I was in the local JB store recently and asked the sales assistant why the only Canon lens that they sell separately is the 50mm 1.8. He replied that since there was a Camerahouse in town then that was all that they were allowed to stock as apart from that Camerahouse had exclusive rights to stock the other Canon lenses in the local area.

Has anyone else come across this before and knows whether it is correct? Would seem very anti-competitive if it is correct with Camerahouse being the only winner especially since they would not have to price match if nobody else is allowed to carry the stock.

I didn't check whether this also applied to Nikon or any other brands but it would seem to add to the argument for considering buying grey.