B+W 77mm CPL Filter Price Difference

[thengz]

Just bought a B+W 77mm CPL Slim filter during the weekend. I bought it at Orient Photo for $165 but thats before I checked out the price at Cathay Photo. I was quoted, if I didn't recall wrongly, $245 for the filter at Cathay. Thats a freaking 80 bucks more than what I got it for at Orient Photo!

Its really interesting how much the price difference is. Anyone had similar experience? If its 80 bucks difference for a 1000 plus lens, I can probably understand, but 80 bucks difference for a 100 plus to 200 bucks filter? Anyway, I'm just glad I got it at the cheaper price! Or is there an even cheaper price out there?

[coolsigg]

this is very common in photgraphy equipment sales...fyi, i was quoted $120 for B+W 77mm UV MRC filter but bought it at $95 from memoryworld online store...savings of $35 or 29%!

[jeff49er]

Originally Posted by thengz Just bought a B+W 77mm CPL Slim filter during the weekend. I bought it at Orient Photo for $165 but thats before I checked out the price at Cathay Photo. I was quoted, if I didn't recall wrongly, $245 for the filter at Cathay. Thats a freaking 80 bucks more than what I got it for at Orient Photo! Its really interesting how much the price difference is. Anyone had similar experience? If its 80 bucks difference for a 1000 plus lens, I can probably understand, but 80 bucks difference for a 100 plus to 200 bucks filter? Anyway, I'm just glad I got it at the cheaper price! Or is there an even cheaper price out there?

What CP quoted was the gross price. They havent discounted yet.

I am sure you can get a lower price on line via BHP or in HK itself. When I was in HK a year back I go the same CPL as yours for $150 after currency conversion.

[thengz]

Originally Posted by jeff49er What CP quoted was the gross price. They havent discounted yet. I am sure you can get a lower price on line via BHP or in HK itself. When I was in HK a year back I go the same CPL as yours for $150 after currency conversion.

Yeah. Agree with you on the HK part. Seems like the stuff there is alot cheaper than in SG. In fact, I'm going there on the first week of Jan. Probably get myself the Canon 70-200mm f/4 and maybe a macro lens. Couldn't wait to get the filter though, hence I bought it first. And now that you tell me the price of the filter is about $150 in HK, I don't feel that bad, only lugi $15 bucks.

[flipfreak]

Originally Posted by thengz Just bought a B+W 77mm CPL Slim filter during the weekend. I bought it at Orient Photo for $165 but thats before I checked out the price at Cathay Photo. I was quoted, if I didn't recall wrongly, $245 for the filter at Cathay. Thats a freaking 80 bucks more than what I got it for at Orient Photo! Its really interesting how much the price difference is. Anyone had similar experience? If its 80 bucks difference for a 1000 plus lens, I can probably understand, but 80 bucks difference for a 100 plus to 200 bucks filter? Anyway, I'm just glad I got it at the cheaper price! Or is there an even cheaper price out there?

pls take note that the one you bought from OP is considered the OEM version, not the original version from Germany hence the lower price.

[thengz]

Originally Posted by flipfreak pls take note that the one you bought from OP is considered the OEM version, not the original version from Germany hence the lower price.

Hmmm... Is there any difference quality-wise, etc?

[CTN]

Not all B+Ws are the same. Slim or non-slim, MRC or single coat, Kaesmann or non-Km, Brass ring or Alloy ring.....different specs different price.

[flipfreak]

Originally Posted by thengz Hmmm... Is there any difference quality-wise, etc?

apparently the glass coating and the ring is different. pls make a search for the thread on B+W filters. there was a test done by this guy in it. u be the judge.

[thengz]

Originally Posted by flipfreak apparently the glass coating and the ring is different. pls make a search for the thread on B+W filters. there was a test done by this guy in it. u be the judge.

Wow! Thanks for the tip, flip! I just did the search, took quite abit of my time, but dang, I wished I have read it BEFORE I bought my filter. Anyway, for the benefits of future B+W filter buyers, here's the link to the thread in question:

http://forums.clubsnap.com/showthread.php?t=298494

[coffee3in1]

bro. i did the same as u. but i regret lah. I have the SG version and China version. There is a difference!

Had I known earlier, I would have paid the extra to get the SG version for CPL. . Taught myself a lession for not doing homework before buying.

I know for a fact that Cathay makes big bucks, but there is a reason loh. ;-P They have the FULL QUALITY version.

[ortega]

so the moral of this story is

always do a search and homework before you go shopping

google and the search function is your friend
it has the voice and views of thousands

[FilterFunk]

see this link here on the 'science' in different colours on the filters..
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-166.html

[tpchsg]

Originally Posted by CTN Not all B+Ws are the same. Slim or non-slim, MRC or single coat, Kaesmann or non-Km, Brass ring or Alloy ring.....different specs different price.

Is there a different in performance between the alloy vs brass rim of B+W filter? I assume both are the real thing.

[tpchsg]

Originally Posted by coolsigg this is very common in photgraphy equipment sales...fyi, i was quoted $120 for B+W 77mm UV MRC filter but bought it at $95 from memoryworld online store...savings of $35 or 29%!

Btw, have you gurus out there verified if the stuff from Memoryworld online store is the real thing(ie German quality version)? The price is certainly very attractive.

[coffee3in1]

Originally Posted by tpchsg Is there a different in performance between the alloy vs brass rim of B+W filter? I assume both are the real thing.

I brass rim was easier to mount and dismount - smooth. Whereas the alloy is kinda squeaky. Just the thought of it icks me off. Damn! Should have done my research or read this thread earlier!!

[ciseern]

Originally Posted by tpchsg Btw, have you gurus out there verified if the stuff from Memoryworld online store is the real thing(ie German quality version)? The price is certainly very attractive.

I just got a B+W 67mm UV Haze 1xMRC from MemoryOnlineShop (from ebay) at $62.99 this afternoon. Was quoted $85.00 from MS but got no stock, CP also no stock, so try my luck with this source. Luckily the box & printing matches the original one as describe by donnyyeo in "Is B+W filter good?" thread. Very happy with the purchase