[Dutchie]

Have you noticed that people are more then happy to spend as much on a second hand lens then what you would spend on a new lens from for example the hongkong dealers.

I have watched quiet a few lenses going for nearly the new price from onestop digital. Especially the nikkor lenses or that would be the same for canon I suppose aswell. Don't people look further before they start bidding. I just thought I'd mention it. Nothing special, but review before you buy is a good tip in this case.

[lcraft]

I hear too many horror stories about people buying gray market lenses from hong kong dealers. I'll stick to paying mail order (B&H, Wolf, Ritz) or retail prices where there's a manager who doesn't want to deal with an irate and unhappy customer before dealing with some guy in Hong Kong and international shipping.

There may be some of that going on with people buying from private sellers on ebay. For instance the guys selling 18-200 VR Nikkor lenses in the states for a premium I would go to them long before the guys shipping from Hong Kong just on the basis of the warranty.

[stupot]

Totally agree Dutchie i've had so many lenses on my watch list hoping to bag a bargain only to see them sell for stupid money! Some even selling for more than UK dealers!!!! I've bought a couple of lenses and some other gear from Onestop Digital in Hong Kong and i must say i'm 100% satisfied with what i'm getting, they clearly state what warranty your getting, and with lightening fast free delivery you cant go wrong with these guys. I guess its best to stick to what you know and some dealers are unknown and offering too good to be true bargains so stear clear!

[Richard530]

Same thing on US Ebay. People don't seem to have any idea of what the items are worth. I've seen people actually bid more for a camera than that same dealer has it listed on Buy it now at the same time. People catch Auction Fever and have to have it. I also don't trust all auctions...shady business at times from personal experience. I have not bought from HK yet, I worry about duties to the US, warranty issues. Sometimes, I wonder if purchasing an extended service contract would solve the grey market problems.

[Dave]

Well for the seller it's great I've managed to buy wisely in the past & sell items on again on EBAY for no loss & in some cases a reasonable profit.

I recently bought the Nikon SB800 from HK on basis it was £199 vs jessops prices of £299....... so if I didn't get on with it, or found I didn't use it much, I can sell on again for no loss on EBAY. I don't like losing money

[simpbow]

Noticed that too some of the prices people are paying for lenses is crazy, i been following it for quiet a few weeks now hoping that i might find a good deal on Tokina 12-24 but i think i must be looking on the wrong site. I see onestop being mentioned for deals by some of the guys on the site & they seem to be happy with them. I take it it would be fine to deal with them?

[Dabhand16]

I've used them with no problems, so has Ian Houghton. I'm sure there are others too. They have an offer on at the moment too depending on how much you spend.

[Dutchie]

Simpbow, they are very good. I have used onestop digital twice now and not a problem whatsoever. You order and they send you an email when they've dispatched your item. So you can keep trak. And I only here good reviews on them.

And yes i've had lenses in my watch list for a few weeks. But nah not for me. I'll buy it with the full garantuee. And i know with the nikon lenses you get international warantee. So it doesn't matter where they come from. I am trying out the 2 canadians on ebay who ship from hong kong. They are supposed to be good aswell.

[simpbow]

Thats great Graham, wont do anything to July/August now as iam moving house but thats good to know, i want to buy a lens + 2 filters & they seem to be the only ones that are offering a good price for their products & are rated here [thats good enough for me]

[simpbow]

Thats great Dutchie,youll have to let me know how you get on with these others too.

[orangepeel]

Originally Posted by Dave

I don't like losing money

That'll explain why your arse is a blur whenever it's your round!

[Howard]

I went on-line the other day to Ebay looking for a Canon 100mm macro lense. After looking I determined I could buy one cheaper through Amazon, or was it Adorama? . In one case the Buy Now price was about the same as I can buy it locally. You're right Dutchie, I don't think people have any idea of what the item is worth.

[JMitchell]

Originally Posted by Dutchie

I am trying out the 2 canadians on ebay who ship from hong kong. They are supposed to be good aswell.

I think you'll find dutchie that that is onestop digital.....they are also 2 canadians who shop from Hong Kong...