Buying non US items: I'm thinking about buying a new prime lens to compliment the kit lenses I got with my new D5600. What is the downside of buying used equipment that is from Japan?

thommy

I'm thinking about buying a new prime lens to compliment the kit lenses I got with my new D5600.
What is the downside of buying used equipment that is from Japan?
I've bought and sold for years on Ebay so I'm comfortable with the good and bad of that system.
Thanks and howdy!
first post

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

With a lens, should be no problem, as they do not need a lot of repair. With a camera, and especially with Nikon, Nikon USA will not work on them. So, to answer your question, the downside of buying non USA equipment is the manufacturer may not service the equipment in the USA.

thommy

Thank you, I am aware of that, just wondering what other downside?

Bill_de Loc: US

I would think if buying used there is no downside. Buying new Nikon USA give a 5 year warranty on lenses.

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Keen

Japanese photo gear is generally excellent.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

thommy wrote:

I'm thinking about buying a new prime lens to compliment the kit lenses I got with my new D5600.
What is the downside of buying used equipment that is from Japan?
I've bought and sold for years on Ebay so I'm comfortable with the good and bad of that system.
Thanks and howdy!
first post

Remember all of Nikon products are not manufactured in Japan. A lot are produced in Thailand. The warranty is the same, production is different.

BebuLamar

traderjohn wrote:

Remember all of Nikon products are not manufactured in Japan. A lot are produced in Thailand. The warranty is the same, production is different.

Used Nikon equipment has no warranty whether they are US or not.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

BebuLamar wrote:

Used Nikon equipment has no warranty whether they are US or not.

I should have said new.

ClarkJohnson Loc: Fort Myers, FL and Cohasset, MA

orrie smith wrote:

With a lens, should be no problem, as they do not need a lot of repair. With a camera, and especially with Nikon, Nikon USA will not work on them. So, to answer your question, the downside of buying non USA equipment is the manufacturer may not service the equipment in the USA.

I don’t quite agree that lenses do not need a lot of repair. I found myself at one point with a Nikon 300mm f/4 that (I found out later) had a history of focus motor problems. The lens worked, but was very noisy.

It was used, but Nikon repaired the unit (replaced the motor) because it was a US model. It was not cheap, but I ended up with essentially a refurbished product.

The more complex the lens, the greater the risk you take buying non-US models. If buying from overseas, at least make sure you have the option to return defective products.

Good luck!

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

i buy used and refurbished.. Just make sure it's a reliable source

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

thommy wrote:

I'm thinking about buying a new prime lens to compliment the kit lenses I got with my new D5600.
What is the downside of buying used equipment that is from Japan?
I've bought and sold for years on Ebay so I'm comfortable with the good and bad of that system.
Thanks and howdy!
first post

The GOOD is the price. The bad is the lack of Nikon service if needed. BUT, most good camera repair shops should be able to help you out. As for me, I am within an hour and a half from the Nikon NY repair shop and just drive them in when I need service on my US Nikon gear.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

thommy wrote:

I'm thinking about buying a new prime lens to compliment the kit lenses I got with my new D5600.
What is the downside of buying used equipment that is from Japan?
I've bought and sold for years on Ebay so I'm comfortable with the good and bad of that system.
Thanks and howdy!
first post

I can not see any downside to that. Since you're buying used, there is no worry about any warrenty issues anyway and one can get excellent deals on Ebay for just a little money. Sounds like a win-win situation to me! Have fun!

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

speters wrote:

I can not see any downside to that. Since you're buying used, there is no worry about any warrenty issues anyway and one can get excellent deals on Ebay for just a little money. Sounds like a win-win situation to me! Have fun!

Unless he needs to have it serviced, Nikon will not service it nor will they supply parts. If parts are unavailable from private camera repair shops there could be an issue.

Photec

thommy wrote:

I'm thinking about buying a new prime lens to compliment the kit lenses I got with my new D5600.
What is the downside of buying used equipment that is from Japan?
I've bought and sold for years on Ebay so I'm comfortable with the good and bad of that system.
Thanks and howdy!
first post

I recently went thru this same situation for a new lens. I bought a grey market (non USA model) Nikon 24-120 f4 VR (latest model) on line for $505 and added 5 years of full coverage insurance for $40 (that coverage that covers a lot more than Nikon warranty). The US model was also on sale that day for $1149. When I checked into the details, both lenses were made in the same factory. Not only did I save over half on the cost, I can rest easier knowing that if I drop it in a lake or down a cliff in the next several years, if I can find it, I can send it to the insurance company for a full refund.
Now, that said, I am still not willing to buy a grey market camera.

Tommy II Loc: Northern Illinois

I’ve never found a downside yet. When I purchased my D500 last year, I wanted good lenses for it, but found the cost of good lenses prohibitive because I decided to invest in FX lenses for the time I’d buy a full frame camera. I’ve had nothing but great luck dealing with Japanese sellers. Straight forward, honest people who sold me several lenses at a considerable savings over new. All of them have been beautiful, perfect functioning glass. Glad I did what I did because I bought a D850 a couple of months ago. Now I’m all set with lenses. My advise is “Gi for it”. Just be carful to look st feedback from other buyers. Good luck.