where to buy lenses

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

I guess like many other camera shops, SRS (who are a 15mins walk away from me) don't have many of the items they advertise online actually in stock.

Ive only ever bough secondhand gear from SRS, and this of course is in stock - but that said T4 at witney only hold a limited stock but are happy to get stuff in for you to look at if you give them a heads up ahead of time, i would suspect many other camera shops will do likewise

[BillyPilgrim]

Providing you ensure that the online retailer is in the UK you should have no problem getting replacements or refunds as the Distance Selling Regs are there to help you. I buy all my gear this way and have sent quite a few items back, including a couple of camera bodies (after trying them out), without experiencing any problems.

I don't shop at a particular retailer. When I want something I just do a google search and check out the prices at a load of retailers before ordering.

The main thing to be aware of is that some online retailers attempt to pass themselves off as being based in the UK. Some even have UK phone numbers and addresses but the goods are imported, usually from non-EU countries, so you are liable for VAT and import duty. It can be a nightmare to return goods if they are faulty and you don't have the right to send them back for a refund if you change your mind.

One check I do is to look at the returns policy. If it doesn't mention the DSR's then the retailer is more than likely based abroad.

[Geoff F]

I don't know if the loophole still exists but at one time you could purchase 'grey market' equipment from the far east which was recorded as a 'gift' and free of tax.

A friend ordered a lens like this and it was promptly delivered but because he used his business address Customs & Excise decided it must be for commercial use and charged him the appropriate duty. He had a right of appeal but decided not to inflame the situation.

The difficulty with this type of question is that there is another potential technical issue here. As this site is an independent charity it cannot directly advertise or recommend anyone to purchase from a specific 'best buy' company. This problem has occurred previously.

The most which can be said is something along the lines of, I have purchased from 'Joe Bloggs Ltd' and there weren't any problems.

[gobbiner]

London Camera Exchange, i use the Manchester branch always helpful and competative
London Camera Exchange | Manchester

[on the move]

The lenses are either the new sigma 50-500 os or the nikon 200-400.
I really appreciate all who have responded to me, you have been very helpful. THANKS

[DrNickBurton]

Originally Posted by eeyore

two points about warehouse express

a) dont expect them to know a great deal about the kit - they are a good retailer but its not like a propper camera shop where you can go in and play with the kit (i think i'm right in saying that they are web only)

b) dont buy on credit from them as their credit deals work out at over 30%apr - you'd be better off using a credit card

If you want propper camera shops i'd suggest ffordes (invernessshire), T4 (witney, swindon etc), camtech - second hand only (cambridgeshire), Mifsuds (brixham devon), and SRS (watford)

the other option if you arent worried by grey imports is ebaty, with traders like Kerso (ian kerr) and URgalaxy having a reasonable reputation (there are others but i cant recall them at the moment)

Have to disagree about Warehouse Express I'm afraid. All the people I have spoken to there are actually very knowledgeable indeed (perhaps you got the new guy? ). The main person I tend to speak to there is a keen bird photographer (he shoots with D3s and a 500mm f4) and is always full of good advice on products and photography in general.

By the way, they have a large store in Norwich, so they're not just web based. Not so much a store in fact, as an Aladdin's cave!

[lgswaff]

You could try Amazon just google it you get a variety of sellers but you have to make sure its connected with amazon or you have to pay postage