imported lenses?

[skyline315]

hey folks. i was looking to get a new lens at b&h, and noticed that the imported lenses are typically 30 dollars less than the same lens with the usa tag.

are they cheaper quality or do they just come without a warranty? should i avoid them or take advantage of a good deal?

[MotionBoy]

Generally they do not come with a US warranty. However B&H usually has a warranty on them for a year.. I normally just buy the US version especially if I am buying pro glass.

[skyline315]

Generally they do not come with a US warranty. However B&H usually has a warranty on them for a year.. I normally just buy the US version especially if I am buying pro glass.

that's cool. is there any quality difference, though? thats my main concern. id rather pay 30 more dollars than get an inferior lens.

[straightarm]

as they are all made in the same factory. It's just that you are paying a premium, in effect an insurance premium, to get the official importer's warranty

Simon

[skyline315]

do you folks have any experience buying used lenses from b&h?

[Mig]

I've bought two used lenses and a used EOS 3 from B&H. I've never had any problems with any of them.

Danielle

[skyline315]

I've bought two used lenses and a used EOS 3 from B&H. I've never had any problems with any of them.

Danielle

cool. what kind of guarantee does b&h offer on used stuff?

[Mig]

Used equipment policy

They're pretty good as far as the used policy goes. In addition to the used equipment, I've bought nearly everything I have from them and have never had any complaints.

Danielle

[Jeff82]

I buy a lot of used stuff from KEH with good results as well.

--Jeff

[another view]

Bought used gear before, but never from KEH or B&H. Both have very good reputations and I do buy most new stuff from B&H.

If you're talking about Nikon grey market lenses, there might be a problem. Nikon won't service them - warranty or not. You'll have to take them somewhere else and the service place won't be able to buy the parts from Nikon US.

That's the story. I think that if stores can get grey market lenses then they should be able to get grey market parts, too. And - how many problems do you have with some lenses, say a 50mm prime? Probably not worth worrying about - the lenses are the same it's just the warranty that's different. Bottom line.

I personally buy USA lenses, but everyone's different. I would probably recommend a USA version lens especially if you're looking at something with VR, etc. Always look at the price for both because some USA lenses have a rebate which can make them the same price or less than a grey market lens.