Vistek Calgary

Good service, knowledgeable and very helpful. Order went smooth and received quick. I well certainly be using your services again. Thank you very much for everything. John

Great experience with a phone order to be held for pick up. The sales associate that I spoke to, Suhaib Yusuf, was extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. I appreciate it so much and certainly will be back!

Original review updated here.

Initially very positive experience with a rental from Jen during the summer. Based on this returned for their Black Friday sales and was very impressed with Carlos and Connor. Not only did I upgrade my body, I returned for boxing day and bought a new lens. Both Carlos and Connor have been very helpful throughout the whole process and cannot see myself going anywhere else for my camera needs from now on.

Had a super experience picking up some new gear. Shout out to Connor who made the whole process easy and fast. Thanks!

The staff were so friendly and very accommodating, they opened the store 45mins early for me to drop off the lens I rented so I wouldn’t miss my bus back home. Would definitely recommend to anyone in need of rental equipment. Very high quality products. Will 100% be back to rent again. Thanks so much Vistek Calgary!

I visited the Rental Department at Vistek recently and was helped by a couple of excellent reps who not only helped me find exactly what equipment I needed, but provided alternative solutions that saved me setup time and money.

Would absolutely recommend for equipment rental!

Always love renting from Vistek! Super easy and efficient process plus the weekend rate is such a bonus. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable and made the process seamless. Thank you as always Vistek Calgary.

I wish I could be more positive, however this company's unprofessional manner and extremely unfriendly conduct warrants one star. Had a change of heart after guy profiled me stating customer concerns. From 5 to 1 because one guy didn't represent the company well. Do better. Imagine all the thousands of dollars they lost and how much more money did this guy cost the company.

I’m fairly new to the photography game and Jen was exceptionally kind and patient with me when discussing rentals. I’m so excited to get to use my dream camera! Jen made the process so easy and so pleasant.

I was recently in the market for some video editing equipment/software and was doing research online. I landed on the Vistek website and started a chat with Daniel Zappe. He was super knowledgeable and willing to work with me to get the product I was looking for at a reasonable price. Even once the sale was done, he called me to let me know that the items were ready for pick up. I'll be in the market for more video related equipment and I'll definitely be contacting him again. Highly recommend giving Daniel Zappe at Vistek a call if you're looking for anything video/audio related. Thanks for all your help!

I had a great experience with Vistek. I was in a bit of a panic to purchase a teleprompter for an upcoming work event (as the one I previously ordered from another company, continued to delay delivery). As I have minimal knowledge on teleprompters, after a bit of research I found Vistek. I was very impressed with the websites chat feature and how fast Andrew (Toronto) responded, answered all my questions, and made recommendations. Once I had reviewed the options, I jumped back on the chat feature a few hours later, and Connor (Calgary) was very quick to respond to my requests. He was able to hold the items I needed and was prompt at communicating over the chat and email. He put together my order, making the order process quick and easy. Andrew and Connor made my experience smooth with very low stress, taking a huge weight off my shoulders. I would strongly recommend Vistek, outstanding customer service.

We pretty much exclusively buy and rent our video production gear from Vistek. They have solid prices, good quality items, and a wide range of lenses for renting. I would recommend this place to anyone in the industry

I was well taken care of, thanks to Jen and Priya/Praya! (I apologize if I didn't spell it correctly) They were absolutely helpful and friendly. Jen gave me an option of renting out a different light equipment "to go", since the equipment I needed was at a different city and another option for a white backdrop. Priya/Praya helped me carry out to my vehicle and made sure I have everything.

They have a lot of variety for equipments and rental option make is so easy to get one when needed.

Went in looking for a few little things. Staff were very prompt in helping, but I wanted to make sure the people who arrived before me were serviced first. I was helped by Stuart who was fantastic and lovely to chat with. Next time I’m in Calgary I’ll be sure to stop by!

Just one word "Outstanding" service and professional support, amazing people, I end up spending more than 5k on my first visit, just check them out.

The guys at Vistek Calgary really gave it their all to make my getting back into a good camera system easy. They beat prices, ensured I got the right kit and always lent an ear to my many questions. Thanks guys.

The crew at Vistek is always extremely knowledgeable and helpful. They answer any questions I have but also suggest equipment that may serve my purposes best. Two thumbs up!

For over 6 years I've trusted Vistek for rentals and great commercial sales for film equipment. They have reasonable hours, and good weekend rates for rentals. Thanks to Noel + Angela + Rino + Jessie + rest of team!

Always helpful. Had a need for a projector and the staff behind the counter were extremely friendly and efficient. Highly recommended for all your photography and print supply needs.

Vistek is my go to for any rentals or camera gear no question. The sales staff know what they are talking about and the rental staff are fantastic. Even when I screwed up my rental dates they still had me ready to go in a few minutes. Friendly, professional and knowledgeable.

I’ve rented from vistek a few times now and I’ve always been pleasantly surprised by the level of customer service. You can tell that they care more about the customer rather than taking their money and that’s very refreshing in this industry. As a professional photographer I need to trust my gear while shooting and I can always rely on the gear given to me by vistek

Wow, the Vistek staff go above and beyond to ensure I have the necessary gear to make my home movies! A big shoutout to Rhino for his patience and knowledge of various product.

You're a fool if you don't go to Vistek!

This place is okay but lacks a touch of warmth in customer service. Employees here appear to be cold and lack smile. I do get what I need to buy here usually but my first choice is Camera Store due to customer Service for sure. Even the surgeons that operate on your body smile and show human side of care and customer service. Come on Vistek. In terms of rental Vistek does have the variety for sure.

Switching brands and bought a 5D MK IV from these guys. Fair negotiations on my used Nikon and very friendly staff. Thanks Marty!

October 2022 update with another stellar service from Vistek Calgary! Thank you Donovan for delivering the RF 70-200mm f2.8L personally!

I reserved online for one of my upcoming trip to banff. The process was super smooth and the customer service representative (jen) was quick to respond and super helpful. They have a good breadth of products and gear and will definitely recommend to everyone.

Will post an update after my pick up and return experience.

Fantastic customer experience…contacted service agent from website using the chat app (Connor). Explained what I wanted and both items were in stock at his store (Benro tripod and ball head) ; immediately sent me a secure payment method via email and order was confirmed almost instantly (PayPal in my case). Product shipped same day and arrived to my door in Nova Scotia in 4 business days via Canada Post. Doesn’t get easier than this!

If you're buying camera gear in Calgary, head over to Vistek! Had a great experience with Daniel, Noel and Donovan. Everyone was pleasant and down to earth and I didn't feel judged for taking my time testing different gear. They also gave me a better deal than the competitor. The customer service and pricing is there which sets Vistek apart from other stores.

The Camera Store for example is not a bad place to buy either, although I felt some dishonesty from them for not being able to "get me a better deal". Vistek immediately made me an offer which made the Canon R5 purchase more reasonable. Ultimately they got my business by working with me and having a wonderful in store shopping experience. Save the tax in Alberta and shop with these guys to really get the most out of your camera purchases. Thanks again guys for helping me out, I appreciate it!

Today I purchased a Canon R3, a Canon 100-500 and a 1.4 teleconverter from the Calgary Vistek store over the phone. It was a great customer experience with helpful information and service from Donovan. My gear will be packed and shipped the same day, looking forward to receiving it soon, thanks!

Amazing place, always have anything I need, especially for last minute rentals. Jen Aitken is super knowledgeable and helped me pick out the perfect set of lenses for a wedding shoot I had. Highly recommend. Would definitely be back!

We just love this place—it has everything a creative agency could ever ask for. We've bought stuff and rented stuff and will continue to do so for years to come. Shout out to Jen A.the amazing Rental Consultant who always goes the extra mile, is knowledgeable and is truly one of the most helpful people ever. Thank you for all you and the Vistek Team do to help us help our clients look and sound their best.

Simon took an hour of his time to explain exacly how to use my new Ronin Gimbal. If that is not excellent customer service, I dont know what is!

I've always loved the environment at Vistek. The staff take the time to really help you and figure out how to solve whatever issue is needed for your production!

Just purchased my first camera here. I had great experience talking with one of the people working in the store and guiding me through beginner like me, would come back here for my other equipments very soon. I highly recommend visit here!

Absolutely fantastic experience visiting my go- to place for camera supplies, insights and expertise from the staff. I want to recognize the help of the staff person at the front this week for recommending a product and part but also for providing some tips to better my craft as a hobby birding enthusiast and photographer. Now off to capture one of my favourite birds, the water fowl at beaverdam flats park.

Amazing customer service! Really love the vibe there. Got my ND FILTER and all my questions answered! Ask for Simon when you’re there, very helpful and friendly!

We dropped out camera off for a sensor cleaning. Jessie, & Simon took care of us. Very happy with our customer service and experience! We will be back, thank you!:)

Came by with my dad to get a video camera lense. We are super new to all of this stuff, Simon was very helpful and knowledgeable. He had a lot of experience to share and even gave us a little crash course on cameras. Awesome store and staff!

At Vistek I have always had an amazing experience. I am a wedding photographer and rent equipment frequently. Angela Butler who works at the rental desk is extremely courteous, helpful, and flexible with renting options. She always makes sure that my equipment is ready for me to pick up on time. Angela answers all questions I have with ease and I feel comfortable coming to her with any question. They have SO many renting options as well for a reasonable price. Thank you Vistek and specifically Angela Butler for all of your help!

Incredible client services. Noel helped us fix a problem during a video shoot. He saved the day!

The customer service is hard to beat, staff are friendly and greet you by name if a regular and students get a discount. A great store for photography

The customer service is great, the store is well kept, and the staff are always willing to go above and beyond! Easy 5 stars from me!

I went in for advice on repairing or replacing my favourite camera, which I bought eight years ago. Two gentlemen made a thorough examination of my camera, and the most expert asked me if he could do a reset. Presto! My camera worked properly again. A big thank you for free advice and for saving me a lot of money for new gear. I will come back when I do need that new camera one day.

I haven't been to Vistek for a while because I live in Winnipeg, but when I came back recently to Calgary, the renovations were amazing, the amazing service that I had received before was the same, and even better. They answered all my questions, helped me with my concerns / confusions and made my life / request a ray of sunshine. I appreciate everything you guys have done for me in the present and the past. I can't wait to come back to the store when I'm in Calgary soon.

Cheers!

Staff was great with assisting me in fixing my tripod. Friendly environment and knowledgeable in their departments!

I have to say, The renovation at the Vistek Calgary location have REALLY leveled up the store!

The environment is inviting, and the staff are so obviously passionate about the work they do!

I've been going to Vistek for most of my camera gear since I started my business over a decade ago. The employees are all wonderful and incredibly helpful. I was just in today and Connor helped me with a bigger order.he patiently answered all my questions and got me a discount after I had seen a lower price on another website.

Stuart was very helpful with the purchase of our Black Magic Camera. Thanks so much for your help Stuart!

I can only speak to the rental portion of the business. A fairly efficient rental process and the prices are hard to argue with assuming you can take advantage of the promo prices.
Unfortunately, the lens I had rent was dirty and didn't notice until post was under way. My own fault for not checking but would be nice to have a clean lens off the start.

I’ve been coming in for 11 years to purchase various products, from my first camera at age 14 to my most recent at age 26. Most recently I picked up the Canon R5. I’ve always had the pleasure of dealing with Noel who has helped educate me, offered discussion and takes time to get to know you so he can best assist. All of the other staff are Amazing and knowledgeable too. They’ve helped me rent equipment, come through when I needed gear last minute for same or next day shoots.

Amazing all around! Specifically Angela from the rental department was absolutely wonderful. I rented an RF 15-35 for my trip to Banff and at first there was an emergency where I couldn't get the lens so they wrote off another one for me to rent. She was quick at responding and super polite.
We stayed almost 2 hours from Calgary and I didn't want to go out of my way to drop it off the day before we took off so Angela let me return it the day of my flight accommodated me outside of work hours (even though she really didn't have to) and made it so convenient for me. If I could give 6 stars I would.

Can't tell you what it's like there bc despite available staff I didn't get any service, not even a greeting.and there was only one other customer. I'll stick with The Camera Store - great service and much better selection.

I've bought my camera gear here for years now and never had a bad experience. Just ask for Connor and he'll take care of you!:)

It's a different world we are living in. I go in to Vistek Calgary today to look at purchasing a new lense for my Nikon 7II. I purchased my new nikon 7II and 25-200 lense less than a month ago. I also purchased a flash with remote recently. Today I was so insulted at your store. I walk over to the display tolook at what choices I had in purchasing a new lense. Only to be greeted by a unfriendly welcome. Being told I can not look through tge display. I was instructed I was not permitted to look and I would have to stand behind the counter and ask to see what ever I am interested in. I felt like a street veggerent being directed away. I spent over $5000. In your store in the past month with no issues of looking through the glass display now I am treated like I am a criminal. I showed my badge and said I understand all about security. I had three sales people standing there and I was treated with no respect for customer service. I had to be out going to express my displeasure. Now I am having to explain and almost beg for service. I had lots of question and only towards the end of trying to figure out my options for my next purchase did I feel like I was getting some respect. I was prepared to drop another $3000 or more on more equipment. The atmosphere sets the experience. A warm fuzzy feeling is better than a bitter insult feeling. I was advised the policy have changed in this store. No excuse for a retired Veteran and ex-law inforcement to be treated. So much for wanting to go back.

Always knowledgeable, always helpful, and genuine. I shop here because they know their products.

ALWAYS love shopping here. Today was no different. There is ample parking, they always have what I need and the staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. They really know their stuff.

We've shopped here a couple of times and every time the team here is great. Connor took time to understand my needs today and recommended the perfect gear. He even took time to walk me through setting up a gimbal when I asked. We'll be back lots!

Excellent photo printing service. Exceeded my expectations because color matched my digital file exactly.

Ordered an item online, got the ready for pick up email. By the time I got there, all the staffs drew a blink and had no idea where or what is the order about. 3 sales person and 20 min of my time, they figure out they enter the order number at the wrong section of their system. REEALLLY?

Also, brought online a $3000 camera and manage to put in a complete different name and shipping address. No customer service and left me yo-yo back and forth with Canada Post. At one point I, yes the customer, be responsible to locate the item? After 3 weeks of nightmare, finally got my camera.

In summary, I would like to support local business but you guys just pain awful to deal with. I am taking my business somewhere else.

I came in to buy a specific camera, was told they would price match, it was a lie. Was also told I would get a discount on some accessories as they couldn't "price match" I recieved no discount on any accessories I purchased, seems like the sales person didn't care if I came back to be a vistek customer, he only cared about his paycheck. I definitely won't be returning to this place for anything.

Stand out service and support in both sales and rentals. Noel in sales has gone above and beyond with his product knowledge and help in troubleshooting issues I was having when upgrading my gear. Always a pleasure dealing with Vistek Calgary.

I was here for an Upgrade. Got a Canon5D MarkIV. Super excited. Kyle Hutton was the staff that attended to myself and Hubby. He was super polite and professional and extremely patience. Kyle you did exceptional well. Thank you for being awesome even though thousands of dollars left me. Hahaha. Mobby

I didn't have a good experience purchasing a lens here. The person behind the counter asked me what I was looking for. After I told him which lens he rang me up for the amount due. I thought it was strange I had to ask if I could look at it before I buy it and whether it was in stock at this location. I go to camera stores to get a bit more knowledge or feedback on an item than I would from buying it online. The person who helped me didn't really help or say much at all. Maybe just a one off experience, but I don't see a reason to come back.

Rented a lens here and had a super smooth experience. Angela was really nice and I would definitely come back here again for photo equipment!

With COVID-19 and limited in store shopping, I decided to purchased online a camera body and two lenses. I have, like most, purchased my share of goods and services on line with usually good results. Unfortunately the online sales agent mislead me into spending approx $200 more than required on a $10k purchase. I sent 2 follow up notes without response, prior to their completing the sale and shipping out the items. I eventually did hear back.indicating nothing more than as the items had been shipped there is nothing they could do. Pretty poor service and conduct with a customer, particularly when making such a significant purchase. Be careful before dealing with this company. I certainly will never again!

Been a customer for a while and normally very helpful. Checked in today but unfortunately didn’t have what I wanted.

I would highly recommend this place. I want to get into photography and I had no idea where to start or even what questions to ask. Noel took the time to ask me the right questions and explain things in a way I could understand. I am really happy with my purchase and excited to learn more! Thanks so much!

I went into the store today to look at some cameras with mind on decently priced cameras (1500-3000). There was one gentleman that was helpful and he showed me some of the cameras. The rest of the staff seemed very disinterested in helping us. I had to initiate eveything: they didn't want to go out of their way to service me. I asked couple simple questions and i got very vague answers (very vague). The store is fun to look at and has a lot of interesting things in there but lot of the staff didn't seem interested in their customer (except one). I almost had my mind set on buying a camera and a kit but didn't.

Great printing service. Jessie has always helped me find the right paper to use and the quality of the prints is why I keep coming back.

Finally bought a black magic pocket cinema camera 4K. These cameras are by no means cheap and I don’t know about anybody else but when you spend a lot of money on a product, you expect it to be in pristine mint condition, the last thing you expect to see on the brand new never before used product is scratches and scuff marks. This unfortunately is what I got when I bought and unboxed the camera, it was with out a doubt so disappointing. I found scratches by the function button, there is a really nice scratch by the screen. There are some scuff marks on the screen even. The plastic screen protector is completely scratched up, which showcases something must have happened inside the box or outside. I Popped off the sensor cap and there are more scratches and scuff marks on the metal lens connector. There was even dust on the glass by the sensor, I guess I’m supposed to clean this myself. The camera is not weather sealed, so I assume dust is not a good thing, so why is it completely covered in it. It feels like it was a refurbished product or something. Vistek did state, they would replace it but I have to wait till I get back to Toronto for the exchange. I’m just posting photos before I get back.

Sheldon has extremely knowledgeable and helpful. He helped me pick out the gear I needed. Thanks again for your time reviewing and explaining the different options!

My go-to place to purchase camera equipment. Where some have noted poor experiences with staff, my experience with the staff has been very good. In the couple times I've visited, staff has offered knowledgeable insight into any questions I had. Their prices might seem a bit high, but they often have sales where you can find items for a good price! They also have a wide selection of different brands to fit a wide range of budgets.

I really miss the Vistek at Willow Park, I think the service was amazing at that store.

Since their only store in Calgary is downtown I think the service has worsened.

They even used to match prices from other stores, just saying that because that's how I got my first camera, a Nikon 3200, about 9 years ago, they matched the price at Henry's which is in Ontario. I tried matching prices now, but they seem to be ok spending your money in other places, because they will not match prices if the competitor is not in Calgary.

Their staff is not as friendly, nor as helpful as they used to be.

They have a good selection of equipment though.

My preferred camera shop they work for you and that’s not just because I’m a pro it because they know their stuff well!

Store has slimmed down over the years. Staff were somewhere between average to better than average in terms of knowledge and willingness to help. On my recent visit of 3 camera stores in vincinity, they did better than other two. However I couldn't talk to right person to get definitive answer to make decision there. At least I won't deduct star for outright giving false information or not referring me to specialist like at other stores.

I won't rent from them again. I am a professional videographer, editor, and producer for 13 years. I rented a bunch of gear from the Calgary location to shoot some interviews, one of which was with Rex Murphy and the Premier of Alberta, Jason Kenney. I reserved three black backdrops, key to the look I promised the client and to the location limitations, and received one black backdrop and one light-blue backdrop. There was no time to find another solution and I had to find a workaround at the last minute. When I returned the equipment and asked for a substantial discount on the entire rental fee, the assistant manager would only offer me refunds for the two backdrops they didn't deliver and for an undisclosed "credit" on my next rental. I emailed the store manager, the owner, and the VP of HR and never got a response. Of the countless times I have rented gear from professional rental houses, this is the only time that the rental house didn't accept its responsibility for causing major problems. Other rental houses have made mistakes, but when they did they understood the domino effect of their errors and would comp me the rental fee in its entirety or give me a major discount of at least 50%-75%. I would highly suggest renting elsewhere in Calgary and will not use Vistek again for rentals or buy from them again.

I don’t know if their sales dept is great but their Rental dept ripped me off in broad daylight. I have been renting with them for the last 6 years and never had an issue until this weekend. I rented their gear for the thanksgiving long weekend and while returning it they noticed a crack in the battery which they said didn’t exist before. That crack was in such a place that it looked like design so you tend to miss the obvious. Also when you rent with someone for years you build a trust that everything you got is fine. You look at the important things and not the subtle ones like this. They didn’t want to hear my side of the argument, stuck to their guns saying I must have damaged it while I didn’t even know it was cracked. I was charged for the battery eventually as I didn’t want to argue anymore.

I won’t say I won’t rent gear again with them as I don’t have an alternative and they probably know it too. But I would advise everyone to look at all your gear very carefully or take photos before you pick them up. Else you will be labelled as the one who damaged it and charged for it. This thing I going to haunt me for a while I know.

@Vistek you got to do better for your customers and not treat them like criminals.

Despite the higher than other shop prices, good selection and location. Good parking. Lots of variety and products. Recommend. Cameras and stuff. Accessories galore, lots of interesting in store shopping.

Staff was rude and blamed me for the faulty cord he sold me 5 mins prior. Went to my car plugged it in and it was loose came back inside and he almost didint exchange it trying to tell me I broke it in that five mins lol. Laughed at him until I got my new cord I was on Buisness trip from Toronto and didint have time for games. Stay clear of this store. Full of rudeness

Avoid purchasing special order items from Vistek, I had one order that took two weeks from the order date for me to get it, a little slow but understandable.
As of writing this review, I have been waiting 6 weeks to receive a separate special order item, with Vistek customer service telling me to be patient with them because they are trying their best to get it to me quickly.
The attached image is an email I received after contacting support during week 6 trying to get information about my order.

Been supporting this store for many years. Generally a good store with great staff. I have spent many of thousands of dollars here throughout the years. I would give Vistek 5 stars if the had a price guarantee. I bought another tripod off them and two weeks later it was on sale for $90 off. With no policy in place I was told sorry but we can not give you a refund for the $90. My next DSLR purchase will be from another vendor. I will not give them another $4000 when they can not support the customers who support them.

I had a new interest in getting into some camera and audio hobby stuff and I met the sales rep Rino at the Video counter. He was super informative and walked me through a lot of what I needed and where to start. A+.

Great rental staff but I was caught off guard with the dollar amount of preauthorize they wanted to do on my credit card. I know how preauthorize works on credit cards from previous experience of renting cars and staying at hotels. They were trying to preauthorize my credit card 10 time more then my original rental price, I feel that's too steep.

Amazing place for shop and rentals. All the sales reps are so helpful and knowledgeable. I do want to give shout out to management as well, they always take care of the customers. Highly recommended!

Marvelous place. Great selection of inks for my various printers. Although I mostly only browse when I am in, I am always pleased as I roam through their ink wall. Nice staff as well.

Staff are friendly but when it comes to management, boy did I ever see their personality and attitude problem. You treat clients that break your rules like dirt and talk down to them as if they cost them a life. I will be telling everyone to make sure they don't rent from your company. Honestly if it wasn't for the other staff, I wouldn't shop at your store.

This is a great store with friendly and competent staff. I initially called the store and spoke with Noel who spent a lot of time answering my questions.this was the main reason I later came in and purchased equipment. Noel is very knowledgable, is a great teacher, trouble-shoots quickly, addresses customers by name and has been consistently patient with me and other staff. I feel there is good harmony in this store which is so important for everyone.

Nice rentals staff. Seems to have some equipment not available for rent which is understandable but I wish they had some more things available.