Where to buy lens (new or old) in bangkok

[photobaby]

Hi guys,

I will be going to bangkok this week.
I've heard the variety of Nikon lens are better there.
Could you guys advice where i can buy lens withour being "chopped"

Thanks

 

[azzurri]

There are a couple of shops in MBK. They list their prices out there and can be relatively well priced. But you need to know your pricing as some of their list price can be higher; not sure if it is because they are on consignment.

 

[photobaby]

Thanks,

You were mentioning that the price is listed. any experience if it's still bargainable?

I've not bought any 2nd hand lenses before. Assume good condition, can you guys advice how much cheaper should it be compared to a new lens?

Thanks lots

 

[azzurri]

Yup, you can bargain on the pricing; seen a few people done it but never bought any stuff from either shops before.

You can look at the brand new price and the used pricing (in the BnS section as well as shops and maybe online shops) to have a rough idea. It is pretty hard to state a fixed percentage less.

 

[tntrue]

Hi guys,

I will be going to bangkok this week.
I've heard the variety of Nikon lens are better there.
Could you guys advice where i can buy lens withour being "chopped"

Thanks

In general, the best prices for new lenses can be found at some of the shops at Fortune Town, such as EC Mall, DigitalNow Shop, and I-Zone.

MBK's smaller photo stores are generally the "buyer beware" kind; and the largest dealer there, Fotofile (one shop on the 3rd floor and one on the 1st floor) has the highest prices I've seen in Bangkok.

Panthip Plaza is okay if you know exactly what you're looking for and what it should cost. But it's generally another "buyer beware" area, usually with poor service as well. Think Sim Lim; Panthip is the Thai version.

For used lenses, Pirom Plaza is an interesting place to explore. There are numerous shops there, shopkeepers are usually helpful, and you can find some fantastic deals on older lenses. But have to know what to look out for when buying a used lens. It's in Chinatown near the Grand De Ville Hotel.

Mall shops such as Big Camera, Power Buy, and Eastbourne are generally trustworthy, but usually sell lenses at or close to the manufacturer's suggested list price.

 

[photobaby]

In general, the best prices for new lenses can be found at some of the shops at Fortune Town, such as EC Mall, DigitalNow Shop, and I-Zone.

MBK's smaller photo stores are generally the "buyer beware" kind; and the largest dealer there, Fotofile (one shop on the 3rd floor and one on the 1st floor) has the highest prices I've seen in Bangkok.

Panthip Plaza is okay if you know exactly what you're looking for and what it should cost. But it's generally another "buyer beware" area, usually with poor service as well. Think Sim Lim; Panthip is the Thai version.

For used lenses, Pirom Plaza is an interesting place to explore. There are numerous shops there, shopkeepers are usually helpful, and you can find some fantastic deals on older lenses. But have to know what to look out for when buying a used lens. It's in Chinatown near the Grand De Ville Hotel.

Mall shops such as Big Camera, Power Buy, and Eastbourne are generally trustworthy, but usually sell lenses at or close to the manufacturer's suggested list price.

Thanks for the reply. I only saw this reply on the last day I was in bangkok.
But i would say whatever you said was true. MBK was disappointing. There was only 5 shops in the building. The prices were very high. I was looking for a 55-200 VR F4-5.6 nikon lens and they quoted me near to $400. The guide price in this forum is about $330. fotofile which sells 2nd hand lenses was quoting me 330 for their 1 yr old lens.

I then chance upon Prantip, which had nearly 20 camera shops. In the end I bought a new lens from one of them at $300. which I was happy with since it's 10% lower than Singapore price.

After I saw this reply i rushed to Pirom Plaza. The place is fantastic, esp if you are looking for old manual lenses. Most of the shops there does repair too.
Most thai taxi driver doesn't seem to know pirom plaza. But it's right next to grand de ville hotel. So tell them to go to the hotel instead.

Overall fun trip and thanks to all for your advice

 

[redname]

gd to see this thread. will be gng to bkk in 2 weeks time, thou my return ticket is still on waiting list