Lens options UK.

[Mark Thorpe]

Hi guys,
Just looking to find out where you all go shopping if not online and abroad. I've decided, like many, to opt for EF lenses with the Birger mount for my RED. That said I've been looking around the UK and am just shocked to see how much more the lenses are price wise in comparison to the U.S, almost double in some cases.

Where are you all looking for lens options? UK or abroad? South Africa potentially as expensive as the UK for electronics / luxury items etc. Seeing as I'm going to be heading down there soon I thought what the heck and am going to buy a new DSLR (Canon 400D) before heading south so I can use the lenses for both cams.

Thoughts?

Cheers,
Mark.

[Mark Thorpe]

In fact where do most of you shop around the London / Bristol region? I am now looking for accessories for my Z1 as I need to do some land shooting. Matte Boxes, Filters, Wireless Mics, etc. Anyone know of a one stop place all under one roof?

Cheers,
Mark.

[Russ Campbell]

Hey Mark. South Africa is expensive. I am ordering all my lenses, matte boxes, tripods, etc from the US or Hong Kong. UK prices are really high. When are heading out to SA?

Cheers,
Russ

[Mark Thorpe]

Planning to be down there by the end of this month. The scientits won't be ready for me until January so six weeks or so of getting all the beauty pick ups etc. Stuff I won't get time to do once the main UW shooting starts in earnest.

Tell me about the UK being expensive!!

Definitely plan to hook up when I get down there.

Best,
Mark.

[PaulClements]

With the pound to dollar rate there's only one place to look at the moment. I chatted to a company about their Cooke 18-100mm a few months ago, priced at £10,000. You can pick them up in the US for $10,000 - about £4,800 - No contest.

The problem is checking them in person of course.

Paul

[Mark Thorpe]

Hi Paul,
Was looking more for an outlet for Z1 accessories etc. Hoping that the Birger mount will actually materialize so I can use EF lenses with my Red. Same scenario regarding double costs etc with most things at the moment.

Cheers,
Mark.

[PaulClements]

Sorry Mark,

I read it casually and just added my thoughts as to the PL mount lenses. No idea about Z1 lenses but I would still probably go as far as shopping at BHphoto or similar for Canon glass.

The 24-70mm can be got for £534.50 delivered from BH although this is before Import TAX and VAT. Other than Ebay the cheapest I can find it in the UK is £735 from a very quick look (Though I believe this is an import anyway). If import tax is 10% (Which I would think is high) the cost including VAT would be £649 - A saving of £86.

Paul

[Mark Thorpe]

Combine that price difference with gear like Matte Boxes, 4x4" Filter Set, Wireless Mics, a Boom Mic, Tripod and a whole tip load of tapes could mean a quick trip to NY. The saving on exchange rates and shipping would even it all out. Hmmmm.

[PaulClements]

Hmmm

Fancy a combined trip Mark? We could pick up a bunch of gear for other users and bring it through... would be bloody funny turning up to customs with thousands of pounds worth of gear for them to sort out.

Paul

[Simon Blackledge]

I'm in NY 4th>8th Jan 08 Paul.. with dslr.. need a lens? thinking about getting another body along with a 85..

lemme know
s