70-200 purchase in Hong Kong??

[glane606]

I am sure that this subject may have been discussed before, apologies but I could'nt find a link in the search.

I am due to visit Hong Kong in early December and I was wondering if this is the best place to buy the 70-200 L 2.8 that I have been wanting for a while.

I am UK based so really want to compare against the UK prices, and if anybody out there knows the best place to go in either Kowloon or Hong Kong Island. I am a little worried about finding the right place to shop.

Thanks in advance for any help

[HKFEVER]

I know, I live in Hong Kong. It is way cheaper than you buy in UK, no VAT :D .

But no international warranty :roll: .

Also, HK also has local warranty model and cheaper grey market model. :lol:

[Andy_T]

Hi Glane,

sometimes international vendors sell lenses on eBay that 'ship from HK'.

Based on their feedback they are normally not bad vendors, but if you have bad luck, you'll end up paying import duties and maybe a fine if you have it shipped directly without paying the applicable dutys and taxes.

Same could happen to you, if you return from HK, of course :roll:

However, these eBay sales might give you some idea about prices in HK.

Best regards,
Andy

[glane606]

Thanks guys, its about what I thougt, HK Fever where is the best shop to start looking on Kowloon? I am happy that I know what I want its just finding the best deal, and most reputable outlet, any tips greatly appreciated.

Thanks

G

[GPR1]

According to my Lonely Planet Hong Kong guidebook, Stanley St. in Central on HK Island is the place to shop for legit camera equipment. Stay away from Tsim Sha Tsui (the Nathan Road area) in Kowloon; you can't have confidence in the vendors there.

The book suggests two very reputable stores where many HK based photo pros shop: Everbest Photo Supplies (28B Stanley St, Central) and Photo Scientific (6 Stanley St., Central). Apparently there are some other decent camera stores in the area as well, but these are very reputable. Their prices might be a bit higher (but probably still a relative bargain) and there's likely no room to bargain.

Have fun. I love Hong Kong.

Greg

[nosquare2003]

http://www.bubbachan.com/photoshopHK/shophk.htm#SEEMINGLY%20REPUTABLE%20HK%20PHOTO%20DE ALERS

[joeseph]

and there's always www.hksupplies.com for pricing comparisons, dunno if anyone here has used them though...

[HKdom]

I agree, stay away from TST unless you really know your way around!

I recommend Wing Shing Photo supplies in Mong Kok. There are others, but I think you’ll find everything you need there. This link I found has directions:

http://www.bubbachan.com/photoshopHK/MAPTO%20MAN-WING-SHING.htm

I've bought all my gear there and their prices are average to good. I may pay a hundred HKD or so more than other places for the big ticket items but I pay for peace of mind. They offer seven day in store returns along with the standard warranty, they also cross reference the lens serial number with that of the warranty for you…

I think Stanley Street it OK as they have stuff along there that you can't get at Wing Shing and the location is more convenient for some, but I don't particularly like "Photo Scientific" as they tried to sell me a used light meter as new!!! I was in the market for a Sekonic and I specifically asked if they had a new one in stock. Upon super close inspection I saw some wear marks and scuffs that could only have come with use (on body and lens)...

I then asked him where the warranty was and he said it didn't come with one (my second warning light came on). As I was already skeptical I asked once more "is this new?" he looked me right in the eyes and said "yes". I then called him on his lie and pointed out all the scuff marks etc. and with a sour face he just said "don't buy it then." Needless to say I walked out but he was offering me close to MSRP. -Wouldn't be so bad if he offered me used prices.

I only went to Stanley Street because Wing Shing was out of stock and couldn’t get new orders on a discontinued item. I contacted the Sekonic dealer in Hong Kong and found an authorized retailer on “Stanley Street” (Not Photo Scientific) so I went there, found the model I wanted which came with a “warranty”. I got home did some calibration tests and it was fine, but since then I am very skeptical about making bigger purchases at smaller shops and Photo Scientific will never get my business!

[Andy_T]

and there's always www.hksupplies.com for pricing comparisons, dunno if anyone here has used them though...

Most likely not ... 730$ for the 70-200/4.0 that you can have for $570 at B+H... :roll:

Best regards,
Andy