70-200L F4 test - Hong Kong

[kram]

Hi, a mail to fellow forum members in Hong Kong...

a. I have read several posts that have me 90% convinced that the first lens I want is the 70-200L F4.0. I read in many posts advising buyers to test different lens at camera shops - I guess that would be in the US. Are there any such shops in HK that would let me test the lens?

b. Is there anyone who can let me try it for a few shots to get a feel of the lens before sinking in 5k HKD?

Sorry if this post does not belong to this section. I'll be glad to move it out to the right place if someone can guide me.

[eosnob]

kram, would definitely recommend the 70-200mm f/4L - go for it!

I'm taking a trip to Hong Kong later this year, so would also be interested to receive some recommendations on camera shops in HK, possibly in the Kowloon district. I'm hoping to purchase the EF-S 17-85mm and EF 70-300mm DO IS.

Thanks in advance.

[Redbird_xo]

Regarding recommendations on camera shops in HK --

I usually go to Man Shing Photo Supplies Co. and Wing Shing Photo Supplies Co. They are owned by the same group of people (family?). Man Shing sells more professional items and Wing Shing targets more on consumer level stuff (that's what the store people there told me when asked for differences between the two). Both have 7 days exchange policy. No refund, however. Their prices are usually as good as other, if not better. Addresses as follows:

Man Shing -- G/F, 106 Tung Choi Street, Mongkok Tel: 2396-2996.
Wing Shing (two locations, only list one here) -- G/F, 55-57 Sai Yeung Choi Street, Mongkok Tel: 2396-6886.

One thing to remind you, both stores don't quote prices on the phone. You need to go there and ask about prices. One last thing, both stores don't carry any Sigma items.

Hope this helps.

[eosnob]

Thanks for the prompt response redbird_xo! That's useful info indeed.

Just a question, when you state that "You need to go there and ask about prices.", do they actually display prices in their stores, or is it like in Tsim Sha Tsui where they only place coded labels on each item, and you are then quoted a price? As much as I like to price haggle, I'd prefer to avoid those stores because they tend to begin with a higher starting price.

Cheers!

[HKFEVER]

Thanks for the prompt response redbird_xo! That's useful info indeed.

Just a question, when you state that "You need to go there and ask about prices.", do they actually display prices in their stores, or is it like in Tsim Sha Tsui where they only place coded labels on each item, and you are then quoted a price? As much as I like to price haggle, I'd prefer to avoid those stores because they tend to begin with a higher starting price.

Cheers!

You have to ask them personally. There is some pros and cons:
1. They don't necessary have the best price.
2. Some are way higher like EF70-200 f/2.8, 20D, 350D, 1DsMKII, but some are OK like EF135 f/2.0 & EF15 fisheye.
3. The best they don't charge credit card surchage.

[Redbird_xo]

Thanks for the prompt response redbird_xo! That's useful info indeed.

Just a question, when you state that "You need to go there and ask about prices.", do they actually display prices in their stores
Cheers!

You are most welcome, eosnob.

Yes, they will post price tags on some of the displayed items. The fact is that they have a price book for salesmen to look up prices upon customers' enquiry. One good thing about shopping at these two stores is that you absolutely don't need to haggle. Not like in TST or Central where haggling is rather common.

Hope this helps.

Edit: P.S. In case you want to try your haggling skills, I will post some stores located in TST and Central where you can do all the practising you want. ;)

[Leorooster]

Are prices of cameras and equipmetns normally cheaper in Hong Kong. I am going to visit Hong Kong in August (it's going to be hot..). If the prices are better, is it worth to buy some lenses in Hong Kong when I visit? Thanks.

[Redbird_xo]

Are prices of cameras and equipmetns normally cheaper in Hong Kong. I am going to visit Hong Kong in August (it's going to be hot..). If the prices are better, is it worth to buy some lenses in Hong Kong when I visit? Thanks.

From what I know, I would say that retail prices of cameras and stuff in HK are as good as online prices (selling price plus shipping) offered by B&H, if not better. HK retail prices will probably beat most walk-in prices at B&H store in NYC. However, it goes without saying that you will find different bargains at difference places. Unfortunately, there's no one-stop-shop-all kind of thing in HK. At least not like B&H, Adorama, J&R, etc.

Hope this helps.

[HKFEVER]

From what I know, I would say that retail prices of cameras and stuff in HK are as good as online prices (selling price plus shipping) offered by B&H, if not better. HK retail prices will probably beat most walk-in prices at B&H store in NYC. However, it goes without saying that you will find different bargains at difference places. Unfortunately, there's no one-stop-shop-all kind of thing in HK. At least not like B&H, Adorama, J&R, etc.

Hope this helps.

Redbird is right.

You need to go several ship to get the cheapest price. And for high ticket price, you need to pre-order. Most of them can have it within1 to 2 days, unless Canon HK don't have it in stock.

[Leorooster]

Thanks for the info.

[eosnob]

Found this useful link about shopping for photo gear in HK:
http://www.bubbachan.com/photoshopHK/shophk.htm

It mentions, favourably, the Man Shing and Wing Shing shops, as recommended by redbird_xo above.