HK vs AU shopfront (like Ted's) for D200

[Oz_Beachside]

I am on the verge of placing an order for a D200.

Wondering if anyone can share thoughts on my line of thinking. I can get a D200 from a shop like Ted's, with AU warranty, and 45 day returns policy (no questions asked), for a premium of about 25% over an international supplier.

I'm thinking for the $400, I get the piece of mind of easy store returns, in case I get a bad batch D200, or have techie issues. I like the idea of buying glass from overseas, as it is not a piece of electronic wizardry, but thinking it makes sense to pay the premium for the dSLR body...

am I thinking straight, does it make sense?

The other side of my brain says that the $400 is better spent on another lens, or other items for the kit...

[Poon]

Why not go to our bargain corner?

Get similar price as HK dealers but get warranty service as Ted's in Australia.

Regards
Poon

[TonyH]

Buy from HK and put the money saved towards more glass.

I've bought my D200 through Poon and was very pleased with the service and of course the product.

As a side note seriously consider getting the battery grip....


Tony

[Greg B]

I got my D200 through Poon too, no worries on any level whatsoever. (And several lenses and SB800 over the past couple of years) I have not had any equipment malfunctions so I can't speak to that issue.

[johnd]

I totally agree with what Tony says.
Buying thru Poon is as good if not better than local in my opinion. His prices are excellent and his service is first class.
When my 28-70 arrived from Poon with a problem, he immediately sent me a replacement.
I may be a little uncomfortable buying from other overseas sources, but would not hesitate buying from Poon.

And yes, get the MBD200 as well. Double battery life and great in portrait orientation.

Cheers
John

[sirhc55]

I would recommend HKSupplies (aka Poon) 100% except if you can claim GST.

In this case it still pays to look at the Oz prices with gst back and the HK price - there can still be a big difference on some items which still places Poon ahead of the race

[Andyt]

Totally agree with the comments above, for me its a "no brainer" because of my location. Regardless, when I pay a premium, I expect service, which is lacking here in the west. With Poon you are not only getting a bargain and service, but you are supporting someone who supports this forum!

All of my premium gear(s) have come from HK, involving many transactions, no problems, no hassles.

The amount you save can go towards your next purchase at even a greater "bargain" price!

Cheers

[MHD]

I just got my d200 from Poon...

Very happy!

[radar]

you can also look at getting an extended warranty, so after your 12-months finishes, you get those extra years with local warranty.

I'll pipe in on the battery grip, overrated in my book . I didn't get the battery grip, sure it gives you extra battery life, but how long does it take to swap batteries. The portrait shutter button is nice to have but that would depend how much of it it you do, I don't and if I have it on a tripod doing portrait, I have the cable release on anyway. Your L-bracket will also cost you more.

Good point on the GST if you can get it via a business you do get that back.

All that said, I got my camera from an Aus. store front but I didn't have a choice, it was an insurance claim and I had to get it via Michaels in Melbourne. Otherwise I would have gone via Poon.

Cheers,

André

[sheepie]

Haven't had any warranty issues, so I can't really comment on expectations there. What I can say though, is over the last 2 years, I have bought the following through Poon with absolutely no problems:

50mm 1.8
SB800
12-24DX
D200
10.5 Fisheye

Plus a couple of CF cards and a few batteries

Wow! Don't anyone show this list to my lovely wife

[seeto.centric]

if you need/want to claim back GST, you can still do that via Poon/the bargain section i think...

(and i certainly hope that speaking about this stuff isnt against the rules!)

-julz

[moccie]

Wow! Don't anyone show this list to my lovely wife

Didn't realise it was that much!

Hmmm wonder if Poon does diamonds?

[Glen]

Wow! Don't anyone show this list to my lovely wife

Sheepie, why don't you put the real list up, not the sanitised version up. Manda's not on here is she? It's about $12 or 13K by now isn't it?

[sirhc55]

if you need/want to claim back GST, you can still do that via Poon/the bargain section i think...

(and i certainly hope that speaking about this stuff isnt against the rules!)

-julz

You can only claim back gst against an invoice - if the goods from HK are hit by customs and gst is charged, you may reclaim this if you have an ABN - otherwise, no.

[seeto.centric]

ahh yes, thats what i meant! just forgot to add the ABN bit

-julz