Equipment Purchasing

[Chompy]

I know this has been brought up before but I cant seem to find it as most of the threads are not visible,
Who are the better people/companies to deal with for purchasing Lenses and all other equipment?
I am looking to purchase another lens soon and remember a few decent places that were recommended but cant remember the names

Todd

[fourseven]

I can usually get cost price from PRA Imaging. Let me know if you are after something specific.

[Chompy]

awesome cheers I'll let ya know what Im after

[duste]

Just bought a Canon 50mm f1.4 USM through DWI (http://www.dwidigitalcameras.com.au/) this morning. Grey import, but at least $200 cheaper than local "discounted" prices, such as those at DCW (http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/)

Quick search of the intarwebs showed good reviews, particularly noting the exceptional delivery times - it should be on my doorstep later this week. :)

[mod]

Not to bag out local shops
but I also bought off DWI(ebay shop not their website) for all my DSLR purchases
D7000 body, nikon 24-70 & nikon 35 f1.8 lens
delivery is 3-4days max

[Halle Terry]

Digitalrev.com

OR

http://mycamerafocus.com.au/ (Local guy down in Mandurah)

[NoOg_sTaR]

B&H Photo is another good option. Just watch out for import tax if you buy items worth over $1000. I have been stung 3 times.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/

[duste]

http://mycamerafocus.com.au/ (Local guy down in Mandurah)

Completely forgot about this guy! Mate of mine also uses him and has nothing but great things to say about him - would have been ideal as I'll be down in Mandurah on Thursday...

Ah well, next time.

[Chompy]

http://mycamerafocus.com.au/ (Local guy down in Mandurah)

Just sent him an email, got a "GONE fish'n" reply haha. true aussie spirit

[Sleepy]

Happily recommend DWI, purchased camera body and lens from them, shipping is fast and they avoid import tax.

[morgazmatron]

Just sent him an email, got a "GONE fish'n" reply haha. true aussie spirit

Heard good things about him..

Havent bought off him yet tho. I go through D-D Photographics, you get the import prices but they have a shop/warehouse in Sydney so you can call them up and chat if need be.

[dstyle]

have always used these guys
great prices, although they are imports
http://www.citiwideonline.com/au/

[mod]

digitalrev is apparently flagged by customs for undervaluing goods to avoid custom tax, even tho a lot of other do it as well but so far I had no troubles...

[duste]

digitalrev is apparently flagged by customs for undervaluing goods to avoid custom tax, even tho a lot of other do it as well but so far I had no troubles...


I've recently ordered a camera from DigitalRev, the invoice totalling $840 including delivery

The package got held up in Australian customs for a couple of days, and after calling DHL, I was told it as flagged as "undervalued" – i.e they thought it was over $1000AU. I sent the paperwork to DHL, who forwarded it to customs, who will hopefully process the order soon enough.

The interesting thing was that in my case DigitalRev did not undervalue at all. When I made up a follow up call, the DHL rep informed me that DigitalRev has frequently been sending (and being caught) grossly undervaluing camera equipment and the company has been "flagged" – where now they are inspecting around 50 out of 100 shipments (her quote) that come through from DigitalRev and even arbitrarily declaring items as undervalued.

I've always been aware some of the HK-based camera retailers undervalue items, but now it seems they are making it harder for them to get away with it.
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1615404

Another:

DO NOT BUY from DigitalRev.

Here is what they quote on their website;

Once you have paid the Import Handling Fee, we will handle all the following costs should they occur during customs clearance:
Any Import Tax and/or Duty in your country
Any courier's Free Domicile handling charge (Duties and Tax Forwarding Surcharge)
Any Local Customs clearance fee

This is an absolute lie. They do not pay any import duty – they charge you the full cost plus the 'import handling fee' and then they send the product with a false invoice (for less than the import duty threshold).

e.g. I paid $1439 plus 'import handling fee' of 10%. They sent, together with the camera, an invoice for $837. They pocket the 'import handling fee' and no duty is ever paid to customs.

This is all very well but the camera is outside warranty and both you and DigitalRev are breaking the law.

Beware!!
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1676279

For those playing at home.

[duste]

Little bit of feedback on my experience with DWI so far.

Received an emailing stating my order was getting prepared for dispatch, and decided to check my account on the website.

It seems their system had truncated the shipping address, and had only included the numbered street address, not the unit number (delivered to a business address, perhaps their system doesn't like commas being put in the address line?). Quickly gave their WA number a call - asian chap, but very good spoken English, and he was INCREDIBLY helpful, and got everything organised with the warehouse as soon as possible to have my address on the delivery changed.

Pretty happy with the service so far.

[Butcher]

Is it even worth shopping around perth for a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens, or just go straight for an import. (Read competitive pricing locally?)

[DT95WA]

Another vote for John @ my camera focus. Cheapest prices and great service.

[nang3]

ive used digitalrev too with no dramas.. still ends up cheaper than cost price at harveys/JB's etc.... only thing was it seemed to take a while to process the order.. still had it in under a week though so all good

[mod]

only thing good they do are their youtube vids :D