Is it worth the extra? (Nikon zoom's)

Mike V

Mike V

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Hi guys,

In the not too distant future I will be traveling to New York and while there I want to pick up a decent 70-200mm zoom. I have found these two lenses.
It will be used mainly for sport/motorsport. I know sigma make some great lenses Im just not sure where this one fits.
Sigma:
533556.jpg

$799
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/533556-REG/Sigma_579_306_70_200mm_f_2_8_II_EX.html


Nikon
124669.jpg

$1099
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/124669-GREY/Nikon_1986_80_200mm_f_2_8_ED_AF_D.html

Is it worth spending the extra $300? All advice greatly received.;)
 
Don't have any specific feedback I can give you on those particular lens but I would generally paid the extra for the Nikon glass whenever possible. Others on here will give you more specific info.

If you're in New York City then also check out Adorama - http://www.adorama.com/ Excellent help and advice and great prices too. Be aware they are shut on Saturdays.
 
You'll have to pay the VAT and import duty when you bring them back in to this country too so may be cheaper here.
 
DazzGreen said:
Don't have any specific feedback I can give you on those particular lens but I would generally paid the extra for the Nikon glass whenever possible. Others on here will give you more specific info.

If you're in New York City then also check out Adorama - http://www.adorama.com/ Excellent help and advice and great prices too. Be aware they are shut on Saturdays.
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Thanks for the link Dazz, I havnt seen that store before.


Why would I have to pay import duty? Is it not the same as buying a T-shirt, etc?
I know customs could stop you etc but whats to say you didnt take the lens with you on holiday?(what box?) ;)
 
Mike V said:
Thanks for the link Dazz, I havnt seen that store before.


Why would I have to pay import duty? Is it not the same as buying a T-shirt, etc?
I know customs could stop you etc but whats to say you didnt take the lens with you on holiday?(what box?) ;)
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It's a risk that you would take if you threw the box away, put the lens in your camera bag and went through the 'nothing to declare' lane. Chances are you wouldn't get caught. Might be worth conidering how you pay for it - ie credit card transaction would be trackable, cash would not!:shrug:
 
Mike V said:
Thanks for the link Dazz, I havnt seen that store before.


Why would I have to pay import duty? Is it not the same as buying a T-shirt, etc?
Click to expand...

You are supposed to pay import duty on anything you buy and bring back, I'm sure.


You can get away with it though, when I was 14 I went over to NY on my own and brought back over $1200 worth of stuff. I don't think the were expecting someone so young to spend so much :D I had everything out the boxes though, and I know if I bought a lens like that I would want to keep the box, which might hint to them that you bought it in the US.
 
Fuuudge said:
You are supposed to pay import duty on anything you buy and bring back, I'm sure.


You can get away with it though, when I was 14 I went over to NY on my own and brought back over $1200 worth of stuff. I don't think the were expecting someone so young to spend so much :D I had everything out the boxes though, and I know if I bought a lens like that I would want to keep the box, which might hint to them that you bought it in the US.
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Will post the box home;).

I have been before and bought a $100 lens.
 
Thats what I was just thinking after I posted. Flat pack it and post it home for mere pennies.
 
Sounds like good advice.

Can anyone comment on the lens qualities though. I have been brought up to believe 'Nikon is always going to be better than Sigma' but is it the case here? Is it $300 better?
 
If you bring stuff in without paying tax technically that is smuggling/fraud, and customs take a very dim view of it. They were not born yesterday and are wise to all the tricks. It is their job to nail you.

Years ago I was pulled over and had all my gear confiscated. It was a Sunday and I couldn't prove UK ownership, even though most of the stuff was obviously quite well used. I only got it back after I proved UK tax had been paid.

If you get caught, you might be lucky and just have to pay up. Or you could lose the lot. Or perhaps worse - they have wide ranging powers, all of them unpleasant :eek:
 
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