I found an EX to EX+ copy of the 17-35/2.8 at FotoFile in the MBK shopping center in Bangkok for 35,000 Baht. That's about $1040. FotoFile is a good store, with a good reputation, and I got a 3 month in store warranty. That was enough for me. This lens would go for $1250 on KEH, so I am pretty happy. I have realized during this trip that to capture Bangkok, you need to capture street life. And my 35-70 just wasn't wide enough. I hope to hit the streets early tomorrow, and if any of the shots are good enough, I will surely post them. For now, here are two of the guy who sold it to me. I never got his name, but his boss's name was Mr. King Kong. I am not sure why. ISO720, 17mm, f/2.8, 1/100s {} ISO1100, 35mm, f/2.8, 1/100s {} Craig
Andrew, I am going to try to dedicate the day to it tomorrow. I am still jet lagged, but I hope to get to bed early enough to make an early start of it. Thanks Sonya. I am looking forward to it.
Hi Craig, That is a well respected shop. The folks that work there are usually on the ball. A little claustrophobic in there...like shopping in a phone booth. They have another shop on the third floor with lots of accessories. For a real treat, visit the main Nikon Center on Silom/12. They can do full service on your gear. The owner and staff there are top notch and you can view his private photography museum upstairs. Very impressive collection. I have some shots of Bangkok here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/ .
Congrads Craig!!!! I'm jealous for sure... Be sure to post some more samples. I broke down and ordered the Tamron and I'll just have to cross my fingers that it works out for me. I guess it's a good thing that I did get the Tamron, as I can always blame my the lens for the photos that don't come out... :biggrin: Since a lot of us are now moving to FX, maybe we should start a "FX Wide Angle Samples" thread????? Even though I've already made my pick, I'd still like to see what the lens options have to offer in FX and I'm sure a lot of others would as well. Just a thought.
Jeff, that's great work!! I will strive to catch up -- but I am only ever here 2 weeks at a time. Craig
Congrats on the lens!!! Mine is several years old and between the 28-70mm, one or the other is on whatever body (currently D300) I'm using most of the time. Norm
My first post and a really nice purchase craig! I''l be leaving for Bangkok this Thursday and aside from MBK, where do you guys suggest I go shop for Nikon stuff? :wink: Thanks!
Many people asked about camera stores in Bangkok. Below are my findings so far. My guess is that Jeff Jarvis can give even better advice. Short of finding a good deal on a used lens, it is much cheaper to buy lenses in the U.S. And they come with a 5-yr warrantee there. 1) FotoFile -- 1st and 2nd floor of MBK Center 2) Niks Thailand -- 166 Silom Rd. This is the official importer of Nikon into Thailand. They seem to have every lens in stock all the time. But they never discount. However, ask about pre-owned lenses. They often will take trade-ins from their best customers, and these lenses can be a deal. Last time I was here, I got a pristince 35-70/2.8 for my sister-in-law for just under $300. 3) Camera Collection -- Channisara Tower/Ground Floor/Surawong Road (just down from Robinson’s Department Store end of Silom Road). This is a great place, with great people, and they have a lot of old AI and AI-S lenses. They aren't always as pristine, but they will let you check them out in the store for as long as you want. 4) Photo Hoby -- 3rd Floor, Silom Complex, Silom Road. I haven't been here yet, but heard good things. I will check it out this trip. Craig
NIKs & Foto-File are the two shops I use. At Fortune Mall, there is a shop called PIXs One that has some better pricing. I think they are selling grey market or refurbished ...not sure. There are no real deals on cameras or any imported items to Thailand. The import duties are brutal. Even though Nikon has a factory in Thailand, the items go to Japan....then back here with tax added. I suspect that Hong Kong & Singapore will be better places for bargains. BANGKOK. {} .
Added new thread with some pictures of another Bangkok protest: https://www.nikoncafe.com/vforums/showthread.php?t=185461 Craig
