What's a good photo store in canada?

[DocFrankenstein]

I'm in toronto.

The only store I know which has a decent stock is Henrys.

The service is ok, but the prices seem to be a bit off. ;) Exapmle:

50mm f/1.8 is 140 CAD (100 USD)
50mm f/1.4 is 600 CAD (460 USD)
70-200 f/2.8 IS L is 2700 CAD (2200 USD)

Can anyone recommend a better place to shop? Be it either internet or a store...

[Jim_T]

I've got two places bookmarked, but I haven't used them yet. I just put the bookmarks aside for future use.. I know nothing about their service or reputations..

http://www.cameracanada.com/

(They have the 10D for $1697 Canadian ($1270 US)
The 50mm f/1.8 there goes for $129.99 Cdn

There is also a grey market Canadian outlet located in Toronto..

http://harrysproshop.com/canon/canon.html

They list the 70-200 f/2.8L IS for $2499 Cdn

But.. you may find that even with exchange/duty/tax etc you may get a better deal from B&H or Adorama...

[drisley]

I agree. Camera Canada is probably the best place in Canada.

[DocFrankenstein]

Dude - this sucks.

50mm f/1.8 is 69.99 USD. Using current exchange rate it's 91 CAD. WTF? :evil:

50mm f/1.4 is 310 USD. Which is... 410 bucks. If camera canada is the best place, then to hell with it. 150 bucks difference is just too much.

I'd rather take a trip to new york (a bus round trip ticket costs 200 CAD) and buy the lens there. But I'll spend a day or two doing touristy stuff.

Very important question:

Do those 50 mm lens sell for about 70 and 300 USD on the street in the USA? Or is the regular price sifnificantly higher?

[Persian-Rice]

Try these guys on queen.

http://www.vistek.ca/

They seem to have quite a wide variety of stuff. Im going to pay them a visit on the weekend. Prices are comparable to Henry's, but I like their variety of stuff better, Henry's has really started going towards mainstream consumer rather then Pro............

Unfortunatly in Canada there isnt a big gap between prices from one store to another. Alot of times I rather even go to the store that is $10 more, but provides me with better service and information.

Cheers.

[DocFrankenstein]

I'll probably go there to harass the salesman and get my hands on a 70-200 IS f/2.8. Just to test it.

Then off to Boston or NY or whatever for the actual purchase. :? Prices bite, I have to say.

[Persian-Rice]

I'll probably go there to harass the salesman and get my hands on a 70-200 IS f/2.8. Just to test it.

Then off to Boston or NY or whatever for the actual purchase. :? Prices bite, I have to say.

Ya Im considering driving to B&H to get all my stuff in one shot...........what a shame.

[DocFrankenstein]

I'll probably go there to harass the salesman and get my hands on a 70-200 IS f/2.8. Just to test it.

Then off to Boston or NY or whatever for the actual purchase. :? Prices bite, I have to say.

Ya Im considering driving to B&H to get all my stuff in one shot...........what a shame.
I know a nice way for you to cut 50% of your gas bill for the trip. PM if intrested.

[vfilby]

DocF and PersianR,

Let me know if you guys are going, I might be able to come. I am only about 45 minutes out of Toronto in the Guelph area.

Vince

[DocFrankenstein]

Or you could just give us your money and we'll buy the stuff for you :lol:

I can even test it :wink: :lol: 8)

[ssim]

I would agree that cameracanada.com is the best site in Canada. I have spent close to 20,000.00 with them and found their prices to be very competitive and their service is second to none. If you have found something less somewhere else pickup the phone and call them, they will probably match.

[vfilby]

Or you could just give us your money and we'll buy the stuff for you :lol:

I can even test it :wink: :lol: 8)

That might not be such a bad idea if I can't go myself.

Vince

[DocFrankenstein]

I would agree that cameracanada.com is the best site in Canada. I have spent close to 20,000.00 with them and found their prices to be very competitive and their service is second to none. If you have found something less somewhere else pickup the phone and call them, they will probably match.
So if I quote the BH price, will they match it with 1.3 exchange rate or with 1.9?

[Conk]

Well, you did ask for good camera stores in Canada. Here in Vancouver there is Lens & Shutter, and Kerrisdale Cameras.

[Persian-Rice]

I just checked both 17th street and B&H sell the 10D for 1299.00 which is 1,710.00 Canadian. The Camera Canada sells it for 1,697.00 Canadian.

I can use my Uncles PST exemption, I know there is Sales tax in the states as well, so techincally, im better off driving to London rather then New York City.

All hail Canada Camera hahaha.

[drisley]

I have also dealt with Simon's Cameras in Montreal as they get very high marks from people in this forum. I bought my Rebel there for much cheaper than any other place in Canada. Their service was amazing too as they offered to pay to ship my 300D both directions as an exchange when I thought I had a dead pixel (turned out not to be).

However, the last few times I phoned them about lenses, they seemed a little bit "put out" by my questions about prices. They are french and almost seemed to exude that french "I fart in your general direction" attitude. It may just have been bad timing, but it's turned my off slightly.

I do most of my buying from B&H now, as even with shipping the cost is often much less. I just make sure I use Fedex or US Post so there are no brokerage fees or any additional charges (just GST).

Camera Canada will often do their very best at matching even B&H's prices, so it's often worth it to drop them a line.

There is only one major photo store in town, and their prices are insane! Not in a good way either! For example, a 70-200 IS costs over $3200 CDN! That's almost $2400US. And that is typical for their pricing.

[IanD]

However, the last few times I phoned them about lenses, they seemed a little bit "put out" by my questions about prices. They are french and almost seemed to exude that french "I fart in your general direction" attitude. It may just have been bad timing, but it's turned my off slightly.

Next time you phone Simons, ask for Kevin (boss man) He will take good care of you.
Another good shop is LL Lozeau but you will need to speak to Jean (Manager) He speaks perfect English. Best bet is to visit them.
Royal Photo is another good shop with good pricing.
I've bought a lot of equipment from Lozeau and have always gotten excellent service and pricing.