usnret Loc: Woodhull Il

From looking at a few of the Canon lenses I'd like to purchase I notice that some of them are on back order till,, who knows when,, but the identical imported lenses lens are in stock. Just wondering, has anyone had any issues with imported lenses?

Besperus Loc: Oregon

I don’t know many Canon, Nikon, Fuji,Pentax or Sony lense made in the USA.
When you find one let me know.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The risk of a grey market Canon lens (or camera) is it doesn't come with a US warranty. It should be brand new, came from the same overseas factory, and should exhibit the same long and trouble-free life. It should be cheaper than the same lens from the same factory that has a US warranty. You pay less in the gamble there won't be a problem that would have been covered under Canon's 1-year warranty. Because, if you ask Canon to service the equipment, even for what would have been a warranty repair, you need to pay the full repair yourself.

Canon's policy differs from other brands, where some brands won't ever provide service on grey market, even when you have to pay for the repair.

Bushpilot Loc: Minnesota

Is there any lens for any camera made in the USA?

Alphabravo2020

Make sure they get air mailed so they don't get stuck in some port.

Doc Mck Loc: Terrell,Texas

I’ve imported several lens from Japan in the past year and they have all arrived as quick or quicker than the ones bought in the US. Duty Free. I bought one lens from Canada which carried a Canada/USA canon warranty. I saved around $100 -$150 by purchasing from a Certified Canadian Canon dealer. I bought a Tamron Lens from him that did not work (new) and he promptly refunded money and took lens back. No problem. The savings probably bought me several tanks of gas (or more). I think Japan Camera dealers exclusively ship by air. Use the ones that EBay rates 100%. The Japanese have a superior rating system for their Used Cameras. Most of my stuff I buy in the USA. Sometimes I can’t get a deal on the US item.

usnret Loc: Woodhull Il

Thanks much for all that info! As it is, I have a total of 14 Canon lenses and have never had one issue with any of them. Some are over just as many years old so I'm gonna take the plunge on the 70-200 2.8. Another plus is that it's a fair bit cheaper! Thanks again!

MrPhotog

Used ones. My speed graphic had an Ektar lens made by Kodak in Rochester. (But some Ektars were made in Germany for Kodak)

New ones: Edmund Optical in New York makes precision lenses. These lenses are used on special purpose cameras, and non camera applications. You could adapt some to a major brand mirrorless SLR with some effort, and off-the-shelf hardware. They also have some interesting guides to understanding more technical areas of optics. This link takes you to an index of those:

https://www.edmundoptics.com/knowledge-center/#!&CategoryId=175

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"Imported lenses" usnret much depends on the "Brand" i.e. photo equipment vendor...
For Nikkors new from a factory authorized dealer typically would net you a 5 year warranty on many of it's "Pro Level" glass.

Today that has changed... the new Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens now only comes with a 1 year Nikon warranty and costs $2,346.95 on B&H

That same optic Gray Market (Brand New Factory Fresh Import Model) goes for $1,989.00 from Abes of Maine

In essence you pay 357.95 for a one year Nikon warranty and the ability to have it serviced by Nikon USA

My solution? I only shoot vintage Nikkors... no problems with warranty service... just pick up another on eBay if it goes bad... However I now avoid all AF-S models which are notorious for failing AF motors that Nikon claims they no longer have parts (such a convenient way for Nikon to sell new kit... lol)

At least Canon is more civilized and will service their product regardless from it's initial source vendor.

My question to you usnret is what is your perceived need for a "New" 70-200 2.8?
a.k.a. will a previously owned model meet and/or exceed this need?

I have (and frequently use) a "previously owned" AF-S 200-400mm f/4 IF ED VR for my League Soccer clients.
Since it is a USA model I initially had it serviced by Nikon USA right after I purchased it...
Been using this epic Pro Nikkor for over a decade and it's never failed...

btw, below is an example of what this 16 year old optic can do in a study scenario...
Pro Kit last and last... well worth the investment if you are shooting commercially.
Hope this helps usnret
.

Taken with a previously owned AF-S 200-400mm f/4 IF ED VR... Purchased for League Soccer, but works in studio

(Download)

StanMac Loc: Tennessee

All lenses are imported, aren’t they?

Stan

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

Not that I've seen.....

ronpier Loc: Poland Ohio

I own 12 Nikkor lenses, some purchased new, some used, never needed warranty work. Same with four Nikon DSLRs. Four cameras, no warranty work ever needed. Many of mine could already be grey market. One year warranty on cameras and lenses is good for me. I probably would not have an issue with grey market if there were a decent savings.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Since none are made here, they are all imported.

Avoid gray market. It can be tricky, but make sure it is imported correctly with a valid, Canon warranty.

BebuLamar

In the case of the OP I would buy the gray market lens. The USA version is back order. It's a Canon lens so only the 1 year warranty is lost and I think I can take that chance. Unlike Nikon which won't repair the lens. The saving also helps.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I've never had any photo gear fail, so saving money is always a good idea - as long as the warranty isn't a concern.