Dear Forum brethren,
Just spent a lovely few days in Osaka, Japan for the New Year and was strolling the streets (well with a certain Shop in mind..)
Short story, once I reached and looked at their beautifully decorated used lensC window, I spotted a beauty - a mint Canon 300 2.8 is for a "steal" at 370'000 Japanese Yen (3540 USD)
Went into the shop and spoke to a very very polite gentleman (remember this is Japan! Sales people bow !) if it is possible to mount the lens and try it out ..Of course it was and he showed me used lenses from 300 - 600 mm all in pristine conditions, all with a 1 year shop warranty!
Unfortunately, he let me compare as well a 300mm 2.8 is II - me worried about being silly! The price tag was over 700'000 Yen (7000 USD) - oh, its the year end and a discount would apply..In addition Canon Japan gives a 10'000 Yen (100 USD) cash back..
My Japanese Girlfriend "convinced" me that new must be better, so 5265 USD later (550'000 Japanese Yen) later, lots of gratitude to her and of course a nice New Years present in mind for her, I walked out of the store with a brand new Canon 300mm 2.8 IS II with warranty (Japan). Since I travel 2-4 times a year to Japan the warranty is of no concern to me.
Need a bit of help now - what is an appropriate bag for a 5DIII with that lens ? My normal mode of transportation is a Think Tank Belt with a Digital Holster. Am considering a Think Tank glass taxi - would like to add a 24-70 to the setup and a flash when traveling
Thank you for your advise, and yes am a lucky "b" to have such a considerate Girlfriend and the means to close the deal
Am back in China and the weather and smog is lousy! Pictures will follow once the sky clears up a bit !
Please PM me if anyone likes the shop details, they sell online (MOD please delete if this is inappropriate!)
Happy new Year,
Mike
