Where to buy a lens online

[stu78]

I want to buy a real lens and after reading a million threads and a hell of a lot of debate I've decided to go for the Canon 400mm f5.6 instead of the zoom. Buying from a shop on a little Greek island is not an option so I have to get it online.

On ebay there are 5 stores that sell it for about £650 inc.p+p (825 EURO). These include Digital Rev, UR Galaxy, Nefamine, Sighterz and HKBNS. All are based in Hong Kong. I am unlikely to get stung on the import tax as I think Greek customs are not quite as smart as they are in the UK ;) Has anyone used any of these stores? Are they reliable? Is it a really bad idea even to consider it???
Another cheap option is to order from an American store like B&H for $1200 inc.p+p (775 EUROS). I hear good things about B&H, but from BF members in the US only. Has anyone in Europe bought online from the US as I see they do post over here for about $50.
The more expensive option is to order from the UK or Greece but the prices seem to be about 1200-1300 euros.

I was thinking of ordering from one of the US stores as it is the cheapest option due to the strength of the euro against the dollar at the mo. However if anyone could offer any other advice or has any recommendations for me I would be very grateful.

Cheers, Stu

[baillieswells]

I have used Digital Rev. with no problems. However they send by FedEX, who have a cosy relationship with UK Customs. I have been told, though this is only rumour, that they get £5 from UK customs for information about each packet!

[henryp]

Another cheap option is to order from an American store like B&H for $1200 inc.p+p (775 EUROS). I hear good things about B&H, but from BF members in the US only. Has anyone in Europe bought online from the US as I see they do post over here for about $50.

Thank you. B&H has been in business for 35 years and we ship to Europe daily. I suggest you opt for UPS shipping. Relatively speedy and inexpensive, plus excellent online package tracking and the UPS expedited service we use means you don't pay brokerage fees.

[mike from ebbw]

I have used UR Galaxy and found their service first class.The item was with me within six days and they even marked the package as a gift to avoid import duty!

[postcardcv]

I have used UR Galaxy and found their service first class.The item was with me within six days and they even marked the package as a gift to avoid import duty!

this is something to be extremely careful about... technically the person receiving the item is the importer and is thus responsible for declaring the item and paying any relevant VAT and import duty. They are the ones marking the item as a gift but if you then do not declare it it's you that is breaking the law. UK customs are entitled to seize any goods imported in this way. So you may get it through and save yourself a bit of money or you could get found out and lose your lens/camera to the customs officer.

[birder]

Hi there

I have bought some lenses from B&H in New York from the UK and found them to be an excellent company. Reliable, friendly, quick service.
Kevin

[Scuzz]

I've used URGalaxy a few times without any problem at all, even managed to get Items a bit cheaper by paying cash Into there HSBC account and recieved goods within 4 days.

[stu78]

Thanks for the help guys. I was just about to order from B&H but they are out of stock on both the USA model and the grey import model ($40 cheaper).
Obviously if I was in the USA I would go for the US model but I'm not so is there any disadvantage of ordering the grey import?? I don't mind paying the extra $40 but is there any particular reason I should?

[Roy C]

For info if you do get caught, you will pay 17.5% Vat + 8% import duty on lenses. I believe if you order from someone like B&H you will certainly have to pay the duties. I did a quick calculation on a couple of long Canon tele's and by the time you paid the taxes and carriage it was only just cheaper then buying in the UK.

[Derry]

aother supporter of B&H here in the states,, been using them for years and never a problem if an item needs returned,,

after dealing with some of the others and going though the usual pain they can inflict, now days I will only use B&H,,

Derry

[Duke Leto]

I use Kea Photo on eBay, never had a problem with them and despite the moral, legal and ethical debates regarding importing, take a look at the big companies on eBay and you'll see that they carry out 10 of 1000's of transactions a month to main land Europe. Stu I see your in Greece so its really down to the laws applied locally.

[Claymore]

Shame your not in Uk, I have bought lenses from www.tekmo.co.uk they sell lots of camera goodies including cameras etc at decent prices and they are good to deal with.
Cheers
Brian

[tzanampeths]

Hi Stu,

I bought mine from cameraking.co.uk total cost 1086e. Adorama.gr sells it at 1.200 +-.

Now I wouldn't use UPS from the states. Last item I bought I had to drive to the airport and clear customs myself, to avoid the 80e brokerage fee. Anyway I had to pay them (UPS) 15e just to get hold of the paperwork and another 20e storage fees to the airport itself, ie 35e ntavatziliki + 50e of VAT & duties for the item. Value of the item+shipping was 215 US$ ... It hurts me...

If you do buy from the states use USPS express. The customs clearing is done in the post office and the brokerage fee is like 3e.

All the best

Takis

PS. I've noticed here that some people by from seller kerso in ebay, he does have good prices and ships from UK. Never tried him although I'm itching for a 24-105 f4...

[Ondara]

I have also purchased from UR Galaxy through ebay and have to agree with the above. Arrived very quickly to Spain and no customs issues.

[stu78]

In the end I bought from URGalaxy on ebay for £675 including p&p. It fortunately cleared Greek customs with no problems (I was very worried about import tax etc.) and arrived in about 5 days, so I thoroughly recommend the company and would certainly use them again.
Thanks again for all the advice,
Stu

[Duke Leto]

Stu well done, looking forward to seeing the results