[edited by NikonJin]
A few words from NikonJin: Quite often we would want to buy some camera gears from oversea websites/retailers. So let's help each other and share our shopping experiences here... tell us about the shops/websites you bought from and if they (shop and their products) are good or not ....
Perhaps we should have a thread for recommended and trusted retailers. Online and offline.
I've purchased from HVstar, which is now called maxsaver. Got me a UV filter and a circular polarizing filter.
Stuff came real fast (5 days from HK to NZ), and I got a free cleaning cloth too. (stupid cloth leaves lint everywhere, might aswell throw it away)
http://maxsaver.net/
I've used HVStar too, no problem.. but yeah there cleaning clothes (which i actually paid for it, not freebie!!) is crap.. my lens become more dirty after i use it to clean it .. thanks to the stupid lint everywhere!!!
I've bought stuff from the following ebay sellers before, all no problems:
ndbirdhk
jiakgong
etefore
sighterz-uk
link-delight
fotobestbuy
Another one I would like to add to the list is a NZ based website
http://www.qualitycameras.co.nz
I just bought my Tokina 11-16mm off of them. Ordered it on Friday, received it this morning (Monday). Much faster than I thought it would take. Also asked them for a better price and they not only gave me the better price but dropped the price on the website to give everyone a better deal. The item did come from Hong Kong so they probably have an affiliation with a store there and is just the middleman in NZ. The customer service is extremely fast, e-mails are mostly replied in under an hour or sometimes instantly. The item came with the Tokina 2 year warranty and overall pleased with the whole experience.
wow that's a very fast service/shipping.
Sounds like you've found a good supplier!
I am looking to purchase a D7000 and 50 1.4 from an online store soon, I have looked at B&H, although they are currently out of stock, the price seems good.
Who else can you recommend?
Also, have many of you been stung with tax/GST when bringing in camera gear? I'd like to try and avoid this if possible too.
Have you tried Amazon, Cameta, Adorama?
I know it's very very very hard to get a D7000 (esp at good price) right now, you better order one and get yourself in the waiting list if you want one before Christmas
re tax, i think all the big reputable seller would list the real price on the custom declaration sheet, so you pretty much have to pay tax when the item arrives your country. Some smaller/private seller would lie and put a fake value but I rather buy from a big reputation seller for such an expensive item!
Ive had a look at those other sites, they are all a few hundred more than B&H. I can get it locally okay but would end up paying $300-400 more so am keen to investigate online options.
is it only 3-400$ difference? if that's the case, i would suggest you get it from a authorised local shop to get the fully local warranty and support.
All the expensive items i bought from oversea i have to pay tax + custom fees.
The D7000 from B&H would end up being about NZD$1700 incl shipping + any taxes (15% = $260)
Or locally $2350 for a reputable shop.