Tell Me Where You Buy Your Gear. Time For A New Toy :)

[*Lolapalooza*]

I didnt even know there was a sigma equivalent

I wont tell husband there was a cheaper option

[kja]

Thanks kja Having some actual numbers will help me to apply it to my real life situations

No problem - just remember YMMV If the sigma is lighter, you might find you can go even lower, too.

Lola - nice giftie

[Linda K]

had the non IS & IS of version one - much preferred the IS, but even so, I tried to love it and just didn't - tried the new version at PMA and wow, the difference in speed on the 5DII was amazing - this one has been made to work with the digital cameras, and it is amazing how much quicker it grabs focus compared to version I. Bought version II from DWI, and have been in love with it ever since, it is amazing, and if you could, would swing it for sure - the Bokeh on it is amazing

[Ashanali]

On B&H -

I can get the Sigma for $1430 or the Canon for $1990

Both with IS, inc postage and in $AUD

I just want to know what Im getting for that $560 besides a white lens

Unless you have a monopod or a tripod, you will WANT the IS.

Yes, there are people who have the non-IS versions and they do fine, but you can also bet they throw away a whole lot more images than those who have IS lenses.

Essentially, when you're shooting on such a long lens, there is lots of movement. Having the IS does make a difference, and it is very noticeable if you test them both out side by side.

Shorter lenses, I would say don't bother, but longer lenses, the IS is an asset. Not essentialy but they definitely make the job easier.

As for where we buy, we shop around for a good price then use either Ted's or Photo Continental. I refuse to purchase grey imports and also buying from B&H can be more difficult when the purchase is over $1000.

[becandcharch]

On B&H -

I can get the Sigma for $1430 or the Canon for $1990

Both with IS, inc postage and in $AUD

I just want to know what Im getting for that $560 besides a white lens

Unless you have a monopod or a tripod, you will WANT the IS.

Yes, there are people who have the non-IS versions and they do fine, but you can also bet they throw away a whole lot more images than those who have IS lenses.

Essentially, when you're shooting on such a long lens, there is lots of movement. Having the IS does make a difference, and it is very noticeable if you test them both out side by side.

Shorter lenses, I would say don't bother, but longer lenses, the IS is an asset. Not essentialy but they definitely make the job easier.

As for where we buy, we shop around for a good price then use either Ted's or Photo Continental. I refuse to purchase grey imports and also buying from B&H can be more difficult when the purchase is over $1000.

Thanks

Im definately going to get IS but its now whether I get the Sigma or the Canon. The Canon may mean having to wait a bit

What are your thoughts on this and do you see/know of anything the Canon offers that the Sigma doesnt?

Do Teds beat other prices? How is buying from B&H more difficult when the purchase is over $1000?

I have a LOT of questions

Ta

[Ashanali]

You start getting in to tax issues when you buy stuff for more than $1000 from overseas. kja will be able to answer this better than me.

I've tried the sigma and the canon and went with the canon. It performs better in low light. If you're not shooting in low light all that often, then it won't be an issue. Both are nice sharp lenses (but still not as sharp at the 135mm 2.0 )

Ted's will pricematch and they will beat if they can. They won't price match shoddy internet or grey import prices though.

[CrazyCresties]

Ted's will pricematch and they will beat if they can. They won't price match shoddy internet or grey import prices though.

Will they price match the likes of B&H or Adorama do you know?

Bec - how are you getting on? I'm going round in circles trying to decided where to get mine from Doesn't help that the Tamron zoom I'm after doesn't seem to be available in some of the Aus stores

[Ashanali]

Ted's will pricematch and they will beat if they can. They won't price match shoddy internet or grey import prices though.

Will they price match the likes of B&H or Adorama do you know?

Bec - how are you getting on? I'm going round in circles trying to decided where to get mine from Doesn't help that the Tamron zoom I'm after doesn't seem to be available in some of the Aus stores :D

They will pricematch other Australian retailers.

Lots of stores won't carry the specialised lenses/gear. They can get you a price and they will order it in if you choose to purchase. When it comes to lenses etc, this is a case of calling up and speaking to people to get good prices.

also the US prices are about to jump dramatically due to their crappy dollar so if anyone is planning on buying something from the US, don't hang off too long.

[Linda K]

when it is over $1000 from overseas (which includes the postage), you will find the parcel goes to customs who will contact you, collect the import duties (15% of what they calculate the total to be - which would be the USD value marked on the customs forms plus postage, converted to AUD at their rate (not sure where they obtain that rate), and then they charge 15% of that calculated value), Once you have paid this (can either send them via direct credit or cc over the phone), they will release the item, and it is despatched to you (mine always came via UPS so the big brown truck up the drive is always the sign of excitement!!!)

[CrazyCresties]

also the US prices are about to jump dramatically due to their crappy dollar so if anyone is planning on buying something from the US, don't hang off too long.

Thanks for that warning!

[CrazyCresties]

Bec - if you're still thinking of the Sigma lens check this out....

http://www.crkennedy.com.au/v1/index.cfm?p...ageRef=210&

SIGMA AUSTRALIAN WARRANTY ON GREY IMPORTS

C.R. Kennedy & Co P/L will only undertake warranty repairs on products sourced through us. All products imported directly from overseas and resold are not covered by our warranty. This includes purchases through ebay and through grey importers such as www.camerasdirect.com.au,

www.d-d-photographics.com.au and www.globalmediapro.com.

Mark Harrison from www.camerasdirect.com.au has been directly advised by Sigma Japan that C.R. Kennedy, the only authorised Sigma agent in Australia, will not cover warranty on Sigma products bought through www.camerasdirect.com.au

We will match, through our authorised Sigma dealer network, any legitimate advertised internet

price on Sigma lenses by these grey importers.

I've emailed them to see if they will price match DWI on a 50mm 1.4, so I'll see what they say - worth a shot

[Ashanali]

Speaking as someone who used to work for CR Kennedy and still talks to the staff there, they will tell you to go to a retailer such as Ted's, Camera House, Photo Continental etc.

CRK is the wholesaler, if they give a quote direct to public, I can tell you right now that it is higher than retail (as they NEED people to support the camera stores).

[CrazyCresties]

I know local stores need support, but when the price for another lens I'm looking at is $799 online at Teds vs $489 at B&H then there is no contest if it were say just 50-100 dollars difference then I would buy 'local', but it is almost half the price - it's very hard to justify spending that much extra when internet shopping from overseas is so easy these days

[Mason_Gibbs]

I know local stores need support, but when the price for another lens I'm looking at is $799 online at Teds vs $489 at B&H then there is no contest if it were say just 50-100 dollars difference then I would buy 'local', but it is almost half the price - it's very hard to justify spending that much extra when internet shopping from overseas is so easy these days

I know, I am getting 2 lenses for xmas, I bought one from Top Buy and one from Crazy Sales, they were much cheaper than retail stores ;)

[Ashanali]

I know local stores need support, but when the price for another lens I'm looking at is $799 online at Teds vs $489 at B&H then there is no contest if it were say just 50-100 dollars difference then I would buy 'local', but it is almost half the price - it's very hard to justify spending that much extra when internet shopping from overseas is so easy these days

I think you misread what I was saying.

The bit you posted has said that if you go to a legit Sigma dealer (places like Ted's, Camera House etc) they should be matching the Camera's Direct prices. There's no point asking CRK for a quote because they'll just tell you to go to one of their legitimate dealers.

Sorry, it's late at night. Didn't mean to confuse you.

[CrazyCresties]

I think you misread what I was saying.

The bit you posted has said that if you go to a legit Sigma dealer (places like Ted's, Camera House etc) they should be matching the Camera's Direct prices. There's no point asking CRK for a quote because they'll just tell you to go to one of their legitimate dealers.

Sorry, it's late at night. Didn't mean to confuse you.

np :p Sorry I did misread what they said 'We will match, through our authorised Sigma dealer network' ;)

Anyway I've just bitten the bullet - 3 lenses on their way from B&H 2 separate orders to keep each one under the $1000 limit They're my fist 'proper' lenses after the kit lenses, so can't wait to try them

Sorry for hijacking the thread Bec

[kja]

3 lenses on their way from B&H

Congrats! What did you get?

[*Lolapalooza*]

I have 'heard' that often when OS retailers send lenses more than $1000 they emai la reciept with correct prices and send one that says say $900 with the parcel.....this is handy if having recently bought a 70-200 2.8 or similar

[*Lolapalooza*]

3 lenses on their way from B&H

Congrats! What did you get?

Yeh woooooo! whatd u get???

[CrazyCresties]

Congrats! What did you get?

* Tamron SP 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di VC USD - I like photographing birds so wanted a bit more than a 200mm zoom.

* Tamron SP AF 60mm F/2.0 Di II LD (IF) 1:1 Macro - I like bugs

* Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM - 'cause I don't have a 50mm lens

OH has said this is xmas and next birthday pressies combined I'm hoping by next May (my b'day) she will have forgotten this and I can wrangle a wider lens, as it will still be the kit lens for anything under 50mm for a while And my Lightroom trial ends in 2 weeks.....next years xmas pressie early? ;)