purchasing in New York

[Gary]

I'm thinking of popping over to NYC next week to get a lens for my camera.
Has anyone done this before? Can you recommend the best shops to get a bargain canon or nikon lens?
do i have to pay purchase tax or can i get out of it by showing my passport?

btw, i realise i have to pay duty on my way back.

 

[Gary]

update:
sales tax is a bit over 8% and tourists cant claim it back

 

[Matt Charlton]

You dont have to pay duty if they don't know that you've bought a new lens

Whats the point in going over there and then coming back and declaring it? You might as well pay the postage to get it shipped - postage will be cheaper than a flight over there. And you'll either pay duty and VAT or you won't dependant on how customs feel.

Is the lens you want not available from one-stop digital? they reimburse any duty and VAT you end up paying if you buy from them and their prices are generally the cheapest.

 

[Gary]

i didnt say i was gonna pay the duty. i was planning on posting the packaging home and taking the lens(es) home myself.

i'll have a look at one-stop

 

[Gary]

http://www.onestop-digital.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=24_26&products_id=144

100-400L is 840 quid (i assume i need to add insured shipping)
buy it in NYC and its 700 quid plus sales tax. so, about 750..

 

[The_old_man]

B&H photo in New York.. BUT...

Only take enough for the lens you want or you will come home skint

 

[Matt Charlton]

Free postage on everything as far as I am aware.

You could always ask Kerso what his current rate is for the 100-400, there should be some canon vouchers due out at the end of march, I got £135 off my 100-400 and only paid £880 for it from Kero so got it for £745.

Just seems a little silly to fly over there if you're not going out there for another reason anyway.

 

[Gary]

B&H photo in New York.. BUT...

Only take enough for the lens you want or you will come home skint

nice one

 

[Weggy]

Kerso recently quoted me £870 including postage for the 100-400....

 

[SeanBoyce]

B&H is one of the Best photo outlets in the World.If you have a good friend in another State, not New York, have it sent to his or her house and pick it up there.You will not have to pay taxes or delivery charges.Sending it to UK you will have to pay shipping Charges and mabe Vat.I Pick up Photo Equipment at friends house when I am overthere.Good Luck.........................