Largobob

I totally agree. I have purchased many thousands of dollars worth of used gear from abroad. I have learned to avoid Chinese sellers. They tend to misrepresent the item and ship via the slowest methods available. (Like the song, "Slow boat from China..."). I have had Chinese packages that take over a month for delivery. Often, they do not accept returns....and do not seem to speak/understand English.

On the other hand, I have every confidence in the Japanese vendors I have used (sellers on eBay with 100% positive ratings). From my experience, their ratings are dead-on (accurate, conservative), they speak English and are responsive to email questions, they tend to ship within a day of the order being placed, they package the stuff really well, and they use shippers that are insured and have a delivery in about 7 days.

BTW: Despite the warnings displayed on Japanese vendor sites (shipment may be delayed in customs, or there may be taxes imposed by the receiving country)....I have never experienced any delay or customs tax.

Pre-war Germany WAS known for superb optics. After WW2, Japan's manufacturing and quality control rose to a very enviable, world-class level.....think Toyota, Honda, Nikon, Canon, etc. I would not be hesitant in buying a Japanese-produced optic or camera system.

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

Your wasting your money if you shoot Nikon. Buy the Nikon 200-500. It has better optics, has a 5 year warranty, and will be worth more when you trade it in or sell it and will give you better service over time. No worries, it is that good.

Indylp

retail is not 2K it is 1499.00

Amazon has this lens brand new for 999.00
https://www.amazon.com/Sigma-50-500mm-4-5-6-3-Telephoto-Digital/dp/B003A6H2Y8

Ebay 400.00 - 600.00 used
https://www.ebay.com/bhp/sigma-50-500mm

I agree with BillNikon get the 200-500 Nikon if you are a Nikon shooter

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Looking at what you want to do and the comments the 50-500mm is rated well but you could do much better.
The Tamron 150-600mm G2 gives you the real reach needed for wildlife as you say you wish to do. Broad scenery shots you are limited with 50mm from the broad scenery shots and this seems to be missing from the comments.
Then add the 24-120mm Nikon for the wide shots as well as the do it all on your camera most of the time lens.
This gives you a true wide angle lens that the 50mm fails at what you were wanting.
Enjoy.

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

How knowledgeable are these reviewers? There are many people out there that can accurately judge a lenses quality. There are jus as many that cannot.

If you want premium quality oats, you will pay a premium price. If you are willing to settle for oats that have already been through the horse, that comes a bit cheaper.

SVP

Jim Bianco

I would be Leary of the import and duty tax. I live in A.Z and I would not know what the duty tax would be on a 300.00 dollar item.
Does anybody have an idea?

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

I have ordered up to $2000.00 worth of lens from Japan always without a duty tax. I have never paid a duty tax on camera equipment from Japan.

Largobob

I have bought thousands of $$$ worth of used camera gear from Japan.....with no duty, tax or tariff of any kind. Of course, used may have different than new.

Jim Bianco

Thanks, that is good advice.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

The 50-500 is a very slow lens, the af sucks and the IQ leaves a lot to be desired, I'd be looking somewhere else!

hankswan

I have purchased several Nikon lenses (used) from Japan (eBay) and absolutely no problems. I would consider my purchases to be as good or even better than from US or China. No sales tax, free shipping (very quick, longest ship time 8 days, shortest 5 days) equipment always as described. You need to know that Japanese photographers (amateur or professional) are fanatical about their equipment. If you see Japanese tourists, they will have a camera or several cameras and multiple lenses. They love to take pictures. I also use older lenses because I like the results I get with them and I do not believe that the newer lenses with less glass etc. are better than the older top of the line lenses, even though they cost 3 and sometimes 4 times as much as the older lens. Of course I know that what I have stated is from my perspective and a personal view point. Good luck for whatever you decide.

Jim Bianco

Thanks great advice.

torchman310 Loc: Santa Clarita, Ca.

I wish some of my Nikon lenses were made in Japan rather than China !

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

All of my Canon lenses were made in Japan.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Since the OP has analyzed their use and is seeking a lens with a larger range, a prime is not responsive to the given needs.