Nikon USA vs. Nikon Imported Lenses

[ken1953]

Hello all...
I was just on B & H Photo Video site and was comparing lenses in advance of possible purchasing a D50/70/200...I notice there are 2 of each type of Nikon, the USA (more expensive) and the Imported. What is the difference?? Is the USA worth the extra couple of hundred dollars?
Thanx,
Ken

[mjs1973]

Hey Ken,

The imported camera is what's know as "gray market". It's basically the same camera, BUT it's not imported by Nikon USA, and doesn't come with a US waranty. I believe B&H offers it's own waranty on these producst, but I'm not positive. I would make sure before ordering if you go with the import. Also, there is no way to know how the imported gear was shipped, stored or handled. It could have been baking in the sun in the desert for a month or who knows what. If you haven't already, click on the "import" link on the B&H site and see what they say. I'm sure others can give you more info than I can. I have bought the imported film in the past, but that's it.

[ken1953]

Thanx Michael...I just went over and clicked the link...I should have done it the first time I checked...hehe...anyway...Now I have another question...

I can see where film or other spoilable items would be risky...but what about lenses?? And with B&H's quality reputation and their warranty I would think it wouldn't be that risky. As for shipping back to B&H...I'd have to ship it somewhere, or drive to somewhere to get it fixed...so my cost would be about the same no matter what.
So...with lenses and other durable items...Do you think these Gray Market items are a good buy???
Ken

[another view]

Personally, when I've bought lenses new I've always bought US versions because of the five-year Nikon warranty you get with this. A prime lens probably won't have anything that will happen to it if it works correctly when you first get it, but a zoom with VR might be a different story... A 50 f1.8 for under a hundred bucks? I'd take the chance. A 70-200 f2.8 VR lens? Nope, not me. I bought my 85 f1.4 as a USA lens - the difference wasn't too much and they hold their resale value very well. Seems like USA lenses sell used on ebay for more than their grey-market counterparts too, if that's a concern (however I don't know if the warranty is even transferrable!).

OTOH, I've bought a lot of used gear and there's no warranty on that. There is a good Nikon service place in the Chicago 'burbs and actually they used to be an official Nikon service center before it was shut down years ago. The employees kept it open as an independent company, but they know Nikon stuff very well from what I hear. They do charge like Nikon and take as long, at least from my one inquiry.

[Lava Lamp]

Your mileage may vary, but I've never had any problem whatsoever with a new Nikon lens (or a used one for that matter.) Be aware that Nikon USA will not repair a "gray market" lens at any price, so you would have to find an independant repair shop.

I would not hesitate to buy gray market for something relatively inexpensive like a 50mm 1.8, 18-55mm, or even the the 18-70, but I wouldn't go gray on something like an 80-200 or a VR lens.

At this point, I've had several dozen lenses and the only one that ever broke was a manual focus JC Penney lens from the early 80's.

[dashop]

Hi Ken!
I just wanted to let you know that I once was burned by purchasing one of these 'grey area' cameras. I had a few problems, and I wasn't able to get Nikon USA to cover it under warranty. So, you're taking a huge risk! I ended up buying a new one that was covered. Total cost to me? $800. Pay the extra money! Wise choice going with nikon cameras!