On top of shipping, you will probably have to pay duty and VAT, and you may well be charged a handling charge by the courier, so it is wise to add at least 25% to the shipped price (sale price plus shipping).

Then you have to add in the hassle if something goes wrong, together with the dodgy dealer factor. Many American mail-order dealers are very dodgy indeed, but it is generally agreed that B&H are excellent.

So, although I do buy from America, I will only do so if the saving is considerable, and I will only do so from one or two vendors.

Make sure an international warranty is offered.

Canadian dealers seem to be more honest than many American ones, especially the New York box-shifters.

G

Well, I'm not sure you HAVE to.........

Actually, it means you have to time your trip carefully, and drink quickly. Cutting a dash by sailing up to the bar is all very well; but getting stuck in the mud for twelve hours until the next high tide rather takes the shine off things.

But it's a great pub. Years ago a fisherman lived in the fisherman's cottage next door (no longer, alas), and he would sell freshly caught and cooked prawns which people would eat outside the pub.

G

That brings back memories. At high tide you can sail a dinghy right up to the door of the pub.

Pretentious, but fun.

G

Old age!

GGG

If it's anything like mine, then if it fits, it will work, unless it's damaged.

Perhaps it's not a K-bayonet fit?

H

No you didn't.

G

I don't know how Cartier-Bresson and his mates managed all those wonderful pictures with just a single snobby prime lens. They were no doubt analogishly manipulated.

Think what HCB could have done with a super-zoom. Of course, he'd have been too far away to see people's expressions (and if he'd got any closer that massive lens would have scared them off).

The fact is that all lenses have their strengths and weaknesses. Those of us fortunate enough to own good primes relish the quality they provide. However, when strolling around a foreign city I do appreciate the convenience of a zoom for taking holiday snaps.

G

That doesn't surprise me. But I was talking about the flavour, not its qualities as a building material. I'm glad you have found a suitable use for it.



G

Oi! There's nothing wrong with Marmite.

You're probably thinking of that weak and watery stuff called Vegemite.

G

It's the other way around. The 1.7 is flatter, and therefore better for macro.

G