Buying lenses in Japan

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afrothunder88

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Afternoon all,

I'm lucky enough to have a trip to Japan booked and am wondering if lenses are any cheaper to purchase in Japan? Specifically lenses for a Pentax body, namely a Sigma 10-20mm.

I realise Japan's economy isn't in the rudest of health at the moment, so was wondering if anyone has recent experience.

Cheers.
 
I was there a few months ago, camera gear seemed more expensive to me.
 
More expensive than here at the moment due to our week £. You WILL pay more.
 
I don't know the answer, but I had the same thoughts when I was in China a few weeks ago and found that the Nikon lens I was interested in was just £10 cheaper than here, and wouldn't even have a valid warranty.

My guess is that the major manufacturers have a global pricing policy, whether or not it's legal to price fix, it seems to be happening.
 
Garry Edwards said:
I don't know the answer, but I had the same thoughts when I was in China a few weeks ago and found that the Nikon lens I was interested in was just £10 cheaper than here, and wouldn't even have a valid warranty.

My guess is that the major manufacturers have a global pricing policy, whether or not it's legal to price fix, it seems to be happening.
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Nikon Lenses have an Intl Warranty so you would have been covered. As long as you have a receipt issued by a retailer (i.e. not someone flogging gear on eBay to make a few quid) you are covered. It's a common misconception but lenses are different to bodies.
 
When I worked in Japan I thought about buying my first SLR but even back then (4-5 years ago) it was more expensive the pound back then was worth nearly 250 yen I think it's below 130 now thanks to the government printing money and all the other economic problems. This is one of the reasons most new camera gear has gone up in price a fair bit over the last few years.

Have fun it's a great country and very easy to get around. Have a feeling I will never get back :(
 
Don't forget that you should declare any imports to HMRC when you return to the UK, and be prepared to pay VAT at 20%.
 
Even if you find a cheaper gear you may also think about warranty, what happens if something goes wrong with the lens..Was in Tokyo two years ago and found a few camera shops, but the gear was more expensive than here in UK, even the used ones.
 
I have traveled a lot this year. In the market for a Nikon 24-70/70-200mm and suprisingly they are cheaper in the UK.

Japan -significantly more
China - more, quality was a concern
HK - Despite no 'tax', were still slightly more
Austrailia/NZ - more
Singapore - Much more
Malaysia - a little more after negotiations.
Thailand - Vastly more for top end stuff (made in Japan not China)
Cambodia - Slightly more but concerned about quality again.

Still have Vietnam, Laos, Burma, more of Thailand, Nepal and India to go. If I find somewhere cheaper I will report back.
 
Thanks for asking this I am travelling to Tokyo next week and was going to look for a new canon flash but now I won't bother.
Enjoy Japan its a amazing country
 
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