Nikon USA or something else??
Sep 26, 2020 07:30:15 #
As always, thanks in advance for the benefit of your knowledge.
I have decided to purchase the Nikon 200-500 lens, but it is generally out of stock “everywhere”.
I saw 1 at Abe’s of Maine (which seems to have a good reputation). But the description says, “brand new factory fresh import model”. The Nikon USA site gives a list of words to beware, and “import model” is one of them, so I am concerned that this is a grey market item and I could have warranty issues. As a comparison, B&H says their current inventory (when they have some in stock) is made is China. Abes offers extended warranties.
Your thoughts? Opinions? Should I be concerned? Should I just ask to ensure that this lens from Abes is covered under Nikon USA warranty?
I have decided to purchase the Nikon 200-500 lens, but it is generally out of stock “everywhere”.
I saw 1 at Abe’s of Maine (which seems to have a good reputation). But the description says, “brand new factory fresh import model”. The Nikon USA site gives a list of words to beware, and “import model” is one of them, so I am concerned that this is a grey market item and I could have warranty issues. As a comparison, B&H says their current inventory (when they have some in stock) is made is China. Abes offers extended warranties.
Your thoughts? Opinions? Should I be concerned? Should I just ask to ensure that this lens from Abes is covered under Nikon USA warranty?
Sep 26, 2020 07:32:30 #
Abe’s used to have a good rep. No longer the case. They sell grey market. If you are fine with that go for it. Just be aware it will be a nightmare if repairs are necessary.
Sep 26, 2020 07:38:56 #
If it's gray market(and this appears to be) then Nikon will not fix it. So you take your chances to save a few bucks. Abe's does not have a good reputation on this forum.
Sep 26, 2020 07:41:24 #
Stay away from Abe of Maine. They're a bait & switch outfit. Just google "Abe of Maine here in the search area. You will find out the horror stories.
Yes, "Import" means gray market item. No Nikon USA warranty.
Check Nikon USA site, B & H Photo, Adorama for a "Refurbished " lens. You'll get a lens at a much better price, with a 90 days guaranteed from Nikon USA, etc., these are reputable authorized dealers. Or just buy new, if that's what you want.
Yes, "Import" means gray market item. No Nikon USA warranty.
Check Nikon USA site, B & H Photo, Adorama for a "Refurbished " lens. You'll get a lens at a much better price, with a 90 days guaranteed from Nikon USA, etc., these are reputable authorized dealers. Or just buy new, if that's what you want.
Sep 26, 2020 07:50:07 #
erickter
Loc: Dallas,TX
VeraP wrote:
As always, thanks in advance for the benefit of yo... (show quote)
You'd have no warranty from Nikon in the US. Abe's is a shady store preying on people such as you that are unaware of their naferious business model.
Sep 26, 2020 07:57:09 #
Abe’s hasn’t had a good reputation in years. Not only will it be grey market but they’ll pull bait and switch. They’ll probably charge extra for the lens hood and I’ve heard they’ll often require theIt worthless “extended warranty” which is priced much higher than most, often bringing your cost higher than buying a US market lens from a reputable dealer. I wasn’t overly concerned about the warranty and bought mine used from MPB in like new condition. They currently don’t have any in stock either. KEH has a couple in Ex and Ex+ condition but the prices seem to have been driven up by the shortage. I’m guessing that just like most manufacturers, COVID is really messing up the supply chain. I would suggest looking beyond the usual mail order houses and getting a list of authorized Nikon dealers and start calling. Chances are someone will have it in stock.
Sep 26, 2020 08:01:58 #
dpfoto
Loc: Cape Coral, FL
Don't walk away from Abe's of Maine... RUN away from Abe's of Maine. They're a bait & switch store with HIGH PRESSURE sales people. I would never, never, EVER even consider buying from those con artists!
Sep 26, 2020 08:02:00 #
david vt
Loc: Vermont
VeraP wrote:
I saw 1 at Abe’s of Maine (which seems to have a good reputation). B?
I saw 1 at Abe’s of Maine (which seems to have a good reputation). B?
As noted above, Abe’s (the new Abe’s) has a very poor reputation here. Google UHH and “Abe’s” and I am sure you can find 20+ threads in the last 2 years discussing this. This dealer comes up about every month or so, almost all of which say “run away, far and fast.....”
If you are fine with grey market import and don’t want any USA warranty coverage, go for it. On this expensive lens, I would be quite hesitant. I never by new equipment to begin with, but I have had to send 2 lenses and a body to Nikon for service after a drop. Would have really hated just to toss my favorite zoom lens. If you feel you will never, ever, need service, then TEHO.
The recommendations above are sound. Look for USA new if you want new. Look at the high quality used shops as noted in UHH (including UHH classifieds). Also as noted, check out Nikon Refurb on their official site.
I advise patience. This lens has a good reputation. The wait will make it worth it. Good luck
Sep 26, 2020 08:03:35 #
Where have you been to even consider Abes's of Maine? I'm not trying to insult you but most people on the Hogg will never consider Abe's an option.
Sep 26, 2020 08:08:36 #
VeraP wrote:
As always, thanks in advance for the benefit of yo... (show quote)
It is gray market.
No warranty.
Nikon will not service or repair even if you want to pay for it.
Sep 26, 2020 08:09:53 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
VeraP wrote:
As always, thanks in advance for the benefit of yo... (show quote)
Buy USA lens. Comes with a 5 year warranty. If you buy gray market, you will also get a 5 year warranty, BUT, if you want warranty work you have to send the lens to Nikon in the county of origin. For instance, if the lens was imported from Asia, you will have to send it to Nikon Asia for warranty, and you have to register the lens at Nikon Asia web site, and their would be language issues when communicating. AND, Nikon USA will never service it when warranty is up.
So, bite the bullet, and order it from B&H or find a small camera shop that would still have it. Their is a list of authorized Nikon dealers. I have taken the time to look them up for you. Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.
https://cdn-6.nikon-cdn.com/where-to-buy/nikon_img_auth_dealers.pdf
Sep 26, 2020 08:10:22 #
Gasman57 wrote:
Where have you been to even consider Abes's of Maine? I'm not trying to insult you but most people on the Hogg will never consider Abe's an option.
To which we all agree!
Sep 26, 2020 09:07:03 #
Nikon USA will not service gray market equipment. Also, they are in the process of cutting independent service centers out of the business so as to consolidate servicing to there own profit center. You will end up having to send it to it’s original market service center for any warranty or post warranty repairs with all of the customs hassle that would entail.
Sep 26, 2020 09:39:27 #
NJFrank wrote:
Abe’s used to have a good rep. No longer the case. They sell grey market. If you are fine with that go for it. Just be aware it will be a nightmare if repairs are necessary.
Yes, Abe's of Maine did once have a good rep... but that was years ago, before the original owner(s) sold the name. Essentially, it is an entirely different retailer now, operating out of a warehouse in New Jersey. And a not very favorable one, according to many customers.
Sep 26, 2020 10:17:32 #
Don’t do it! Buy a USA version (with a full warranty) from a registered Nikon dealer like B&H and deal with the wait and price. Just keep reminding yourself how long the wait (and cost) will be when you can’t get in fixed if it needs adjustment or repair.
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