I know exactly what you mean. I live just outside Toronto and when
I decided to make the switch from my Minolta film and digital
cameras to a new Canon 10D system with lenses, 550 flash and other
accessories, the savings from buying in the US vs locally were
simply too great to ignore. I literally saved thousands of dollars
on my new Canon system.
Just for your information, here's a list of what I bought:
16-35mm F2.8 L zoom lens
100mm 2.8 macro lens
70-200 F4 L zoom lens (with tripod collar)
Lens shades for the above lenses
spare BP-511 Li-Ion battery
Canon electronic shutter cable (fancey one cost $130? at B&H)
Domke original bag to hold everything
550 EX flash
Viking 1GB compact flash card
and a few other things I can't think of right now.
The only thing I bought locally was the 10D body. I bought locally
for two reasons. Firstly, a local shop had the foresight to order
10 bodies and I was able to pick it up the first day the camera was
available in Canada. I think I was among the first people
worldwide to get a 10D. Secondly, I wanted a Canadian Warranty.
My thinking at the time (April 2003) was lenses are very durable
but electronics can be fussy. I didn't want to go through the fuss
of international shipping in case there was a problem with the body.
As a quick side note, The lenses I ordered were all gray market and
as a result, the didn't come with Canon US warranties. This was a
choice I made to further enhance the savings. The lenses instead
came with a full 3 year international warranty from Mack camera.
About 2 weeks after I got my 16-35mm F2.8 L lens, the electronics
in the lens died. I took the lens to Canon Canada's head office
for a quote, and called Mack to advise them of the situation. The
repair bill was about $300 Canadian (to replace the electronics
circuit). I called Mack and again advised them, and they took care
of everything. They paid Canon Canada directly and in about 2
weeks, I had my lens back. I can't say enough good things about
Mack. Their service was superb. I still have 2.7 years warranty
left on my lenses!
As I mentioned previously, I literally saved thousands of dollars
on my new equipment. As a Canadian, and because the order was
destained to be shipped out of New York state, there were no state
taxes charged. I picked up my equipment in Niagara Falls New York
(where I had everything shipped to) and drove them back to Canada.
I'm not going to state whether or not I declared anything at the
border, but I'll let you be the judge of that. Saving thousands is
pretty good for a day's work, eh?
Now, there are many who say I should have supported my local
dealer. This is a good point but I don't wake up and go to work
every morning for my local dealer. Before I can support anyone
else, I need to support myself, and I'm still struggling here!
Besides, the prices are more governed by Canon Canada than anything
else. Taxes are another issue, but they generally don't affect the
wholesale prices. Canon simply charges their Canadian retailers
more than they do, the "big" US stores. If it weren't for the
savings, I simply could not have afforded to buy everything that I
bought, as quickly as I did. I also don't think Canon
International cares where they sell their products, as long as they
get sold. As far as I know, Canon Canada is wholelly owned by
Conon Japan. Likewise for other countries.
Of note, when I was shopping around, Canon equipment was as high in
most camera shops in the US, as they were in Canada. Try buying a
10D in Nebraska or Wyoming. Sure B&H and others sell at great
prices, but they also buy at great prices and are able to pass
those savings along to their customers.
My recommendations is to buy locally if the savings are negiable.
You owe it to yourself to look after your own bottom line, and not
someone else's!
