promaster equipment

I just came across a local camera store that seems to stock mostly Promaster accessories. I have never come across this brand before.
Has anyone hear had any experience with Promaster?? I like to deal with local businesses when I can which hasn't been very often. But I hesitate to buy a brand I'm not familiar with.

Does anyone have any info?

Thanks
Carson

I had a Promaster lens a long time ago as a starter lens. It served its purpose at the time, but I would not buy one again. The quality of the lens is more important than the camera it hangs on.

Ken

I have used a couple of promaster lenses, but would not consider getting one now, unless cost is a major factor.

Ditto...it's a budget brand for beginners; the best macro lens I've ever bought for $100 back when I was getting started Not something you'd want to consider if you intend to get serious about photography, but great for the point and shooter with an SLR who'll never do anything but print 4x6's.

Thanks guys, pretty much what I thought. I wasn't really thinking of glass, I'm using all Canon L glass these days but other accessories as needed. But I suspect none of it would be all that good either.

I do appreciate the responses.

Thanks
Carson

I bought a Promaster UV filter [only brand in the store that had 52mm] for my point and shoot for my job; that's about as much as I would get from this brand. It kinda reminds me of the Quantaray equipment you could buy in Ritz Camera. OK, I bought some of it but I was young and didn't have much money.

The Promaster memory cards are very slow.

If I'm not mistaken, most, if not all, Promaster products are rebadged products made by major photography players -- for current lenses these include Tokina and Tamron. I have the Promaster rebadge of Tokina's 12-24 f4 and it is indistinguishable from the original, was cheaper and has a better warranty than the Tokina.

I've seen the same where current Promaster lenses are rebadged Tokina models. IMO, Tokina's lenses are very good quality, though their coating technology lags some of the best like Funinon and they can exhibit some veiling flare. Their color an contrast is very good. I have a Tokina 28-70 f2.8 and its a solid performer. I don't see any problems with the other Promaster items I've seen either. Most have been things like lens caps or cable releases.

Thanks guys, I do appreciate the responses. I think for now I'm going to stick with Canon L glass tho I do have one Sigma 10-20 that I use when I pull out my 50 D witch I do happen to love, in some situations better than the 5D MK2. I'll keep Promaster in mind, I don't really have a lot of local options in this area unless I want to drive to North Tampa Photo, which is a store that I love but a bit of a hassle to get to.