Buying Equipments Directly From US

[ptyap]

Hi, I am just wondering what are the pros and cons of buying equipments directly from the states. It seems to me that by direct conversion, the prices are lower (specifically I compared the price for Canon 70-200 f/4L IS listed in clubsnap, SGD1750, and that listed in B&H's website, which is USD1044.95 = SGD1,599.05).

[datan]

got add in shipping cost?

[vernonleow]

Originally Posted by ptyap Hi, I am just wondering what are the pros and cons of buying equipments directly from the states. It seems to me that by direct conversion, the prices are lower (specifically I compared the price for Canon 70-200 f/4L IS listed in clubsnap, SGD1750, and that listed in B&H's website, which is USD1044.95 = SGD1,599.05).

Also need to add Singapore GST for anything valued above SGD400.00

A lot depends on exchange rate when buying stuff from overseas. I've bought stuff from B&H, both online and from the shop itself and they are very reliable if that's your question. But I buy more stuff from HK thanks to the exchange rate these days and because I go there quite often. After you include all the variables like shipping and tax, HK is slightly cheaper than the US.

[ptyap]

Originally Posted by datan got add in shipping cost?

Adding shipping cost and GST will make the lens cost around SGD100 more. Now, it seems that it's closer to the price given in clubsnap.

[ptyap]

Originally Posted by vernonleow Also need to add Singapore GST for anything valued above SGD400.00 A lot depends on exchange rate when buying stuff from overseas. I've bought stuff from B&H, both online and from the shop itself and they are very reliable if that's your question. But I buy more stuff from HK thanks to the exchange rate these days and because I go there quite often. After you include all the variables like shipping and tax, HK is slightly cheaper than the US.

Are there any HK shops that you would recommend? Do they have any websites? Thanks for the info.

[sanjayc]

Hi,
I have found buying equipment from US ( B and H) and Adorama pretty reliable. I did have some hitches a month ago. I am yet to talk to them. As far as I understand, they have 30 day warranty. I had bought my lens from B and H several years back. They came fine and were excellent. I bought my flash and few other accessories from Adorama. Came perfectly.

I bought them when I was in U.S. Also got a lens from Adorama last year. Was perfect. I had some trouble with B+W company filters that I bought. B+W filter from B and H got scratched. Not sure if they were there when I bought or when I tried to clean it. I used a clean handkerchief and my fingertip.

Adorama: I bought a B+W circular Kaesman Polarizer ( Almost 150 US Dollars) and the brand new one had smudges. I am not sure if it has scratches too. I am trying to show to a friend who has idea on this to see if he can confirm. I had e-mailed adorama asking them to make sure that it was fine before sending and I still got this stuff.

B and H : I ordered some remotes ( wireless remote and cable release for Elan 7E) as I had lost my initial set ( bought from Adorama).

The finish of these two did not look good as what I had initially and when I looked at the manufacturing information, they were manufactured in Malaysia, unlike older ones which were manufactured in Japan.

I will need to talk to the customer service after confirming with my friend. Lets see what happens. I stay in India and I am not sure what will happen.

I got the things through a relative who was coming down. It might be cheaper if you have a friend coming from US. However, in the very rarest case that there is a problem with it, getting a replacement might be a problem.

I will update once I talk to them

[sanjayc]

Hi,
cleaning the filters with some drinking water at room temperature , with a clean spectacle cloth fixed the so called scratch and the blotches too. Its all clear now. no problem

[ptyap]

Thanks for the update Sanjayc. It's good for us to be able to learn from your experience.