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Grey Market Lenses
Apr 29, 2013 09:09:50 #
I currently own a Canon T3i/600D with two kit lenses.
I want to purchase a 50mm 1.8 Prime lens. When researching them I came across what was termed "grey market" lenses.
I'm not familiar with the term so I looked it up on Wikipedia and came up with the following:
"Grey-market goods are often new, but some grey market goods are used goods. A market in used goods is sometimes nicknamed a green market."
My questions are how does one know if a grey market product is used? Are the lenses original equipment from the stated manufacturer, or are they knock offs and bottom line what is the general consensus on buying grey market products.
Any and all input is greatly appreciated.
I want to purchase a 50mm 1.8 Prime lens. When researching them I came across what was termed "grey market" lenses.
I'm not familiar with the term so I looked it up on Wikipedia and came up with the following:
"Grey-market goods are often new, but some grey market goods are used goods. A market in used goods is sometimes nicknamed a green market."
My questions are how does one know if a grey market product is used? Are the lenses original equipment from the stated manufacturer, or are they knock offs and bottom line what is the general consensus on buying grey market products.
Any and all input is greatly appreciated.
Apr 29, 2013 09:20:13 #
From B&H photo
Items marked "USA" are imported and/or distributed by the manufacturer or the manufacturers official licensed importer/distributor and are warranted by them. Items marked "Imported or Grey Market" are imported and/or distributed by other entities and are warranted by B&H Photo-Video. "Imported" products do not qualify for manufacturers rebate programs. There is no difference in the item itself.
Or go to this page at Adorama
http://www.adorama.com/help/generalinfo#imported
Items marked "USA" are imported and/or distributed by the manufacturer or the manufacturers official licensed importer/distributor and are warranted by them. Items marked "Imported or Grey Market" are imported and/or distributed by other entities and are warranted by B&H Photo-Video. "Imported" products do not qualify for manufacturers rebate programs. There is no difference in the item itself.
Or go to this page at Adorama
http://www.adorama.com/help/generalinfo#imported
Apr 29, 2013 09:23:11 #
Grey market from a reputable seller refers to the warranty only and is a new product. A grey market lens does not come with a US warranty which would pose a problem only if you ever needed warranty service from Canon. :)
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Apr 29, 2013 09:25:15 #
Don't know where you live Digital Dave, from your spelling of grey I would guess this side of the pond. FYI I recently bought a D800 camera from a reputable shop online and this came with a three year warranty. When I registered it Nikon said it was "grey market", orignaly from the japanese market and said the shop warranty was fine but I would have to get any problems sorted by the shop as they do not offer warranty on such goods. (The serial no. was fine though) So as long as you get it from a reputable buyer I think you can make significant savings.There, that's my three ha'porth!
Apr 29, 2013 12:44:50 #
Bjor wrote:
From B&H photo br Items marked "USA"... (show quote)
Thanks Bjor for your explanation and link. I now understand the difference.
Apr 29, 2013 12:47:02 #
Db7423 wrote:
Grey market from a reputable seller refers to the warranty only and is a new product. A grey market lens does not come with a US warranty which would pose a problem only if you ever needed warranty service from Canon. :)
Thanks Db7423 for helping me understand "The grey market"
Apr 29, 2013 12:49:18 #
cockney greg wrote:
Don't know where you live Digital Dave, from your ... (show quote)
Thanks cockney Greg for your reply.
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Apr 29, 2013 17:53:18 #
From my understanding, if you buy a Nikon from Costco, you are buying a gray market camera.
I did find this bit of interesting information though.
"Costco is one example that sells grey market stuff, but their in house warranty is much better than that of Nikon 2 years vs 1 or 90 days anyways."
This is even more interesting,
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/19704340.
Follow the postings about Costco's return policy. I had no idea it was that good, sorry to sidetrack this thread.
I'm buying everything from Costco from here on out.
I did find this bit of interesting information though.
"Costco is one example that sells grey market stuff, but their in house warranty is much better than that of Nikon 2 years vs 1 or 90 days anyways."
This is even more interesting,
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/19704340.
Follow the postings about Costco's return policy. I had no idea it was that good, sorry to sidetrack this thread.
I'm buying everything from Costco from here on out.
Apr 30, 2013 08:42:07 #
As far as I know the grey mkt. Items are made for outside the USA markets.They do not have a USA warrentee and if anything goes wrong you are stuck...Its up to you the individual...
Apr 30, 2013 14:50:43 #
cockney greg wrote:
Don't know where you live Digital Dave, from your ... (show quote)
I hope any possible future repairs will not require parts as Nikon does not supply them to non-factory repair.
Apr 30, 2013 15:20:25 #
A guy that sells you French postcards ,from the inside vest pocket of the coat he is wearing, is in the Shady Market. Buyer beware!
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Apr 30, 2013 16:34:05 #
Larrie wrote:
I hope any possible future repairs will not require parts as Nikon does not supply them to non-factory repair.
The Gray Market sounds risky to me. I had never heard of it. Thanks.
Apr 30, 2013 18:18:13 #
I doubted that Costco dealt in grey market camera equipment and emailed them today to inquire. I was informed by a Vince G. (no last name given) that they do NOT purchase any grey market photography equipment. He did not explain how they accomodate repairs on purchased items other than to say that they do guarantee satisfaction which I certainly have experienced. I personally do a lot of on-line ordering from both Costco and Amazon and couldn't be happier with their high quality service. These are both Washington State businesses.
lorenww wrote:
From my understanding, if you buy a Nikon from Cos... (show quote)
May 1, 2013 00:24:02 #
Digital_Dave wrote:
I currently own a Canon T3i/600D with two kit lens... (show quote)
I don't think you'll see significant savings on a 50mm fixed lens when comparing gray to authorized, so I'd go with the U.S.A. factory-warrantied version personally. Or buy an exceptional quality Tokina or Sigma that may actually be better and cost much less than even the gray market Canon.
May 1, 2013 20:40:32 #
JKSde wrote:
As far as I know the grey mkt. Items are made for outside the USA markets.They do not have a USA warrentee and if anything goes wrong you are stuck...Its up to you the individual...
Bingo! Gray market items are made for sale outside the US and don't carry a US warranty. If something goes wrong, you have to return the item to the factory overseas. For the cost of a 50mm, I'd stick with a non-gray market lens.
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