Hi, I recently decided that my point and shoot just isn't cutting it and broke down and bought an Canon XSi. I love the pictures this camera takes but I'm not to thrilled about how much lenses cost. So my question is, do lenses tend to be cheaper elsewhere in the world? If so, where and by how much.

I certainly haven't been everywhere, but in my experience it's generally cheapest in the USA. Although, with the current foreign currency madness who knows. Just keep in mind with a foreign purchase you'll also need to take into consideration potential gray market products and international warranties.

Anyway, I originally bought my SLR and lens in Japan. It didn't work out any cheaper but with the product selection and availability in Japan it meant I didn't have to wait 2 months for the lens I was interested in. However, with the price of the yen these days, I doubt I'd be doing it now. I never could find a deal in Hong Kong that was better than I could get in the USA. And the pricing in Europe is generally a bit higher. I've been looking in London recently and even with the fall of the pound the lenses are still more than I can get one for in the USA.

If you did find lens cheaper outside of the US, I wouldn't particularly count on saving a whole lot of money, however i'm sure there are deals to be had. You really have to know what you are looking for and hopefully you can get lucky. In general, however, lens are an investment and while they may seem expensive now, they are something that you can use for many many years to come, and unless the technology changes, you can use with other future models of cameras as well.

I've never found 'em cheaper outside the US. And I've never heard about them being cheaper.

Agree with everyone above: Never found them cheaper outside the USA.

I am very unexcited about combination of the massive drop in the Canadian dollar against the US and Nikon's decision to increase all their lens prices by 10-15%.

VERY unexcited.

huge misconception: electronics are cheaper outside the USA.

Here in the USA we have loads of online retailers i.e. amazon.com, ebay and independent companies that provide rock bottom prices on loads of electronics and stores like walmart, target, costco etc.

So my answer is NO. Lenses will absolutely be cheaper in America. I find that electronics which are cheaper in other countries like in Asia may be older models, used, low quality or tremendously marked up to reflect the countries low currency exchange

Now that isn't to say that these same online companies in america are selling all high quality stuff.

the camera you bought is excellent. i have one as well.takes pictures very well. but i don't think you will get lense cheaper outside USA. i do agree with my other fellows.

I broke a Canon lens in Penang once and had to replace it there. That's supposedly a good place to get "deals" on electronics but it was more or less the same price as at home - certainly not noticeably cheaper.

In Europe - no chance!!
We look in total envy at the prices of pretty much everything over there in the US

Not in Southeast Asia either...

I buy lenses for the same camera online from the US, but i'm in Oz ATM and the exchange rate is so good at the moment!

Look into Sigma lenses if your looking at a cheaper option, but it depends on what you want to take photo's of. You'll not be needed a 400mm for landscapes nor a 10-20mm for sports (although nothing says you can't do both!)

I got a Sigma 10-20mm from here. I got it really quick (to Australia 6 days) and i'm happy with the results (check the blog).

I'm off to Singapore/KL in Feb so i'll start a new thread on the prices i find...