another (and FWIW, I'm not an NPS member).

 

[brian_f2.8]

I agree nothing wrong but I want the focus on NPS benefits.

 

[imagemaker46]

Canon has always charged CPS members for loan gear, Nikon has never charged for the gear. In Canada Canon used to be really great to deal with, back in the mid 1980's then it slowly started to fall apart, a lot of the problems started with the pro reps they have used, some have been outstanding and willing to help out, others would treat the loan pool like it was their own gear, one of them would show up at the Toronto Indy car race with and the new Canon gear, and yet when the pros tried to get gear for the same event he would say it was all out, because he wanted to shoot the race himself. He eventually got the boot after a couple of years. I have been dealing with the Nikon pro rep here in Canada and he has been one of the best people I've ever worked with. I use Canon, and yet he loans me what ever Nikon gear I ask for, has been for a few years now. Canon seems to be more interested in the amateur market now.

Canadian Press switched to Nikon last year, a lot had to do with the quality of service.

You don't get charged to borrow their gear. You pay your membership fee for whichever level you choose per year. I only pay $125.00/year. That includes everything including equipment rentals, service, cleanings and so forth. You can't even rent a lens for 3 day for $125 bucks.

I based it on my experience with CPS in Canada in the past. I think that different regions have different plans.