Canon Photography
Where to buy a lens online
I want to buy a real lens and after reading a million threads and a hell of a lot of debate I've decided to go for the Canon 400mm f5.6 instead of the zoom. Buying from a shop on a little Greek island is not an option so I have to get it online.
On ebay there are 5 stores that sell it for about £650 inc.p+p (825 EURO). These include Digital Rev, UR Galaxy, Nefamine, Sighterz and HKBNS. All are based in Hong Kong. I am unlikely to get stung on the import tax as I think Greek customs are not quite as smart as they are in the UK 
Has anyone used any of these stores? Are they reliable? Is it a really bad idea even to consider it???
Another cheap option is to order from an American store like B&H for $1200 inc.p+p (775 EUROS). I hear good things about B&H, but from BF members in the US only. Has anyone in Europe bought online from the US as I see they do post over here for about $50.
The more expensive option is to order from the UK or Greece but the prices seem to be about 1200-1300 euros.
I was thinking of ordering from one of the US stores as it is the cheapest option due to the strength of the euro against the dollar at the mo. However if anyone could offer any other advice or has any recommendations for me I would be very grateful.
Cheers, Stu
I have used Digital Rev. with no problems. However they send by FedEX, who have a cosy relationship with UK Customs. I have been told, though this is only rumour, that they get £5 from UK customs for information about each packet!
[quote=stu78;1196045]Another cheap option is to order from an American store like B&H for $1200 inc.p+p (775 EUROS). I hear good things about B&H, but from BF members in the US only. Has anyone in Europe bought online from the US as I see they do post over here for about $50.[/quote]
Thank you. B&H has been in business for 35 years and we ship to Europe daily. I suggest you opt for UPS shipping. Relatively speedy and inexpensive, plus excellent online package tracking and the UPS expedited service we use means you don't pay brokerage fees.