I just returned from St. Maarten and I really had to restrain myself from purchasing equipment at Chulani's Photography. Their prices were pretty incredible, but my "if it seems too good to be true" sensors were going off, so I passed. Does anyone have any experience with them? They say they offer US warranty, and the 5D Mark III was something like US2,450. The 85L 1.2 was US1,550 or so.
Does anyone have any experience shopping this destination (St. Marteen) or this vendor (Chulani Photography) before? I travel internationally with moderate regularity, and I've always been hesitant to buy technology on the road (I frequently price shop Hong Kong and mainland China, for example, but I've never bought).
I'd consider going back to St. Marteen if others have had good shopping experiences there. Any other destinations that are great places to find great deals on camera gear?
Thanks in advance for sharing any experiences you may have had.
I was there this summer and saw some awesome deals as well... I also passed because I was unsure of it was too good or not, plus my wife would have killed me for buying more equipment! Would like to know as well, if I ever go back!
It probably was a "store" warranty because I would think they would be bodies meant for the European market with St. Maarten being Dutch and French. Plenty of people must purchase cameras on vacation though or else the stores wouldn't be there. I've thought of making purchases at different shops like in St. Thomas etc. but never have. You can find those lower prices on the items if you shop enough.
Those prices are *significantly* below dealer cost for USA authorized dealers, and companies don't stay in business by selling every item for a significant loss, so something is definitely not right.
I know friends that have bought items there including 24-105's, 70-200's and 100-400's and can vouch for the store! Very good deals and legit equipment. And i know of one friend who had his 24-105 serviced by canon that was from there and they didn't bat an eyelid.
I think you are attaching way too much value to a warranty. Often its not until you need to use a warranty that you find out they won't warranty whatever it is you want.
The only risk is what if there is something immediately wrong with the camera. So long as they let you physically try that camera body out in the store you are in the clean.
People have been buying grey models from B&H for years to save money. It's the exact same thing. Really no different than buying used on the B/S boards.
