Buying a lens from the U.S.A - from U.K ?

[Carrington Benz]

Hi Folks,

Ok - I started another post on which century lens to get & I have decided on the .7x wide angle & a glidecam 2000 to boot.
They come out at a third of the price over there at b&h photo saving me £££ for other stuff - so whats the deal for us over here in the U.K buying from B&H over there ?
Are they trustworthy - will I get the lens safe & sound to my doorstep in London ?
I havn't done much internet shopping - only the odd bit of software so Im a newbie at this.
Has any from asia or europe brought this kinda stuff from the b&h over in NY - good service ?

I chose B&H since it seems to be the most popular place but any other recomendations are welcomed  - I just can' beleive the price difference ???

for a century op .7x wide angle its £600 ( $1082 ) over here  :-/

over there at B&H its $649 ( £359 )

The wide angle is not as bad as the ultra fisheye which I was intrested in which turns out at £750 ( $1353 ) here & there $849 ( £450)

so any feedback on this - Im cool with buying british but filmaking is all about getting the most you can out of what little you got - those prices hurt !

 

[Shadow]

Re: Buying a lens from the U.S.A - from U.K ?

Hi Carrington,

What I can say is that B&H Photo is a very good store that you can trust. I bought a lot of photography equipment over the last 15 years and never had a problem with them, good service.

For us here in Canada, there no more duty on almost any photo and video equipment, but for you in U.K. I don't know if it is the same, so be sure before you order.

 

[Jonathan]

Re: Buying a lens from the U.S.A - from U.K ?

Sorry Carrington, but its not as simple as that. The courier is obliged to inform H.M. Customs and you will be charged VAT plus import duty on whatever you buy which can be pretty hefty depending on the value.

It can sometimes be cheaper to fly to New York and bring the items back without declaring them.