what's the differences in nikon 55-200 lenses: on this forum there is an add for 3 nikon 55-200 lenses with various accessories on amazon. I have a d3100 and would like to know what I...

Curler Loc: Superior, Wisconsin

on this forum there is an add for 3 nikon 55-200 lenses with various accessories on amazon. I have a d3100 and would like to know what I should watch out for. One is for $246 Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zooom Les. Another is a for a Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-s DX VR Nikkor Telephoto Zoom Lens (import) for Nikon D3100, etc. + 6pc Bundle Accessory kit. for $176.95

What's the difference? Is the (import) comment an issue? Any help would be appreciated.
Al

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

The "import" is what is known as a "grey market" lens, meaning it will have no Nikon USA warranty. It will have to be shipped back to China for any warranty repairs needed.
The "accessory kit" is just a bunch of cheap Chinese junk to make you think you're getting a deal if you buy that lens.

Curler Loc: Superior, Wisconsin

Thanks for you comment and help. Where do you find the best place to buy US nikon products?

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

B&H, Adorama, Cameta, Roberts, Samys

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Curler wrote:

Thanks for you comment and help. Where do you find the best place to buy US nikon products?

B & H Photo is always my first choice.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

MT Shooter wrote:

B&H, Adorama, Cameta, Roberts, Samys

Right. If you see a fairly low price for a new item, avoid it. ebay is an alternative. I've bought several lenses there, with good results. I never buy from anyone with few sales or a rating below 99.5%. I generally aim for sellers with a 100% rating.

juicesqueezer Loc: Okeechobee, Florida

Jerry is right on there. In fact, I normally look for the 100% rating if there are a lot of sellers with the same item. Just sold a 55-200 vr for $100. Great lens and very sharp. Purchased a 70-300 vr as upgrade. Some times you have to be careful in what is listed in ad for product. If it is non vr, those lenses are considerably cheaper. Just something else to look for!

Grand Loc: Lebanon, Pa

I have the D3100, get the one for $267.00. I have that lens.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

juicesqueezer wrote:

Jerry is right on there. In fact, I normally look for the 100% rating if there are a lot of sellers with the same item. Just sold a 55-200 vr for $100. Great lens and very sharp. Purchased a 70-300 vr as upgrade. Some times you have to be careful in what is listed in ad for product. If it is non vr, those lenses are considerably cheaper. Just something else to look for!

Right! A low price often indicates no motor or VR, both of which I like.

SoftLights Loc: New Orleans, LA

All good advice. These lenses are plentiful, you should be able to find one in like new condition on ebay for 1/2 the list price and if it doesn't perform as advertised you can return it with ebay's support. As mentioned, pay a few dollars more for VR, well worth it.

cthahn

Curler wrote:

on this forum there is an add for 3 nikon 55-200 lenses with various accessories on amazon. I have a d3100 and would like to know what I should watch out for. One is for $246 Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zooom Les. Another is a for a Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-s DX VR Nikkor Telephoto Zoom Lens (import) for Nikon D3100, etc. + 6pc Bundle Accessory kit. for $176.95

What's the difference? Is the (import) comment an issue? Any help would be appreciated.
Al

Warranty

FredCM Loc: Central Illinois

Isn't Nikon sort of "fair traded?" That Nikon sets the minimum retail price? One might find the lens locally for the same price as B&H or Adorama or one of the others. And then one might get faster service if any is ever necessary. At the price for this lens, sales tax shouldn't be an issue.

RJNaylor Loc: Delmar, New York

In addition to the other sources of lenses I have found KEH.com to be a good source of used lenses. In fact I got my 55-200 there. I already had the 70-300 VR but the 55-200 is smaller and lighter and just about as sharp. Of course it is not as long so I am keeping both.

selmslie Loc: Fernandina Beach, FL, USA

MT Shooter wrote:

B&H, Adorama, Cameta, Roberts, Samys

And Calumet Photo, but their prices are a little higher than B&H and Adorama.