Where do Canadian members by Lenses and gear

I bought from B&H a couple of times as well. Their price is much better than Henry's, even after factoring in shipping. BTW, shipping was fast too. They shipped out stuff on the same day, and I got my order the next day via UPS express. I would definately buy my gear from them again.

Janika wrote in post #2149444
but if I buy the camera itself, I will pay duty

Ahhh... This is why I was confused... I actually assumed lenses would fit in the "electronics" category... you know... USM and all. Good to know duty doesn't apply to lenses.

Janika wrote in post #2149444
I called Canada Customs last year, before ordering my nifty50 and Sigma flash and they told me that I don't have to pay duty on camera accessories, but if I buy the camera itself, I will pay duty. This measn if you buy lenses, flash, filters, tubes, etc, there is no duty, but still have to pay GST (6%) & applicable provincial tax!

as far as I know, anytime I've ordered from the states, on anything, car parts, etc, I've only ever had to pay 5$ handling + tax.

ssitu wrote in post #2149513
I bought from B&H a couple of times as well. Their price is much better than Henry's, even after factoring in shipping. BTW, shipping was fast too. They shipped out stuff on the same day, and I got my order the next day via UPS express. I would definately buy my gear from them again.

you didn't get raped by customs using UPS???

UPS has always charged me ridiculous amounts to receive stuff

A lens is considered an accessory, so no duty there.

with Canadapost or UPS?

last tiem I ordered form UPS they charged 50$ on an 80$ item...

Avoid UPS if you can, USPS Air is the best, even if it takes a lill longer.

I've avoided UPS for 3 years now...I always ship with USPS with tracking. takes a week longer, but it's worth it. if USPS isnt an option I shop elswhere.

great thread!

Janika wrote in post #2149974
Avoid UPS if you can, USPS Air is the best, even if it takes a lill longer.

It's actually quite the opposite if you buy from B&H. Using UPS express or expedited will only take about 2 days to ship, and you will only be charged for 14% taxes, NO handling or brokerage fees will be added. Of course, you should avoid UPS ground. It can actually cost you more at the end when they charge you brokerage fees.
Now if you ship via USPS, the shipping charge is almost the same as UPS express, sometimes even more! It will take about 2 weeks to ship, and you'll probably be charged $8 handling fee by Canada post, on top of the 14% taxes.
I had my gears shipped both ways from B&H before so I know.

So which would you rather choose? The much faster and cheaper UPS express or slower and more expensive USPS?

More info on this matter could be found at the following link:
http://www.imageswest.​ca/cross-border.htm

ssitu wrote in post #2150112
It's actually quite the opposite if you buy from B&H. Using UPS express or expedited will only take about 2 days to ship, and you will only be charged for 14% taxes, NO handling or brokerage fees will be added. Of course, you should avoid UPS ground. It can actually cost you more at the end when they charge you brokerage fees.
Now if you ship via USPS, the shipping charge is almost the same as UPS express, sometimes even more! It will take about 2 weeks to ship, and you'll probably be charged $8 handling fee by Canada post, on top of the 14% taxes.
I had my gears shipped both ways from B&H before so I know.

So which would you rather choose? The much faster and cheaper UPS express or slower and more expensive USPS?

More info on this matter could be found at the following link:
http://www.imageswest.​ca/cross-border.htm

good linik. thanks for the info.

blam wrote in post #2150132
good linik. thanks for the info.

I second that, I just bookmarked that link.

I can also see the major price differences at b&H, even with the exchange rates and taxes and shipping.

Makes me wonder how the hell does henry's get away with listing so much as a base price (before the haggling)?

I'm starting to lose a lot of respect for henry's

goods in the USA are cheaper than in Canada....look at cars for example...

there is no real way around it.

When the US dollar was stronger cars actually cost less in Canada than the USfor many manufacturers. With a stronger Cdn buck these days there's little difference and it might even be reversed with a car costing a little more in Canada.

blam wrote in post #2150184
goods in the USA are cheaper than in Canada....look at cars for example...

there is no real way around it.

I've even bought headphones from B&H and saved a lot compared to buying them from places like National AV. Other than that and a ton of camera gear I purchased my Nikon Coolscan neg scanner and Canon printer from B&H ... also at considerable savings.

The following pdf is huge, but it describes what tariffs apply to any goods crossing the border. No customs duties on cameras, lenses, accessories, scanners, stereo equipment, memory cards ... the list goes on and on (you just have to pay gst and pst, the same as buying from your local shop).

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca …/tariff2005/01-99r5-e.pdf