Buying Gitzo CF Tripod at B&H


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PornStar

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Mar 22, 2004
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I am presently in NY on business and was wondering how Gitzo CF Tripod prices compare to those at Cathay Photo.

I have no idea what the latest prices for the legs are at Cathay.

A couple of models that I am interested in:

Mountaineer Series
G1227 CF Reporter 2 - USD$464.95 (SGD$851.57)
G1228 CF Reporter 2 - USD$509.95 (SGD$933.99)

Leveling Series
G1227 LVL Reporter 2 - USD$649.95 (SGD$1190.41)
G1228 LVL Reporter 2 - USD$688.95 (SGD$1261.84)

Explorer Series
G2227 CF Explorer 2 - USD$469.95 (SGD$860.73)
G2228 CF Explorer 2 - USD$539.95 (SGD$988.94)

(USD$1 = SGD$1.69), NY sales tax if 8.375%.

SGD prices after conversion + tax. It seems like Cathay Photo is cheaper? Can someone confirm this as well as the availability of the models.

I know that the ballheads here are a tad cheaper:

Arca-Swiss B-1 Monoball w/QR - USD$399.95 (SGD$732.52)

But there is always the question of warranty.

If the savings are minimal, I think I'll drop the idea of getting a set of head and legs.

But Really Right Stuff seems to be coming out with a mid sized ball head soon besides the RRS BH-55LR. The RRS BH-40LR.

Anyone using RRS here? Any advice how it compares against the Arca-Swiss?

Thanks in advance!
 

I believe CP is selling Gitzo tripods cheaper than the US. I bought the Explorer when it was on offer for SGD$5xx a few years ago. But prices have gone up because of the Euro.

I also recently bought the standard carbon fiber Mountaineer 1228 for SGD$690 in CP two months ago.

Somehow equipment from Europe seems to costs more in US than in Singapore. For example I also believe B+W filters are cheaper here than in Singapore.
 

Last I checked about 3 weeks ago, Cathay had a special on the G1227 for $710, but they only had one left. The G1228 was going for $850, IIRC.

So based on the prices you posted, sounds like it's better to buy it back here.

However, I believe the Arca-Swiss is $100 more here, though I think they do come with a Wimberley P-5 plate which is worth $125 or so ...
 

Had a quote of S$820 for the 1227 by CP, but no stock.. waiting for stock now. :(
 

Thanks for the advice.

So what would be worthwhile getting at B&H since it generally seems to be cheaper to get stuff back home in SG?

Any good softbox to recommand for the SB-800?

B&H is really a photographer's heaven. There's just so much stuff here. :)
 

I reckon things like camera & lens plates are cheaper there (average US$55 each there, vs $125 here for the Wimberley and to add to that, retailers here don't bring in customized body plates).

Perhaps it's worth checking out their "used" section to see if you can snag any bargains.
 

PornStar said:
Thanks for the advice.

So what would be worthwhile getting at B&H since it generally seems to be cheaper to get stuff back home in SG?

Any good softbox to recommand for the SB-800?

B&H is really a photographer's heaven. There's just so much stuff here. :)
SB-800 has it's own omnibounce, you don't need to purchase seperate ones.
 

espn said:
SB-800 has it's own omnibounce, you don't need to purchase seperate ones.

Thanks but I somehow don't like the effect the omnibounce produces, I find it a tad too harsh. Looking some something that diffuses wider and produces a softer edge.

Anyone knows of a good soft box that can be used on both a SB-800 as well as a Metz hammerhead?
 

PornStar said:
Thanks but I somehow don't like the effect the omnibounce produces, I find it a tad too harsh. Looking some something that diffuses wider and produces a softer edge.

Anyone knows of a good soft box that can be used on both a SB-800 as well as a Metz hammerhead?

Try the Chimera softboxes. You'll still need a bracket like a Stroboframe (that's another good buy from the states), and perhaps a few knick-knacks like speed rings, but that'll get you sorted out. Plus an off-camera cord like SC-28 or SC-29, of course.
 

Studio equipment is much cheaper there too if you're into that kind of stuff. Was there last week and they were running a special on light stands, ended up getting 2 light booms. B+W filters are also marginally cheaper over there. Memory cards can also be had for a good deal.
 

Thanks for the information guys.

Will see what I can pick up at the lighting section. Lotsa stuff...I like the Profoto series but it's out of my budget.
 

Just found out. 1227 has been discontinued and is replaced by a newer mk, should be 1227 mk2 or 1275 according to CP. It should arrive in mid-oct, waiting patiently for it now :(
 

espn said:
Just found out. 1227 has been discontinued and is replaced by a newer mk, should be 1227 mk2 or 1275 according to CP. It should arrive in mid-oct, waiting patiently for it now :(

Oh... 1275? I have seen the 1227/8 MK2 CF in CP for quite a while already.

Cheers,
 

I was there these few days, they don't have stock since the promotion, am waiting for the replacements to come in :(
 

Cameras and lenses, cheaper in teh US, but for some strange reason, tripods and heads, cheaper in Singapore. Absolute truth. Singapore can be 20-25% cheaper
 

+evenstar said:
I've been using teh 1227Mk II for some time...;)
1227 MK2 is the last design, the next one should be the 1275 or 1257, I'm still awaiting call from CP to confirm arrival of the new tripods.
 

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