Buying Lenses While In The Usa

[RallyValley]

It is likely (pending work letting me have the holidays when I want) that I am going to America in November. I was going to buy and import a couple of lenses mid year but to me it seems like it would be much easier to buy them there (and I can get nice $1000+ ones withour worrying about import duty). Does anyone have any problems with this issue I haven't thought of?

Also does anyone know of any camera stores in Los Angeles? (My first stop) Or alternately should I order from somewhere like B&H and get the lenses shipped to the hotel?

[kja]

Some places won't ship to hotels so check that.

CA has higher tax than some other states so depending on where you are going, check that, too.

I don't personally know any camera stores in LA but if you can get out of that hellhole and go to the Bay Area, there are several very reputable and great stores there

I've never had issues bringing stuff back except room and luggage allowance I do usually strip all the crap like boxes and cables and extra bits I have no use for away before packing which has the added benefit of not screaming I'M BRAND NEW GEAR.

Oh, and change money now if you are going to buy in a brick & mortar - the Aussie dollar probably won't be as delicious in November as it is now!

Edited February 6, 2011 by kja

[DMA]

If you're going to New York State, by any chance RV, check out Cameta Camera. They are at eBay, but their physical shop is in New York State. Needless to say they carry Zuiko. Here's their full address:

Cameta Camera

253 Broadway (Rt. 110)

Amityville, NY 11701

Also here is their website: http://www.cameta.com/

Then there's Henry's but they're in Canada. Likewise they carry Zuiko (I got my 18-180mm from them). Here's their website http://www.henrys.com They have four shops.

I've imported a lot from Cameta. Good prices. Excellent reputation.

BTW RV - how's the E-30 going?

Edited February 6, 2011 by DMA

[RallyValley]

Thanks for the advice! The E30 is going well but I have to confess I haven't used it that much

I am hoping to get the lenses at the start of my trip so that I can use them to take holiday snaps... I am having a look online for stores in LA.

I am spending two weeks in NY but it's at the end of the trip....

[kja]

Go to POTN and ask for LA camera stores - those over there will know who to go to and who to avoid

[DMA]

Thanks for the advice! The E30 is going well but I have to confess I haven't used it that much

I am hoping to get the lenses at the start of my trip so that I can use them to take holiday snaps... I am having a look online for stores in LA.

I am spending two weeks in NY but it's at the end of the trip....

Buggah about not getting to NY until the end as Cameta have been excellent to buy from.

Mind you you've got the perfect excuse to get that E30 snapping!

Here's a thought - When you do track down a couple of LA shops, compare their prices to duty free here in Australia if you get the chance.

And above all enjoy your holiday