Import Nikon lens vs refurbished Nikon lens: I am in the process to buy Nikon 24-120/f4 lens. Any opinion or input about the choice of buying brand new import lens or refurbished US...

Richard HZ Loc: Indiana, US

I am in the process to buy Nikon 24-120/f4 lens. Any opinion or input about the choice of buying brand new import lens or refurbished US version of the lens. Both are under $600. The import one is brand new and has all accessories and WHITE box. The refurbished one has lens, both front and real caps and lens hood. It does not have instruction manual or box. Greatly appreciate your feedbacks. Thank you!

Bill_de Loc: US

Refurbished if it comes with a U.S. Nikon warranty. Otherwise flip a coin. You don't need a box and if you really need a manual you can download it.

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Richard HZ Loc: Indiana, US

Thanks, Bill!
It has 90 day Nikon USA warranty and another 9 months from the store (Cameta Camera), total one year. The serial number starts with US.
Thanks again!

Bill_de wrote:

Refurbished if it comes with a U.S. Nikon warranty. Otherwise flip a coin. You don't need a box and if you really need a manual you can download it.

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Jules Karney Loc: Las Vegas, Nevada

Richard HZ wrote:

I am in the process to buy Nikon 24-120/f4 lens. Any opinion or input about the choice of buying brand new import lens or refurbished US version of the lens. Both are under $600. The import one is brand new and has all accessories and WHITE box. The refurbished one has lens, both front and real caps and lens hood. It does not have instruction manual or box. Greatly appreciate your feedbacks. Thank you!

I just pick up from B & H camera in New York a 70-200 2.8 used and works perfect. It is the second lens I purchased from them used. First one was 18-140 and that works perfect too.
Good luck

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

Richard HZ wrote:

I am in the process to buy Nikon 24-120/f4 lens. Any opinion or input about the choice of buying brand new import lens or refurbished US version of the lens. Both are under $600. The import one is brand new and has all accessories and WHITE box. The refurbished one has lens, both front and real caps and lens hood. It does not have instruction manual or box. Greatly appreciate your feedbacks. Thank you!

USA brand. if it ever needs repairs, it can be done in the USA, otherwise, I believe you need to send it to the country of origin.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Richard HZ wrote:

I am in the process to buy Nikon 24-120/f4 lens. Any opinion or input about the choice of buying brand new import lens or refurbished US version of the lens. Both are under $600. The import one is brand new and has all accessories and WHITE box. The refurbished one has lens, both front and real caps and lens hood. It does not have instruction manual or box. Greatly appreciate your feedbacks. Thank you!

Gray market = neither Nikon nor it's authorized service affiliates will ever fix it - in or out of warranty. You are far better off with a refurbished domestic version, unless you don't mind potentially owning a $600 paperweight.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Richard HZ wrote:

I am in the process to buy Nikon 24-120/f4 lens. Any opinion or input about the choice of buying brand new import lens or refurbished US version of the lens. Both are under $600. The import one is brand new and has all accessories and WHITE box. The refurbished one has lens, both front and real caps and lens hood. It does not have instruction manual or box. Greatly appreciate your feedbacks. Thank you!

Nikon will not work on imported/gray market lenses, warranty or not. The box is immaterial, and the manual is available online, so the only difference is the possibility of having Nikon repair it.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

When is the last time anyone actually had a Nikon lens repaired under warranty?

Most lenses require service only when damaged, or after many years of hard use. There are many repair shops who can work on them.

Cameta Camera is one of the good shops.

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

Try used at KEH or B&H as well.

Gene51 wrote:

Gray market = neither Nikon nor it's authorized service affiliates will ever fix it - in or out of warranty. You are far better off with a refurbished domestic version, unless you don't mind potentially owning a $600 paperweight.

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Madman Loc: Gulf Coast, Florida USA

Richard HZ wrote:

Thanks, Bill!
It has 90 day Nikon USA warranty and another 9 months from the store (Cameta Camera), total one year. The serial number starts with US.
Thanks again!

Cameta Camera is a great resource.

I can't imaging them shipping a lens not in some sort of inner carton, but even so, it's your best option. Much of my system came from Cameta and I highly recommend them.

portcragin Loc: Kirkland, WA

My vote would be for refurbished from a reputable dealer ie. B&H or new. Otherwise it would be like buying a 200 MPH car and used tires.

Good shooting

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

Richard HZ wrote:

I am in the process to buy Nikon 24-120/f4 lens. Any opinion or input about the choice of buying brand new import lens or refurbished US version of the lens. Both are under $600. The import one is brand new and has all accessories and WHITE box. The refurbished one has lens, both front and real caps and lens hood. It does not have instruction manual or box. Greatly appreciate your feedbacks. Thank you!

Lenses refurbished by Nikon are excellent value and workmanship. But, the new Nikon lenses will have the 5 year warranty verses the 90 day or 1 year (I don't remember which) on the refurbished. However, you can also look into the 3rd party warranty extensions on new (and possibly refurbished) gear from companies like Square Deal. I had a $400 Nikon point and shoot that was guaranteed by Square Deal that the wife dropped a hot mug of coffee on and totally ruined. I sent the ruined camera and accessories to Square deal and they sent me a check for the entire amount (including tax) to use as a pleased. I naturally replaced the camera and the insurance. I now have it on all of my new purchases as it extended the warranty of my new cameras by a year or so. Adorama and (I think) B&H both offer it in their packages. And, you can purchase it directly from Square Deal if you bought the equipment elsewhere. If you are an insurance freek lke me, then it is worth the few extra dollars.

tbetress Loc: Skippack, Pa

Go with the one from Cameta.
Fantastic seller / retailer and you can't beat having a Warranty.
Seems like you rarely if ever use the warranty, but it is sure nice to know it is there if you need it.

OviedoPhotos

Given the choices buy the refurb one.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

Gray market seemingly is just to darn difficult to turn down. Still knowing you have no valid warranty in the USA. The low prices captivates our minds. Who doesn't like saving money? But there are risks.