Imported vs. USA Nikkor lenses at BH Photo?
Dec 24, 2011 22:41:50 #
Anyone have an opinion on buying the imported version versus the USA version of a Nikkor lens at BH Photo or other sites?
I prefer to buy US made (if that's what it means?) but they're out of stock and the imported lens is in stock.
Thanks in advance,
Jeffrey
I prefer to buy US made (if that's what it means?) but they're out of stock and the imported lens is in stock.
Thanks in advance,
Jeffrey
Dec 24, 2011 22:46:45 #
us does not mean made in america. it means it comes through the offical nikonusa distributor and carries a Nikon warranty. imported or gray market means the items are bought elsewhere in the world and are imported directly. Nikon will NOT repair at their repair centers any grey market. if you buy grey market and you need repairs, yo are screwed. the money savings isn't worth the risk.
Dec 24, 2011 22:52:18 #
sinatraman wrote:
us does not mean made in america. it means it comes through the offical nikonusa distributor and carries a Nikon warranty. imported or gray market means the items are bought elsewhere in the world and are imported directly. Nikon will NOT repair at their repair centers any grey market. if you buy grey market and you need repairs, yo are screwed. the money savings isn't worth the risk.
Thank you for that info. There's no cost savings, anyway, so, I'll wait past the "temp. out of stock" situation.
J.
Dec 24, 2011 22:53:15 #
Listen to sinatraman. If something ever goes wrong, you are out of luck. that is not to say an independent shop would not repair it, but why take the chance?
Dec 24, 2011 23:02:53 #
CaptainC wrote:
Listen to sinatraman. If something ever goes wrong, you are out of luck. that is not to say an independent shop would not repair it, but why take the chance?
Thanks CC.
J.
Dec 24, 2011 23:05:24 #
check with adorama, abes of maine (their in new jersey go figure) even ritz/wolf camera. also check keh.com they do sell some new also demos and like new.
Dec 24, 2011 23:18:21 #
B&H does sell warranties (from a legit high end camera repair center) for its grey market gear. In total, you can get a guarantee and a service contract cheaper than the U.S. legit version of the product. This used to be a bigger deal when some lenses were hugely expensive (near the time of their release.) When you are spending nearly $3,000 for a zoom, a few hundred less becomes tempting.
Dec 25, 2011 04:54:54 #
I thought that this imported/grey import versus official channel warranty issue had been addressed. I am pretty sure that it has here in the UK. unless I am mistaken I am pretty sure that the manufacter must honour the warranty no matter where you buy the product. I know they will try to weasel out of it but if you stop to think about it, it is unfair practice to deny responsibility for your product in one country just because it was purchased in another. I bought a Nikon Fish-Eye lens from a camera shop in Chicago and when back here in the UK I thought I might need a repair Nikon assured me that the warranty was good. I'm not a legal expert but hopefully someone else might be able to chip in with the full skinny on this.
oh, and by the way, Merry Christmas everyone.
oh, and by the way, Merry Christmas everyone.
Dec 25, 2011 05:25:13 #
kintekobo wrote:
I thought that this imported/grey import versus of... (show quote)
This issue goes way back. I recall the warnings and articles in the various trade publications we received from time to time. The general rule was no warranty service on grey market products. Not sure anything was ever resolved.
Dec 25, 2011 05:34:34 #
kintekobo wrote:
I thought that this imported/grey import versus of... (show quote)
When you look at the item at Adorama or B&H for example, they explain that there is no warranty from the manufacturer. They are imported through alternate channels...same product different guarantee.
There is nothing illegial about it.
That information is right there on the product info when you buy the stuff.
for what it's worth...I bought a refurbed camera and found out how important a warranty was...I only got a 90 day warranty and my repair was 216.00, luckily I was just inside that window...but now that I've done that, I'd say that I'd not buy a refurbed camera again, nor a grey market item without buying the warranty the camera shop offers.
Dec 25, 2011 10:56:47 #
Any nikon repair facility can and will repair a "grey market" camera/lens for a nominal fee. I have purchased many "grey market" cameras/lenses and have only had one problem, it was repaired at a Nikon repair facility in Washington, DC. WHILE I WAITED and at a very reasonable cost.
Dec 25, 2011 22:38:28 #
Good info, guys. I have bought grey market stuff and been mostly pleased. You need to remember, though, that (1) a very low price means a grey market item. (2) "Out of stock" is a prelude to a bait and switch pitch. (3) The item will be "out of stock' until you agree to an extended warranty, overpriced accessories, or gold plated shipping. (4) "Nikon USA" warranty means grey market with a warranty company legally named "USA". (5) Salesmen will say the most outrageous things about the low price bait to steer you away. All of this isn't carved in stone, but just my own observations over the last ten years.
Dec 25, 2011 22:50:43 #
Nikon USA is not a manufacturer, they are a corporation set up to import, sell, and service merchandise manufactured by Nikon in Japan, or Thailand. They will honor warranties on Nikon equipment imported by Nikon USA. They will service any Nikon equipment for the appropriate service fee.
I'd stick with the USA product, unless the difference in price is really huge. Even then, I'd think long and hard about it.
I've dealt extensively with B&H, and have never had them try to "bait-and-switch" or use any other less than reputable practice. They are A-1 in my book!
I'd stick with the USA product, unless the difference in price is really huge. Even then, I'd think long and hard about it.
I've dealt extensively with B&H, and have never had them try to "bait-and-switch" or use any other less than reputable practice. They are A-1 in my book!
Dec 25, 2011 23:13:58 #
Second Danilo's comment about B&H being reputable. Have dealt with them many times and never had any issues, with USA or import. I too suggest staying with USA if possible and you do not have to worry about any 'bait and switch' or schemes with them. My imported lenses have all been great.
Dec 26, 2011 01:30:17 #
Not to be redundant but, the few bucks you might save on an import isn't worth the hassle(and expense) that can result should you have a warrantable problem. Nikons' have a good warranty so I'd stick with a USA market product.
As far as vendors I've always had good luck with Cameta; although B&H and Adorama also get great reviews here.
Good Luck!
As far as vendors I've always had good luck with Cameta; although B&H and Adorama also get great reviews here.
Good Luck!
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