Is DigitalRev safe?

I wasn't quite sure where to post this, but seeing as i'm buying a lens, ill put it here.
I'm buying a Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 this week and looking at places to buy, naturally i'd go to Warehouse Express, but i see Digital Rev have it quite a bit cheaper.. is there a catch?

I'm not sure if there's a UK hold for their stock, so should i expect a long international shipping time? Big import tax?
I'd be very happy if i could pay less but still get it in the next couple weeks... anyone have any experience with them?

Thanks for any replies, Ben

The catch is, you won't get a Canon warranty although Digital Rev have their own warranty service which I've never needed to use - maybe someone who has can comment.

You also MIGHT get charged customs duty which would knock off most of the savings. Its the chance you take.

Hermes wrote in post #8323738
The catch is, you won't get a Canon warranty although Digital Rev have their own warranty service which I've never needed to use - maybe someone who has can comment.

You also MIGHT get charged customs duty which would knock off most of the savings. Its the chance you take.

Okay cheers, how long is the Canon warranty?.. i usually prefer a shop warranty anyway..

Canon warranty? Aren't you buying a Tamron?

Canon is usually 1 year and Tamron you get like 6 years

Good point. Do Tamron have a repair centre in the UK though? (I've never heard of one)

If not then the loss of the oem warranty might not be a big deal to you.

How stupid of me, yes.. i am buying Tamron. 6 years? That's pretty good, alsmost as good as the ridiculous 11 year warranty on my D-link router :P

I miight give them a go, as you get a discount on a UV filter too.. still not sure though.

I bought something from them. I'm in the US and it shipped directly from them, but didn't take long at all. Due to some treaty, I paid no taxes/duties.

I did get a notice with my 5DII that if it needed a warranty repair that they'd handle dealing with Canon Japan for me since it wouldn't have a US warranty, though I've never had to use it.

They were smart enough to open the box and swap out the battery charger for one that would work on a US outlet, so kudos to them.

B&H is selling it for $11 more with a $10 mail in rebate, I think I'd stick with them for what little is saved.

Watch out for import/custom duties, could be close to 20%!!

Digital Rev is based in Hong Kong (in fact I bought a filter for my 200 2.8L in their shop).

They sell at the Canon RRP, which is too expensive compared to other local prices. However it may be cheap for you with the exchange rate.

Example: The lens you want (Tamon 28-75) costs $3,280HKD at Digital Rev. In local shops in Hong Kong it costs $2,780HKD ($500HKD difference is about 50 pounds I think).

They are safe and legit.

I've spent well over £3,000 with them, on three lenses and a body, plus other nik-naks. I've had no problems and would happily use them again. When I got stung for import taxes they refunded me quickly, just as promised. I've saved over £1500 by buying from DR rather than local UK stores (well, Jessops, to be precise). That was back when the £ was worth something. Nowadays the savings are (much) smaller.

Shipping from Hong Kong should take less than a week. My 50D body was ordered on a Tuesday, from their online store rather than their eBay outlet, and even though shipped from Hong Kong, it was with me at 1pm on Thursday, two days later.

If you're happy with Hong Kong stock then look at http://www.onestop-digital.com/catalog/ as well.

You might also tap Kerso for a quote - https://photography-on-the.net/forum/member.p​hp?u=31426

tdodd wrote in post #8361347
I've had no problems and would happily use them again. When I got stung for import taxes they refunded me quickly, just as promised.

Just one quick note on that.

Some DR ebay listings state that they will refund duty if you get hit for it, most don't. The same item can be listed both ways (at different prices) sometimes.

The extra you pay in the price, for a potential refund, is significantly less than you would pay if you got hit for duty. That is a good saving IF duty is levied, a waste of money if your package gets through without being charged (a good chance).

In effect, it is an insurance aginst the charge and DR cover their bases by charging enough to each buyer to cover the payouts on those who need it.

It's up to you (assuming both options are available on the item) take the risk or pay the extra.

Just wanted to clarify that, in case you bought from an uncovered listing under the impression that they always refund duties.

I've never bought from them myself, but know people that have, they are a good company to deal with. Biggest issue is if the lens is faulty on arrival and has to be returned for replacement, they do it fine but the turnaround is naturally a fair bit longer than with Warehouse Express, due to the distance.

I always look for the "No VAT" listings. There's no way I'd take the risk of actually having to cough up for import taxes. In fact I have an eBay search saved that emails me daily of any "no VAT" deals that get listed, just in case something of interest pops up. Here's the search (It also looks for stock already in London)....

http://photography.sho​p.ebay.co.uk …geName=STRK:MEF​SRCHX:SRCH

I have another eBay search saved for things from the Canon Outlet too. Mind you, the nutters that bid on those refurbs tend to drive the prices up above, or close to, brand new prices so there are rarely bargains to be had there. e.g. 5D2+24-105 refurb is up to £2450 from 11 bids with a day still to go. Brand new from Warehouse Express it is £2595. Brand new from Onestop it is £2471. Digital Rev have the kit in London for £2430. Jacobs' website is not working but I think you can pick up the kit there for under £2500, by using a voucher code and including additional cash back from Quidco.

I've bought from DigitalRev and they're very good on price and service. In fact most of the firms I've bought from in HK are extremely good - never had a problem.

I still need clarification.

I signed up ages ago as a DigitalRev business partner B2B, so theoretically the prices I see are a bit lower than the average joe.
e.g

Canon EOS 450D DSLR Body

Retail website price
£418.09 (£363.56 excl. )

my B2B price
£341.00 (£341.00 excl. )

Question is, if I'm in the UK, with import duty (4% ) plus VAT ( 15.5% ) slapped on its hardly going to be a bargain anymore right?