Canadians, Where do you do your gear (lenses mostly) shopping?

I buy from bhphoto since it's usually cheaper than canadian stores. However, this was before Canon Canada changed their prices.

This should be a sticky or something. Lots of good info in here!

Anybody been hit real bad by customs or something? Or is it because it's a lens specifically, we're not hit too bad, just VAT?

VAT? Do you mean GST? As others have said, there are no duties on lenses from the US to Canada, though you will get charged GST (and/or PST / HST if applicable).

VAT = Value Added Tax . No duties on Lenses rocks.

I have only bought one used lens in my life. Buyer beware does apply very well.

I have bought just about everything else I have from Camera Canada. I can say that I have not found anywhere else that has given me the customer service that they do, second to none. Truth be known though if you develop a relationship with any of the online retailers you can certainly get lower than published pricing. Joe Todd and his staff at Camera Canada have bent over backwards to keep me happy. I would call them the no 2 online retailer in Canada behind Vistek, who by the way would have a hard time getting any worse customer service if they tried.

Care to elaborate on the buyer beware? I feel pretty safe if I get a member with good feedback, make sure I ask him all the questions and to clarify condition and everything, and a member who has been hanging around the forum a while (aka not somebody who joined yesturday.)

I buy at BH most of the time and pay the GST when I cross the border.
It saves me a ton of money.
Leo.

Anybody else sick of Canadians that think they can charge more then the going rate for their camera gear/lenses becasue they paid high prices in Canada? Then they say it's competitive when you factor in the exchange rate, tax and brokerage fees (which can be avoided if your smart?) Seriously getting on my nerves. I'de love to buy stuff locally, but by no means necessary will I pay more then an item's going price is unless there is something special about it (i.e. hood included with extra filters and a bag or something.)

I've had nothing but good service in person from Vistek's Staff in WIllow Park, Calgary! Definatly a friendly bunch, and I'd rather spend a little bit more cash to get their service

Anyone know if Henry's will price match Aden Camera? I want to exchange my 50mm 1.8 and filter and add some $ for a 430ex, and I figure I can save $40 if they do pricematch Aden Camera.