Going to South Africa ... buy 100-400 & sell it there when i leave?

I have a 100-400 earmarked for me to rent for a trip to South Africa. We're going on a few safaris, and I figured it would be nicer to have than my 70-200.

I found out that the prices of lenses there are ridiculous compared to here. Essentially, I could purchase the lens, use it there, sell it for what I paid, and the person that bought it would be saving around $500. I have no use for the lens when I get home.

Has anyone ever done this? I'm going to be in two different hotels, and am part of a tour group, so I am on a pretty tight schedule.

If I do it, what's the suggested form of payment? PayPal?

Prices are crazy there. I would sell for cash and hand over in a safe location before you leave. If they pay in your own currency then no problem. Just work a price and advertise it on somewhere like OutdoorPhoto forum.

^^^ or on here, I remember a thread recently from an SA member who was talking about just such a possibility:

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=461750

I'd be wary of trying to arrange a sale while on holiday - you'd be under some pressure to sell!

I'd recommend planning it all in advance.

that's what i was thinking ... i find someone that will buy it before i leave.

i buy the lens, use it, then have them meet me at my hotel at a pre-determined time.

if they don't meet me, i guess i get home, sell the lens, and bite the $200-300 i otherwise would have paid to rent the lens.

hmmm

definitely try it, its a good way to get a free use out of the lens when you sell it... i would totally try it, just make sure to plan it all out first so you dont get stuck with it. but if you do, you proly wont lose too much selling it when you get back...

a trip to SA sounds fun, be sure to post pics when you get back

and if you cant sell it, just keep it, its a hell of a sweet lens!

pics will definitely be posted.

i agree it's a great lens, but i get so little use out of my 70-200 already, that i think it would go to waste.

I am in the market for a 100-400. Please let me know when you are coming as well as price for the lens. I will buy it from you.