Thailand Camera Gear: Are Lenses A Bargain?

Thailand is known for being a cheap holiday destination, but are camera lenses any cheaper there? The answer is, it depends. It seems that camera lenses in Thailand can be cheaper than in the UK and Europe, but not the USA. Nikon has a dedicated SLR factory in Ayutthaya, about an hour's drive from Bangkok, so prices for Nikon items are very competitive in Thailand. However, it's important to note that purchasing a camera lens outside of your country of residence is considered a 'grey market' purchase, and the warranty may not be honoured internationally.

Nikon lenses in Thailand

Nikon has a dedicated SLR factory in Ayutthaya, about an hour’s drive from Bangkok, and as such, prices for Nikon items are very competitive in Thailand.

Where to buy Nikon lenses in Bangkok

Fotofile, on the ground floor of the MBK shopping mall, is recommended by several sources for its knowledgeable staff, English-language website, and participation in the tax rebate scheme. The smaller stores on the 4th floor of the MBK mall are also said to have better prices.

Another recommended store is Sunny Cameras, a Nikon specialist also located in the MBK mall.

Nikon lenses in other parts of Thailand

A small camera shop called Camera and Lens in the Central Rama 3 Mall in Bangkok is also recommended for its knowledgeable staff and English-speaking abilities.

Nikon lens prices in Thailand

Sources suggest that Nikon lens prices in Thailand are competitive, but not always the cheapest.

One source says that the Nikon D80 kit with 18-135mm lens is 48,000 Thai Baht (about £700), while on Amazon.co.uk, the same kit is £733.

The Nikon D40 is 25,000 Thai Baht (about £365), while on Amazon.com, the same camera is $US 576.

Tax rebates for tourists

Tourists in Thailand are entitled to a 7% tax rebate when leaving the country. To take advantage of this, make sure to fill in the necessary forms when purchasing your camera and get the documents processed at the airport before departure.

International warranties

When buying a Nikon lens in Thailand, make sure to check that the warranty is an international warranty and not a Thailand-only warranty.

Canon lenses in Thailand

Canon lenses are readily available in Thailand, with a variety of options to choose from. The availability of Canon lenses in Thailand is beneficial for both locals and tourists, especially those who may have accidentally damaged or lost their camera equipment while on vacation.

Where to Buy Canon Lenses in Thailand

There are several recommended places to purchase Canon lenses in Thailand, particularly in Bangkok. These include:

• Mahboonkrong (MBK) Mall: Located next to the National Stadium sky train station, MBK is regarded as one of the best malls in Bangkok for cameras and cell phones. It houses several camera shops, including the popular Foto File on the first floor, and smaller stores on the fourth floor that often offer better prices. MBK also features a Canon shop and Sunny Camera, which specialises in Nikon cameras.
• Fortune Town Mall: This mall is known for offering a wide range of electronics at low prices, including cameras and camera accessories. With a mostly Thai clientele, shoppers can expect less crowded spaces and more competitive prices compared to other popular malls.
• Central Rama 3 Mall: Located within a 15-minute taxi ride from the centre of Bangkok (outside of rush hour), this mall houses a small camera shop called Camera and Lens, which offers a decent selection of new and second-hand camera lenses. The staff are knowledgeable and speak English, making it a convenient option for tourists.
• Pantip Plaza: While some locals recommend avoiding this mall due to aggressive salespeople and crowded shops, Pantip Plaza is conveniently located and offers a quick option for those in a hurry. It is situated on New Pethchaburi Road, just a 10-minute walk from the Ratchathewi sky train station.
• FotoFile: Located on the ground floor of the MBK shopping mall, FotoFile carries a wide variety of lenses and offers helpful and English-speaking staff. They also provide up-to-date pricing information on their website, allowing customers to compare prices before their trip to Thailand.

Price Comparison and Warranties

When purchasing Canon lenses or cameras in Thailand, it is essential to consider price differences and warranty coverage.

For those from the USA, it is generally not cost-effective to purchase Canon lenses or point-and-shoot cameras in Thailand, as prices in the USA tend to be cheaper or similar. However, for travellers from the UK or Europe, there can be significant savings on digital SLR cameras in Thailand compared to prices at home.

Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that any camera equipment purchased in Thailand comes with an international warranty. While most warranties are international, double-checking this detail can prevent the inconvenience of being limited to service centres only in Thailand.

Furthermore, tourists in Thailand are entitled to a 7% tax rebate when leaving the country. To take advantage of this rebate, ensure that you fill out the necessary forms when purchasing the camera from a shop participating in the tax rebate scheme and then process the documents at the airport before departure.

Leica lenses in Thailand

Thailand is known for being a cheap holiday destination, but are camera lenses cheap in Thailand? The answer depends on the type of camera lens and where you're from.

If you're looking for Leica lenses specifically, there is a Leica store in Bangkok that offers a complete range of Leica camera and sport optics products. The store is located on the second floor of a shopping centre at 999 Ploenchit Road, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand. The nearest Sky train station (BTS) Chit Lom is just minutes away. The store is open Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday from 10:00-20:00 and can be contacted at +66 2254 1234 or leicastorebangkok@alist.co.th.

In general, it seems that buying a digital SLR camera in Thailand can be cheaper than in the UK. For example, the Nikon D80 kit with an 18-135mm lens costs about £700 in Thailand compared to £733 on Amazon.co.uk. On the other hand, point-and-shoot digital cameras like the Canon IXUS 60 are about the same price in Thailand as in the UK.

If you're from the USA, you may find similar or even cheaper prices for digital cameras at home, so it might not be worth buying one in Thailand. However, if you're already in Thailand and need to buy a camera, there are several places in Bangkok where you can find good deals, such as the Mahboonkrong (MBK) Mall, Fortune Town Mall, and Pantip Plaza. Just make sure to bargain and check for the international warranty and original packaging to ensure you're getting a genuine product.

Overall, Bangkok, Thailand, is one of the best places in Southeast Asia to buy cameras, and with thousands of camera shops to choose from, you're likely to find the camera and lenses you need.

Lenses for point-and-shoot cameras in Thailand

Point-and-shoot cameras are a great option for those who want better image quality than a smartphone without the bulk of a DSLR or mirrorless camera. While most point-and-shoot cameras have fixed lenses, there are some models that offer interchangeable lenses, giving you more flexibility in your photography.

Where to Buy Point-and-Shoot Camera Lenses in Thailand

If you're looking to buy lenses for your point-and-shoot camera in Thailand, Bangkok is a great place to start. The city has thousands of camera shops, ranging from popular electronics malls to small specialty stores. Here are some places to check out:

• Pantip Plaza: This is one of the most popular electronics malls in Bangkok. While it can be crowded and aggressive, you may find some good deals on camera lenses here.
• Fortune Town Mall: This mall is less busy than Pantip Plaza and offers a wide range of camera accessories, including lenses. You're likely to find better prices and more relaxed shopping experience here.
• Mahboonkrong (MBK) Mall: This mall is known for its excellent camera shops, including Foto File on the first floor, which carries a wide variety of lenses. You can also find smaller stores on the fourth floor with competitive prices.
• Camera and Lens: Located in the Central Rama 3 Mall, this small camera shop offers a decent selection of new and second-hand camera lenses. The staff are knowledgeable and speak English, making it a great option for tourists.

Prices of Point-and-Shoot Camera Lenses in Thailand

The price of point-and-shoot camera lenses can vary depending on the brand, model, and specifications. In general, lenses for point-and-shoot cameras are likely to be cheaper in Thailand than in countries like the UK and Europe. However, compared to the USA, camera prices in Thailand may be higher.

It's always a good idea to shop around and compare prices before making a purchase. Online retailers like Amazon can also be a good option to check for lens prices in Thailand and other countries.

Things to Keep in Mind

When buying camera lenses in Thailand, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Warranty: Ensure that the lens comes with an international warranty, especially if you're not from Thailand. This will give you peace of mind in case of any issues.
• Authenticity: With many camera shops in Thailand, it's important to be cautious about fake products. Always check the paperwork and packaging to ensure that the lens you're buying is genuine.
• Tax Rebate: If you're a tourist in Thailand, you're entitled to a 7% tax rebate when you leave the country. Make sure to fill out the necessary forms and purchase from shops that are part of the tax rebate scheme.

Second-hand camera lenses in Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand is one of the best places in Southeast Asia to buy cameras, though it may not always be the cheapest. Camera lenses can be found in second-hand camera shops and malls, as well as on Facebook Marketplace.

Second-hand Camera Lenses in Malls and Shops

Second-hand camera lenses can be found in the following malls and shops in Bangkok:

• Fortune Town Mall on Ratchadaphisek Road: This mall is known for its electronics, with well over 50 shops selling cameras and camera accessories. It is recommended by a source as the best place to shop for photography equipment.
• Mega Plaza: Located on the border of Chinatown and Phahurat, Mega Plaza is a mall famous for being a toy mall. However, the fourth floor has a camera centre selling both new and used cameras, film, battery chargers, lenses, and other accessories.
• Central Rama 3 Mall: This mall houses a small camera shop called Camera and Lens, which has a decent selection of cameras and new and second-hand camera lenses. The staff are reportedly knowledgeable and speak English.
• Mahboonkrong (MBK) Mall: Located next to the National Stadium sky train station, this mall has several camera shops, including the popular Foto File on the first floor. However, one source recommends checking out the smaller stores on the fourth floor for better prices.

Second-hand Camera Lenses on Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is also a good place to find second-hand camera lenses in Thailand. Several resellers post used camera gear, and many of them have shops in malls in the city where you can test out the gear in person.

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