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G'day Mates!

Newbie to the forums and a big hello from Tasmania. I am currently staying in Sandy Bay (Hobart), but I am not too familiar with the surrounds and need some help here. I want to get a lens urgently to replace my broken 18-70mm and would like to know where can I get a replacement. I will probably get a 18-135mm as a replacement. Which shop should I go to and what is the approximate price? The only camera shop I've seen is Stallards, located within the City Centre and was wondering whether there are any more shops within the City Centre.

Input/suggestions much appreciated. Cheers!

Just managed to contact Stallards Camera House and they quoted me AUD489 for the Nikon 18-135mm.

I note that you say you are "currently staying" in Sandy Bay. That indicates that this is somewhat transient. How transient?

Can't help you with local stores, but that sounds rather pricey to me, although it is local stock.

If your transience isn't an issue, have you checked fleabay? We have special arrangements with HK Supplies, who are a very reputable eBay trader, but you need to read the FAQ to understand how that works.

Dealing directly with HKS may work for you, and DD Photographics may also be an option.

And what about pre-loved glass? What body do you have? Not all lenses will work with all bodies. Perhaps now might be a good time to grab a fast, small, inexpensive prime.

gstark wrote:I note that you say you are "currently staying" in Sandy Bay. That indicates that this is somewhat transient. How transient?

Can't help you with local stores, but that sounds rather pricey to me, although it is local stock.

If your transience isn't an issue, have you checked fleabay? We have special arrangements with HK Supplies, who are a very reputable eBay trader, but you need to read the FAQ to understand how that works.

Dealing directly with HKS may work for you, and DD Photographics may also be an option.

And what about pre-loved glass? What body do you have? Not all lenses will work with all bodies. Perhaps now might be a good time to grab a fast, small, inexpensive prime.

Thanks for the quick response, Gary.
I will only be staying here till November as my school semester ends then. Yeah, the price is quite on a high side, IMHO. I went to HK Supplies' eBay store, but they don't seem to carry just the plain 18-135mm lens alone. It only comes bundled with the D80. Is DD Photographics an online eBay store too?

I actually don't mind getting 2nd hand lens, if there is one available. By the way, I am using a D70 now.

I also inquired about the 18-135mm lens at another shop called Walch Optics and they quoted me AUD550!!

lefei wrote:

gstark wrote:I note that you say you are "currently staying" in Sandy Bay. That indicates that this is somewhat transient. How transient?

Can't help you with local stores, but that sounds rather pricey to me, although it is local stock.

If your transience isn't an issue, have you checked fleabay? We have special arrangements with HK Supplies, who are a very reputable eBay trader, but you need to read the FAQ to understand how that works.

Dealing directly with HKS may work for you, and DD Photographics may also be an option.

And what about pre-loved glass? What body do you have? Not all lenses will work with all bodies. Perhaps now might be a good time to grab a fast, small, inexpensive prime.

Thanks for the quick response, Gary.
I will only be staying here till November as my school semester ends then. Yeah, the price is quite on a high side, IMHO. I went to HK Supplies' eBay store, but they don't seem to carry just the plain 18-135mm lens alone. It only comes bundled with the D80. Is DD Photographics an online eBay store too?

I actually don't mind getting 2nd hand lens, if there is one available. By the way, I am using a D70 now.

OK, A D70 gives you lots of options.

First of all, although this is pending, pending is not final. Send Des a PM if you wish.

I think that the 18-135 has been in somewhat short supply, as has glass in general. What about a combo? Consider the 18-55 + the 55-200. They are - or should be - very cheap.

Or you could go quality, but that costs, and you're a student.

And for little more than what yo're being quoted, you could buy a whole D40 kit. These dealers need to wake up to themselves.

gstark wrote:OK, A D70 gives you lots of options.

First of all, although this is pending, pending is not final. Send Des a PM if you wish.

I think that the 18-135 has been in somewhat short supply, as has glass in general. What about a combo? Consider the 18-55 + the 55-200. They are - or should be - very cheap.

Or you could go quality, but that costs, and you're a student.

And for little more than what yo're being quoted, you could buy a whole D40 kit. These dealers need to wake up to themselves.

Hmmm.. the combo idea sounds good because of its price, but it can be hassle to keep switching lenses, thus eyed the 18-135mm. I ever owned both the 18-70mm and 70-300mm, and the 70-300mm got ignored for quite a bit unless I really needed the zoom. The 18-200mm is actually better because it covers a wider range, but it is a little too pricey for a student like myself. Yeah.. these dealers ought to wake up! The pricing is just ridiculous.

lefei wrote:Hmmm.. the combo idea sounds good because of its price, but it can be hassle to keep switching lenses,

Then why buy a DSLR?

The 18-200mm is actually better because it covers a wider range, but it is a little too pricey for a student like myself.

Which is why I didn't mention it.

Welcome to the forum Lefei.

You could also try Mid City Camera World on the corner of Murray and Collins Street in Hobart, but their prices will be similar to Walches and Stallards I suspect. Walches also stock a lot of 2nd hand Nikon lenses. I don't know if you actually went into the store or phoned, but it would be worth going in to check what they have at the moment. Even looking in their window, you will see all their 2nd hand gear and the prices are well marked.

Also, don't discount a good low cost prime. A new 50 1.8 should be less than $200. OK it's not a zoom, but it's a great lens and if your only lens is broken, then it may be your best choice.



Cheers
John

I decided to drop by the city centre to take a look at Walch and passed by Midcity on the way. Midcity's price is just as bad for the 18-135mm. They quoted me AUD579, which I thought was way way overpriced. Dropped by Walch after that, saw a couple of pre-owned lenses, but none of them appealed to me. There was a pre-owned 18-70mm, but it was priced at AUD350. Decided to give it a miss. Now, am waiting for Poon to get back to me.... Might either get a 18-135mm, or with Gary's suggestion, 18-55mm and 55-200mm combo. Oh, Walch was selling the 18-55mm at AUD299 and the 55-200mm at AUD350.

That is tas for you. I have found the same thing and buy a lot of stuff online via mail.

However i may be soon selling off a 18-200 if i get the money together for a 70-200. Just depends on what you want to spend.

Also consider getting a sigma 24 or 28 to 70 f2.8 as well.

Welcome to tas i now live in the north west