Be that as it may, this means that there is a wonderful arbitrage opportunity at the moment for U.S. buyers to shop in Canada. For example, the Sony 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM II is currently USD $2,098 from B&H Photo. It can be purchased from most Canadian dealers for CDN $2,180. In US dollars that’s $1,645.
If you order from a Canadian dealer and have the lens shipped to a US address you will not have to pay HST, which is Canada’s 14% integrated sales tax. If you come to Canada and buy here in person, you will have to pay it, cutting your savings in half.
To my knowledge there is no tax and duty on cameras and lenses coming from Canada to the U.S., and if you have the retailer ship via postal service (Expedited) you won’t have any brokerage fees, which sometimes companies such as UPS and Fedex levy.
Some brands, such as Sony, have integrated sales operations, as well as service and warranty between Canada and the US. Other makers may not. It is up to you to check on this, as well as to confirm whatever other charges may be involved. I live on this side of the border, and so have no personal experience importing into the U.S.
Finally, check if the Canadian retailer that you decide to use has the item that you’re interested in in stock, or if not, ask how long it will take them to obtain it. Unlike U.S. superstores such as B&H and Adorama, which have huge inventories of even obscure items, because of Canada’s overall smaller market Canadian dealers do not.
Here are a few reputable Canadian dealers with whom I am familiar who ship to the U.S…. Henrys, Vistek, and Aden Camera.
