Buying speedlight stands and umbrellas in the UK

[ryandavid__]

I'm looking into the best way of getting Light Stands, Umbrella Adapters and Umbrellas for my speedlights in the UK. After a bit of research, I can't decide between buying from B&H in the US, and having it imported, or buying equivelents from various sources in the UK.

Price From B&H:


Impact Compact air-cushioned Light Stand - 8ft - black. x2 @ $34.95 each.
Impact Umbrella Bracket with Swivel Mount and Flash Shoe. x2 @$13.95 each.
Wescott Umbrella - Collapsible, Optical White Satin - 43". @ $19.60 each.SUBTOTAL = $137.00
+ $72.10 Postage = $209.00.
+ Import duty & VAT =
$254.00 or around £127.00 UK price.

Does that sound like a reasonable price to pay? Or have other UK buyers spent less money for similar items?

It seems O.K. to me, as I only have to deal with one seller, and it will only take 3-5 business days to arrive. Seems like a simple process, but am I spending too much money?

What are you experiences with buying these items in the UK?


Ryan.

P.S. I'm getting these particular Light Stands as apposed to the non air-cushioned ones, as I want the height of 8ft.

[Marbeck]

All depends on the price of the similar ones here. I moved from the States just over a year ago, and prices here are though the roof for somethings but other things tend to work out about the same. Just haven't found much that is cheaper than in the States.
Take a look at Warehouse Express and see what they have. Jessops is another one and if you find what you want there and someone like Warehouse Express has the same thing cheaper they will more than likly match the price. Or do a Google search for what you want.

[sando]

I've found that it work out better to ship from the USA, but depends if you get stung for VAT on the way in... which you probably will.

Im going to NYC in the summer to buy camera equipment seeing as the dollar is so weak.

[ryandavid__]

All depends on the price of the similar ones here. I moved from the States just over a year ago, and prices here are though the roof for somethings but other things tend to work out about the same. Just haven't found much that is cheaper than in the States.
Take a look at Warehouse Express and see what they have. Jessops is another one and if you find what you want there and someone like Warehouse Express has the same thing cheaper they will more than likly match the price. Or do a Google search for what you want.

It will almost definately work out more expensive to buy from a UK superstore like the ones you have listed, light stands alone, cost around £40 at the cheapest price.

I've found that it work out better to ship from the USA, but depends if you get stung for VAT on the way in... which you probably will.

Im going to NYC in the summer to buy camera equipment seeing as the dollar is so weak.

Well, the prices I've listed include all the possible charges, but like you say, the weakness of the dollar makes the prices quite reasonable.

[toneepham]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/425220-REG/Impact_DFUMK_Digital_Flash_Umbrella_Mount.html

You could get that. Heard it is good.

[ryandavid__]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/425220-REG/Impact_DFUMK_Digital_Flash_Umbrella_Mount.html

You could get that. Heard it is good.

Thanks for posting that, I had seen it already when I was on the website, but decided for $37 extra I'd like the compact, larger umbrellas. These are the twice folding ones, right?