pyro101 Loc: Southern Maryland

After a lot of research (incl. UHH), I decided I wanted a fixed everyday lens for my Nikon D5100 to complement my 2 zoom kit lenses that came with the camera. My choice was the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G.
Did a lot of internet searching and found the best price at Abe’s of Maine. Ordered/received it – appears to be a great lens for my purposes. I noticed, though, that it was made in China and did not have the US prefix in front of the lens serial number.
I know Nikon manufactures all over Asia – have seen Nikon DSLRs and lenses WITH US serial numbers made in China, Thailand, Malaysia, etc. so, at first look, the China part doesn’t bother me. The lens appears to be a quality component and pictures appear great! I did, though, about 20 years ago, get a Minolta telephoto that was not for the US market and there was a small bubble (!) in the glass.
My question is…What does a Nikon lens not made for US market REALLY mean?
- Is the quality assurance/specs/inspection levels inferior?
- Is the hardware different?
- Is the “US” in the S/N only so that Nikon USA knows whether it is responsible for the warranty?
I’m sure many have opinions on this. I welcome opinions but am more interested in any facts/data you may have.
Second question (showing my ignorance) – what does the “G” mean in the f/1.8G?

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

A 3 minute review of Abe's website shows they are NOT an authorized seller of Nikon products. When you received the lens was any warranty info enclosed? If the warranty was from Abe's or other non-Nikon source, you probably don't have a product authorized by NikonUSA. You will then 'see what happens' if you need warranty service. BUT that may or may not occur - you may never need warranty service, especially since the lens appears to be working fine. Respectfully, AFTER the purchase is not a good time to worry about it.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

The lens you chose is excellent for your camera.
If you would like more information "non-USA" gear use the "Search" function at the top of the page and type in "Gray Market". You will find many discussions on the subject.

pyro101 Loc: Southern Maryland

Thanks. Will do.

Leitz Loc: Solms

The lens will have gone through the same quality assurance inspections as a US version, the only difference is that Nikon USA will not perform warranty service (and probably no service). I would think that Abe's would provide their own warranty, though perhaps at additional cost.
The "G" stands for "Gelded," meaning the lens has no aperture ring, apertures must be set with the camera's command dial..

pyro101 Loc: Southern Maryland

Thanks. Got a few answers on the non-US but you're the only one that answered the "G" question.

Leitz Loc: Solms

And by the way, welcome to the UHH!

pyro101 Loc: Southern Maryland

Thanks...been following blog for about a month and decided it was time to register.

henryp Loc: New York, NY

Nikon makes a lot of stuff in China and, as you noted, elsewhere in Asia. That has no bearing on whether the lens is grey market or Nikon USA warranted. Nikon USA is notoriously inconsistent about adding the "US" prefix to serial numbers. if it's there the lens is almost certainly not grey market, but a Nikon product without the "US" prefix could be Nikon USA warranted.



A Nikon product with a Nikon USA warranty and the same item with a grey-market provenance are in every respect, hardware, specs & tolerances, design, manufacturer, performance, raw materials, assembly and so on, identical. The differences are (usually) price, warrantor, repair options, whether the item is eligible for an current Nikon USA rebate and sometimes the design of the box it's packed in.

The AF-G type Nikkor lenses lack conventional aperture rings. The only difference between Nikon AF-D and AF-G lenses is that an AF-G type lens has no aperture ring. See https://support.nikonusa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3399/~/what-is-a-nikon-af-g-lens

pyro101 Loc: Southern Maryland

Thanks. Good info. Reassuring. As far as warenty goes, if it arrives undamaged and works ok, I'll handle gently and take my chances going down the road. I've never been much for warenties for stuff under $200, assuming I get some good use out of it. If/when it breakes, that will be my excuse to "upgrade." (GAS - a term I learnred during my short exposure to UHH) But I think I'm likely to just normally wear it out...

Frank (pyro101)

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

Very doubtful that you will "wear it out". You bought a great lens---it will serve you well.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

You are going to get a lot of responses. Just one reminder, NOT ALL Nikon lenses sold in the US by authorized Nikon dealers have a US in front of the serial number. But these lenses are still US lenses and will be serviced by Nikon.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

It's strictly a difference in price and service - nothing from Nikon. I'd return it, if I were you. The few dollars you'd pay for a US version would give you some piece of mind.

Abe's of Maine used to be excellent - when they were in Maine.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

True. I have the Nikon 16-35mm 1:4G bought at Best Buy, and the 58mm 1.4G bought from B&H that do not have US in front of the serial numbers.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

There is absolutely no physical difference between Gray Market and USA lenses. They are the exact same lens. Some manufacturers play marketing games.

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-389764-1.html