Toronto Photography Meetup Group

Well, after usually seeing the standard prices for photo gear in Canada at a premium of 20 to 30% higher than in the US at places like B&H and Adorama ... was I ever surprised to see Manfrotto gear at similar $ value prices here in Canada as in the US given the exchange rates etc. .... actually even better ... save $90. CDN!!!
No gouging.... wow ... good on you Manfrotto !!
Just picked up a tripod and it was actually cheaper at Vistek than it was at B&H.
Finally a company doing the right thing.
Tim

B&H $799.99 USD - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/7 ... ripod.html

Vistek $709.99 CDN - http://www.vistek.ca/store/254581/manfr ... eared.aspx

about time. .

"Carney to testify about Canada-U.S. price gap"
http://www.cp24.com/servlet/an/local/CT ... b=CP24Home

SWEET! good to know considering I am looking at this exact model tripod as well... Let me know how you like it please!

Glad to see that gap come down finally. now for the rest of the gear!

That's a rarity and is most likely a one off type of item, or stock that isn't moving as expected. At the end of the day "like items" still cost more to store and move around in Canada. Because of pricing policies that exist (ie. Beer Store in GTA vs. Thunderbay) insure that the same items are priced the same, overall pricing increases to ensure profit margins. Let's not forget how much more our fuel costs, wages are higher, and volume is significantly less. For example, in 2007 Labatt sold more Blue in NY state than in all of Canada. US retailers can sell each unit with much smaller margins, and be a heck of a lot more profitable per month. When I worked for an electronic company, I got to see sales of Best Buy US. In a one week special, Best Buy US sold more of one specific unit of a 42" LCD than we did in all of Canada in all retail outlets (Sears, Brick, Future Shop, Best Buy, etc.) than we did in one year in the same model. And that was just one US retailer.

Canada is very expensive (compared to the US) to sell physical product. But we're still a heck of a lot cheaper than Europe.

I am using it this weekend and will certainly let you know Scott. So far it seems VERY solid. I have a hydrostatic ball head on it and will give this a try.

Itsaphoto, yes, I agree that Canada is much more expensive for fuel, salaries etc. I did look at most of the Manfrotto product line and it seems most tripods are in the same pricing level... this is why I posted. It didn't seem to be a sale, so all things being equal, I thought I would mention it.

You're right though about the rest of the gear ... and Europe! Boy am I glad I don't live in the UK !!!