I got it! (Sigma 70-200mm EX)

Got it today. Bought from B&H, delivered with UPS. All I can say is: UPS ROCKS! To other people living in Norway (if any), or other expensive countries.. Don't hesitate.. B&H + UPS. It's faster than driving to your local camera-store =) Here's how my order wen't:

Dec 1, 6:48 P.M: Picked up from B&H by UPS
Dec 2, 2:33 A.M: Registered in Philadelphia
Dec 3, 6:55 A.M: Arrived at Gardermoen (Norway's Capital airport)
Dec 3, 2:25 P.M: Delivered at my door

Beat that! That's about the same time it would take for me to send a letter (via norwegian snail-mail) to my neighbour =)

The lens arrived in mint condition, all papers included, no problems at all. Haven't seen any form of request for the Norwegian import-tax, but I'll guess it's coming =) Probably just before christmas when all money have been spent on gifts =) If not, then I've saved a _BUNDLE!!_ When buying this lens + 77mm Canon UV-filter, I got it ~ $100 (including UPS-shipping) cheaper than the lens alone costs in norway (without shipping). If I don't get any claims to pay the import-tax, then it means I saved another 24% off ~ $800 =)

The lens looks and feels good. I can't shoot it tonight, it's pitch-black outside now :/ Looking forward till tomorrow.. Let there be light!! =)

Wow, that's better shipping than I get in the States! I love the Sigma EX series. My three main 'workhorse' lenses are all Sigma EX's. The 28-70 f2.8 is what is usually on the camera and is used for portrait and news photography, the 70-200 2.8 is great for night and indoor sports, and the 50-500 4-6.3 is great for wildlife and outdoor day sports. All great, affordable lenses. Though (as I raise my nose up a little) not as great a Canon L glass.

Congrats VVIZard. We expect some great shots to get posted!!! Have fun.

vvizard, that is the same lens I have on my D30 at this moment and I love it! BTW, in Norway I thought the sun didn't shine until like April or May???

vvizard,

I got that same lens a month ago. It's great. It never leaves my camera.

My Sigam 2x teleconverter is supposed to arrive today. Can't wait to give it a try.

Dave

About buying from USA in Europe. I saved nearly 100 UK pounds buying new Canon 75-300IS from Ebay. No import duty/tax charged.

One day Euro rip-off prices will surely come closer to USA prices - or am I dreaming?

Bill

hickory wrote:
vvizard, that is the same lens I have on my D30 at this moment and I love it! BTW, in Norway I thought the sun didn't shine until like April or May???

Not where I live. We have sun all around the year. Although, now in the winter (december-february) we only got good sunlight a few (3-4 maybe) hours a day. Those who live up in north, might not have sun at all during the winter. It's kind of embarrasing, but I don't know to much about if they have any sun there or not. But what I do know, is that in the summer, we have sun nearly all around the clock. And those who do live up in north (where it's probably pitch black now) have a period in the summer where the sun never goes below the horizon. I've never been up there to experience it myself, but it's quite high on my wishlist of nature-things to experience.

Bill
When you say Ebay do you mean an established company through Ebay or an individual seller?
In either case why do you think customs disregarded your package? (all officers at ports checking booze and fags?)

... it sure helps if you get the dealer to state 'used equipment' or 'goods value 100 US$' on the package...

or so I've heard

Regards,
Andy