billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I buy many used Nikon, Minolta AF, Sony, and Canon lenses from Japan. Just got a Nikon 200 micro from Japan. You should not have to pay any duty on it as I have bought over 20 items from Japan without having to pay any duties. Make sure the seller has very positive reviews. Most of the time ebay protects the buyer better than the seller (personal experience). I have received some of my best used Nikon gear from Japan. I usually only hold onto those lenses for a couple of years but have never had an issue with one. I believe Ebay gives you 30 days to return if you are not happy, some Japan sellers say you can only return if the equipment does not work but Ebay will stand by you if you want to return it. Make sure you communicate this with the seller BEFORE you buy, check their return policy carefully before you buy.

ballsafire Loc: Lafayette, Louisiana

I have bought lenses and other camera equipment from Japan and China. My experience has been very good -- just make sure that the item you order is what you want. You can always write to the seller and ask questions. I am at this moment trying to fine the best deal on eBay for a Canon 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM zoom lens made in Japan. There are 4 or 5 different models of this lens - I'm looking for one called the MARK II and you had better be accurate in asking information about this lens to get the right one. I found one and ordered it but it turned out that the thin focus ring on it was stuck so I immediately got in touch with the seller. He immediately told me that I could keep the lens although the auto focus worked well and he would refund the bulk of the selling price -- he kept just enough to pay for the shipment and that was it! Pay Pal didn't need to be informed as we settled everything.

I am still looking for this particular lens model and have located several on eBay. (1)- The lens must have been made in Japan, not Tiawan (2)- It must have "II USM" (3)- "Macro" printed twice etc. etc. You must develop skills in gathering information on the item you are interested in. I made mistakes so I lived with them although I could've just returned them. You must pick out the places you want to buy from to save transportation costs too. It is exciting and you must have GAS (Gadget Acquisition Syndrom)…LOL

tonyi Loc: Oxford, Pennsylvania

Thanks everyone for all the replies. I actually did purchase the lens from Japan. He had a 100% approval rating and shipping is 5 to 7 days.

Naptown Gaijin

They are very honorable. Lived there 10 years. They take good care of their equipment and are totally honest.

GeneS Loc: Glendale,AZ

Tonyi
Maybe if you post on here what you are looking for, some one has it for sale
I have a number of good used SONY A mount lenses I would sell my self.

Burtzy Loc: Bronx N.Y. & Simi Valley, CA

It has been my experience that generally, lenses from Japan are more expensive than ones sold domestically. This has applied to used and new ones. I have no idea why.

mleuck

No duty fees. There is no pain if you need to return the lens (never a need to). Japanese businesses are of high standards and seek your happiness in the transaction. Further, all is covered by Ebay's buyer protection.

rfmaude41 Loc: Lancaster, Texas (DFW area)

I quite often buy from Japan, but only use very few vendors with good ratings, only have had exactly one problem, and that was with a (very, very) cheap battery; should have known better.