I import all the time and I personally, only import if it's less than $1000 so I don't have to pay fees. I forget now the exact figures but if it's over $1000 Australian, you pay between 15% and 20% from memory, so, a $2000 piece of gear will cost you $2300 to $2400. It's not really worth it to purchase overseas over $1000 to me as gear down here has got somewhat competitive in the last couple of years. However, there are anomalies where some gear is outrageously expensive down here, as I am sure you are aware.

They have the facts and figures on the Australian Customs website. http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page5549.asp

PS Remember it's under $1000 Aust, not US and shipping does not factor into the equation.