jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

That's where the gov't gets involved. They're very strict about what cars can be imported, even by individuals. I read an online article about a series of raids to confiscate old Rovers that were thought to be imported illegally.

Armed agents with a sealed warrant.

http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/44/4476.asp

http://jalopnik.com/the-feds-just-seized-40-land-rovers-imported-to-the-u-s-1605985758

Jdh1951 Loc: Los Angeles

I recently experienced Nikon's "grey market" policy. Unknowingly, I purchased a Nikon D7100 from a well-known retailer. It developed a problem and Nikon refused to service it because it was originally sold to a non-US distributor.

I assume that Nikon could easily track the camera back to the distributor who re-sold to the US retailer, but that than punish their own customer (the distributors) they choose to punish unwitting consumers. Not in my view either a fair or honorable policy.

Regrettably, I'm too much invested in Nikon systems now to switch-- but I will certain take Nikon's policy into account when asked for recommendations on which brand camera equipment to buy.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Definitely a consideration. But appears Tamron at least has the same policy and Sigma might not be so different.

One choice is to accept that the price of a used lens is low enough that you can just plan on replacing it if it goes bad.

I believe there are independent camera repair shops also. I don't know if they work on lenses. There was a fuss a couple of years ago though where Nikon made a new policy to not sell repair parts to the independents so they couldn't compete with Nikon repair. I don't know how that worked out. So with Nikon you are best off ensuring that it is a product for the country you are in.

I never buy extended warranties because I know they are overpriced. I have saved many times over my maximum replacement cost of such things by never buying the extended warranties. And continue to make money every year! So that's one way to think about this choice.

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

I am considering the purchase of a Tamron 70-200 from DigitalRev, I researched them sometime back and read through many customer discussions on an independent site, they will pay for local service at a repair shop of your choosing or will pay to have your equipment shipped back to Hong Kong for authorized service.... After reading some of the customer stories I became convinced that they will handle their warranty service well. It may be slower and cumbersome but I don't think that there is any difference in the quality of a lens delivered to the Hong Kong market than to the US market, they are the same quality made by the same manufacturer in the same factories.

I would not consider grey market unless there was a substantial savings.

cntry Loc: Colorado

If the price is good enough, see if it qualifies for a Square Trade warranty, if it does - buy it. They will either get it fixed or refund your money.

Jdh1951 Loc: Los Angeles

This was not a used camera but a brand new one. I share your view on extended warranties--generally they are not worth it--but fortunately for this time the retailer offered me a bargain price on a 3-year warranty plus accident policy and I was able to get the camera repaired for free. Ironically, perhaps, the repair shop was also an authorized Nikon repair center. All in all, if one forgives their not disclosing that the camera was grey market, the retailer behaved better in this instance than Nikon did.

photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA

Yes. Tamron will only work on lenses with a Tamron USA warranty. I know this because I purchased my 28-75 f/2.8 from a Canadian seller; it was considerably cheaper than buying from a USA seller. I weighed the pros and cons and decided to save the big bucks and live with the risk -- I haven't had any problem with the lens and haven't needed to send it anywhere for repair.