White box purchase of an L lens: I just bought my first L Lens, the EF24-105/4L IS USM, on a white box sale. The lens was new, came with the bag, caps, and a hood, and the warranty...

itsrickfromfl Loc: Ocala FL

I just bought my first L Lens, the EF24-105/4L IS USM, on a white box sale. The lens was new, came with the bag, caps, and a hood, and the warranty registration card. I saved a few hundred dollars on the deal.
Until I saw this ad, I hadn't been aware of white box deals. The seller had a high rating, so after doing some research, I made the purchase.
But, I saw where a lot of prospective buyers were concerned about gray market products being sold as white box, and some even asked about refurbished items being sold as new.
I was wondering what experiences, if any, others have had with white box purchases. I'm happy with this one, but if there are any pitfalls, I'd like to know!

Cameoblue Loc: British Columbia Canada

itsrickfromfl wrote:

I just bought my first L Lens, the EF24-105/4L IS ... (show quote)

Don't waste your time worrying about it. You have a great lens spend your time using it. I have yet to see an "L" lens not outlast a manufacturer's warranty.

itsrickfromfl Loc: Ocala FL

Thanks, Cameoblue! I got it Tuesday, and have already been out a couple evenings with it mounted on the 7D I just bought. The clarity is amazing. My pro buddy said this lens would change my life, and I would soon be selling off my other lenses to get more L's! <grins>

Cameoblue Loc: British Columbia Canada

itsrickfromfl wrote:

I would soon be selling off my other lenses to get more L's! <grins>

That's basically what happened to me. No regrets.

DavidM Loc: New Orleans, LA

I also just bought this lens as a white box lens two weeks ago. No issues at all and I love it. I'm using it on my 60D.

itsrickfromfl Loc: Ocala FL

It was a good deal. I hope they have some more of this type in the future! I also have a 60D, and I can't wait to shoot some pictures tomorrow at the family Easter gathering.

Pentony Loc: Earth Traveller

To All:
1. What is a white box lens?
2. What is an 'L' lens?
Thanks

itsrickfromfl Loc: Ocala FL

Pentony wrote:

To All:
1. What is a white box lens?
2. What is an 'L' lens?
Thanks

Canon has different levels of lenses to cover all levels of photography. The L lenses are the top line. This link will give you a good overview. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/hands-review/canon-l-series-lenses

As for the white box, let's say a dealer orders a camera package from Canon which includes a lens. You want to buy the camera, but for whatever reason, you don't want the lens that came with it. The dealer has the option of selling the camera separately from the lens. The lens was packaged with the camera, and isn't in the retail box Canon would use for selling the lens as a stand alone item. So, the dealer puts the lens in a generic white box, with the accessories and warranty card, and sells it at a reduced price.
My experience buying this white box was a good one. I hope this helps you :-)

Pentony Loc: Earth Traveller

itsrickfromfl wrote:

So, the dealer puts the lens in a generic white box, with the accessories and warranty card, and sells it at a reduced price. My experience buying this white box was a good one. I hope this helps you :-)

To bad camera sellers/dealers are prevented by Nikon from doing this. There's a Nikon body I want but it only comes with a kit lens I already own.

Basil Loc: New Mexico

I bought my 24-105 "L" and it was about half the price of retail. It was white box also. So far no complaints.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

itsrickfromfl wrote:

I just bought my first L Lens, the EF24-105/4L IS ... (show quote)

I recently got a refurb 7d and a lens ( unhappily not an L ) from B&H. Both were packaged as new. If you are concerned about grey market or anything else call or e-mail Canon with the s/n.

itsrickfromfl Loc: Ocala FL

I'm thrilled with this deal, and the company I bought it from. I would have no problem purchasing from them again. I was just surprised at how many skeptical people were posting with comments on the Web about gray market and refurbished goods being sold as white box, and I wondered if there was any merit to it...but not so much that I passed on a great opportunity! (grins)

And, I brought a refurbished 60D last year from Canon, and I couldn't be more pleased with it.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

itsrickfromfl wrote:

I'm thrilled with this deal, and the company I bought it from. I would have no problem purchasing from them again. I was just surprised at how many skeptical people were posting with comments on the Web about gray market and refurbished goods being sold as white box, and I wondered if there was any merit to it...but not so much that I passed on a great opportunity! (grins)

And, I brought a refurbished 60D last year from Canon, and I couldn't be more pleased with it.

Nothing wrong with a refurbished camera from Canon or a reputable dealer. If you can find what you want it is a good way to save money. A white box deal can be a bit riskier depending on who you are dealing with. As long as the dealer is reputable and you get the proper warranty I can't see any obvious downside, except for not having the factory box if you ever resell. That would make a difference to some people. Because your first white box deal was a good one I hope you don't assume that they all are.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

boberic wrote:

I recently got a refurb 7d and a lens ( unhappily not an L ) from B&H. Both were packaged as new. If you are concerned about grey market or anything else call or e-mail Canon with the s/n.

Are you saying that you bought a camera and lens from B&H that were susposed to be new but were refurbs or are you saying that you bought refurbs that were packaged as good as new? I am assuming you were referring to the packaging because I find it hard to believe B&H would try to cheat you.

itsrickfromfl Loc: Ocala FL

LFingar wrote:

Nothing wrong with a refurbished camera from Canon... (show quote)

That's exactly what I was wondering! Usually, where there's smoke, there's fire, and so many people were questioning price, condition, US or gray market, it made me do my homework before ordering. To be clear, it was on Amazon and I read a lot of buyers comments, and looked for fulfillment by Amazon.com before making the buy. I am totally satisfied with the entire transaction. I haven't purchased from anyone but Canon's online store and local retail prior to this buy, so I'm in new territory. I know there's a great base of knowledge and experience here, and I appreciate the opportunity to learn!