Need info on purchase of NEW lens

[Jim Chinn]

I have a couple of questions regarding the purchase of a new lens to replace one destroyed in a fire. I have always bought used, but have decided to go the new route since it was the lens I most frequently use. Badger Graphics is the lowe st domestic source i have found- $810 for a 90mm F9 Super Angulon. However, Rob ert White in the UK has the same lens for $660 U.S. dollars less the VAT tax. M y first question is how much is the value added tax? Is it a straight percentage , is it based on the commodity, and how much is it. I have been to the UK sever al times and never paid that much attention to it. Second question- are there warranty concerns when purchasing overseas, or any wa rranty issues concerning Robert White specifically. As always, thanks for any replies in advance.

[neil poulsen]

Why buy new when you can get excellent optics used?

I think the only new camera that I've owned was a 35mm that my folks got me for my college graduation, and that was a LONG time ago. I've always had great luck with used equipment, as long as I purchase well known brands that appear to have been treated well.

[giancatarina]

Why this particular lens ? image circle is just 216 mm if you need a small lens, then the nikon f8/90 is just 306g, with an image circl e of 235mm but f9 is quite dark for a 90mm, what about a 5.6 (super angulon = nikon = grand agon N = Fuji = 235mm) in second hand ? if you need a light lens and very sharp you can choose the super symmar 80/4.5 ( ic=212 / 271g) or 100xl/5.6 (ic=288 / 425g) or even the rodenstock compromise : 90/6.8

[Michael Feldman]

The Schneider 90mm f/9 Super Angulon is actually an f/8. I am assuming this was a typo. If you purchase from Robert White and you are located in the USA (or anywhere outside of the EU), you do not have to pay the VAT tax. You do have to pay any import duties and shipping fees. I do not know how much these would be, but I am sure that an email to Robert White would answer the question. The warranty would be the responsibility of Robert White and not Schneider Optics USA. You should ask them about the warranty if you have any questions.

[Pete Andrews]

VAT is currently 17.5% in the UK, but if you buy the item specifically for personal export, you can claim the tax back by filling in a declaration form.Of course, you should then declare it as an import at the other end, and pay any local import and excise duties.

[Jim Chinn]

Thanks for the quick responses. I am very interested in the XL5.6 Scneider. The post by dg has made me realize I need to take some time, research what is available and test a couple of lenses before I make a purchase. Money is an issue but if after determining final costs the savings from Robert White is only 30 or 40 dollars, I would perfer to support a US company such as Badger and have a little closer support. Thanks again.

[paul owen]

James, Robert White is a VERY reputable dealer. His mail order service is second to none (items are packed beautifully!!). ALL his staff are courteous and very knowledgable (especially LF matters). Buy from him with confidence!! Regards Paul

[Wayne_6692]

The prices on Robert White's site do not include VAT - the current US$ price of that lens is $642. Any lens purchased from Robert White will have to be sent back to Robert White for warranty work. Any lens purchased fron Badger will have to be sent back to Badger for warranty work - they will send it back to Germany where their supplier is (assuming you don't buy a Nikon or Fuji). You MAY be able to get warranty work performed in the U.S. on a lens bought from Robert White since you purchased directly from them it is not "GRAY MARKET" - you will have the bill to prove it (but don't hold your breath). Lenses bought from Badger are Gray Market (except Fuji which doesn't have a large format importer), and no U.S. service center will touch them.

[Ted Harris]

I totally agree with all the positive information you have received from others regarding Robert White and Badger; I dealwith both of tehm but Badger MUCH more frequently. Generally, Robert White charges ~ # 30 - 50 to ship to the US,when you add that to the prices your savings are small.

Secondly, as others ahve mentioned, why that particulra lens? While I tend to favor Schneider I don't thhink that would be my first choice for a 90 mm. If price is a consideration I would look hard at the Grandagon 90 mm f6.8 in its Caltar II N version wich was recently on sale at Calumet....so recentlythat if you call them and get a sympathetic sales person you should still be abel to get the sale price.

[Michael Klayman]

If the lens is bought from Robert White, or any other foreign dealer, we won't touch the lens. As far as service goes any item bought grey market or direct import is not covered under warranty. Badger Graphics does buy our lenses grey market, so we would not do any work on any lenses bought through them either.