Wolf Camera extended warranty, worth it?

[iShater]

Background
I am about to buy my first dSLR. I decided after doing a lot of research, thinking, and feeling; to go with a Nikon entry level. D60 seemed to be the one, until I kept reading more and more than the price difference between that and the D40 isn't really worth it. So I decided to get the D40, and spend the $$ difference on getting a 70-300 lens to compliment the stock 18-55 and to use in my next Safari trip.

I went to Wolf camera and spent quite some time there with a knowledgable sales lady who explained things, helped me try the different cameras, the lenses, etc. I plan to get the body and the stock lens from the store, price is maybe $30 more than the cheapest I have seen on the net, but with the time they spent with me and the classes they offer, I feel that they more than earned it.

The dilemma
The lady explained to me the extended warranty they offer, and I am trying to decide whether to get it or not.

The cost for a two year coverage depends on the value of the equipment purchased. So I can get a 2 year warranty for the camera for $180 $153.39, and the same for the lens for $220 $180.39 for two year as well. That is $400 $333.78 for a full, accident, drop, damage, drown, etc coverage and free annual cleanings for two full years for equipment costing over $1000.

They charge $65 to clean the camera, and $35 for cleaning the lens. So assuming I do take the camera for an annual service that costs $100, I am paying maybe $15 more per year for the rest of the coverage.

Considering that I have at least one Safari trip where I will be in a dusty environment, and considering that I am shelling $600 for the lens. Should I at least get coverage for the lens? should I get it for both? thoughts?

 

[pdechavez]

If you think you're spending a lot on this camera and lens, then yes, warranty it. I warranty all my equipment as well as insure them. But my equipment is also very expensive. If they cover drop, water, dust etc, thats a good thing since the d40 or d60 dont have weather sealing.

good luck on your decision

 

[iShater]

I'm trying to get an idea about the cleaning and if it is needed regularly enough (once a year) that the $15 to get the extra coverage per year would be worth it.

The lens is the real investment I would think as I can use it with this camera body and the next one when I upgrade.

 

[GoCubsGo]

All I know is that I was given a lens one year as a gift that had this warranty. I accidently dropped the lens and then stepped on it. Ritz (as it is called where I come from) replaced the lens, no questions asked.

 

[Clix Pix]

Since Ritz (and Wolf is part of this company) has recently filed for bankruptcy, I don't think it's a good idea to buy their extended warranty, as it might not be worth anything in a year or two....

 

[Sdashiki]

Since Ritz (and Wolf is part of this company) has recently filed for bankruptcy, I don't think it's a good idea to buy their extended warranty, as it might not be worth anything in a year or two....

My thoughts exactly.

They were never any good to begin with.

Personally I dont think Ive ever heard of or been to a REAL GOOD camera shop that wasnt locally owned and operated. All chains are just what youd expect them to be...crap.

 

[GoCubsGo]

Actually you all may want to check on your theory of Ritz/Wolf and their BK as I recently found myself in a situation where I purchased a high-end receiver from Circuit City only to find out the store closed a day later. I called the warranty company and since it's a third party my warranty is still in tact.

Find out if the Ritz/Wolf warranty is from a third party. I cannot recall as it was nearly 8 years ago when I got the lens and used the warranty that was purchased with it.

 

[telecomm]

...and if Ritz/Wolf is providing the warranty, your purchase might be just the push they need to stay afloat.

 

[iShater]

Thanks for the info folks. The warranty is covered by a 3rd party. I ended up with my camera and just a one-year warranty, with a single cleaning after a trip overseas at the end of the year, and it will be worth it.