Better To Buy In Bkk Or On Ebay

[saorsa]

Hi,

Im looking at buying a Canon EOS 550D and some lenses. Can someone tell me what kind of import duties i would pay to get it into thailand so i can see if i am better to buy in Bangkok (i found one shop that sells it for 26000b with an 18-55mm lens) or on Ebay.

cheers

[astral]

I have always bought in Bangkok, that way I get to handle the goods before parting with the money.

There will nearly always be some kind of local or international guarantee.

eBAY, well???????????????

Check out http://www.fotofile.net/product_cate_one.p...;ban_name=Canon

[saorsa]

I have always bought in Bangkok, that way I get to handle the goods before parting with the money.

There will nearly always be some kind of local or international guarantee.

eBAY, well???????????????

Check out http://www.fotofile.net/product_cate_one.p...;ban_name=Canon

Is the better lens worth the extra over the price here:

http://www.thaicameracafe.com/index.php?mo...it%2018-55%20IS

[losworld]

Ebay can be okay if it is domestic and the seller has sufficient reviews.

Also be aware there are many scam shops out there. And I am not talking about simply not receiving the product. What they do is advertise an incredible price then after you order they phone you to upsel you on the overpriced accessories. If you don't buy the accessories you either get a camera without warranty, a camera with a menu in another language, ridiculous shipping charge or they simply say they don't have it any more and you will have to wait a long time or fight for a refund. In the US they are generally located in New York and have some simple website. Always do lots of research before buying online and try typing "name of business" and the word "ripoff" or "scam".

Good luck. I don't know the price difference but if it is no better than 25 percent I wouldn't chance it then have the additional hassle of duty on a new product.

Good luck.

[Sunny Valentine]

I have always bought in Bangkok, that way I get to handle the goods before parting with the money.

There will nearly always be some kind of local or international guarantee.

eBAY, well???????????????

Check out http://www.fotofile.net/product_cate_one.p...;ban_name=Canon

Is the better lens worth the extra over the price here:

http://www.thaicameracafe.com/index.php?mo...it%2018-55%20IS

First, shop around yourself, also try the 2nd floor in Fortune town (Rama 9 Metro Station), lots of shops there with usually good offers and possible bargains.

Second: The 550 has 18 Megapixels, and the 18-55 mm crop lens seems definitely too low in quality for that resolution. So, if you want the 550 make sure you buy a decent lens, like the 15-85 3.5-5.6 IS USM or maybe the aforementioned 18-135 (not a great lens, but definitely in another league compared to the 18-55). If you can afford, consider the EF-S 17-55 2.8 IS USM, pricy, but well worth the money, one of the best lenses Canon ever made!

One word of caution while buying in Thailand: Make sure you understand what kind of warranty you get! With Thai Warranty (usually more expensive) you are on the safe side, while some shops sell you grey imports and claim they will take care themselves in case of warranty issues. In this case always expect long repair periods, as they usually have to send the body to Japan or Singapore and wait for the return.

Buying overseas is a hit and miss in case you have it shipped here. Thai customs is not known for transparency or fairness, you might get it without any charge, or with a ridiculous custom and VAT charge request. I suggest don't do it!

[saorsa]

Ok, thanks for the advice. I'll take a wander round fortune etc when i get home from offshore and see what deal i can get with some hard cash in my pocket.

[grahamhc]

Second: The 550 has 18 Megapixels, and the 18-55 mm crop lens seems definitely too low in quality for that resolution. So, if you want the 550 make sure you buy a decent lens, like the 15-85 3.5-5.6 IS USM or maybe the aforementioned 18-135 (not a great lens, but definitely in another league compared to the 18-55). If you can afford, consider the EF-S 17-55 2.8 IS USM, pricy, but well worth the money, one of the best lenses Canon ever made!

I do agree with what SV says, but with other thoughts as well. I was going for the Canon, but was offered a secondhand Nikon with a Nikkor 18-55mm lens and then bought a new Nikkor 55-200mm lens.

On the run, you seldom have the correct lens and spend time swapping. Often needs more than the (18-)55mm , then less than the 55(-200)mm. It is a pain in the neck, as youi can miss opperunnity of great instant shots, as life changes before your eyes.

Yes, the 18-135m (which is 35mm parlace is 27mm-202mm) is an ideal size. OK, more money, but less frustration. I wish I found it out before buying.

ALSO.... I read somewhere that a USM is a better choice, as it you are doing Video, the AF-S (in camera) motor can be heard on the video

[lopburi3]

Pix-one sells it for 25,800 according to website but be aware these are normally (if sold at large discount) gray market cameras with seller guarantee rather than manufactures. I have bought several and they have been fine and not needed service but they were under 10k purchase so not too concerned if company went bust. If you live in Thailand they are an option from the normal high list price from importers.

[jsnho]

i got my 550D three month ago in singapore when the 1st day it launch. great camera. but need to get better lens to compensate for the HD 18MP

[saorsa]

i got my 550D three month ago in singapore when the 1st day it launch. great camera. but need to get better lens to compensate for the HD 18MP

Yes, all the online reviews I have read say the same, great camera, but needs a decent lens. Will see what deals I can get when I get home.