Here's a general rule for you to follow. Go to the B&H website. They usually have the lowest "real" prices on the net. If some other mail order business is just a couple of dollars cheaper, or they are throwing in a free minor accessory, etc, then they are likely for real, but when you get a really lower price, you have to ask why.
Another point - the retail markup on high end optics is very low - usually 10% at best. Factor in that using a credit card - which most consumers do - takes out another 3.5 to 5% from the vendor (not just the CC fee, but the associated processing fees, statement fees, IVR fees, machine rental fees, etc, etc, etc - it sure adds up fast), the reality is for many, not all, but many retailers are lucky to make even 5% profit on a sale.
So when you see another retailer selling any at 5% below what B&H is doing, you'd better be real careful and ask again, why?.
The same issue is true for many "big box" retail stores. Why do you think these guys twist your arm ten ways to Sunday to try and get you to buy an extended warranty? That, or overpriced cables is the only real place they make any money
