VeraP

I actually saw some aged posts on UHH that were complimentary. That’s why I asked the question - was thinking their reputation is trash.

VeraP

Thanks everyone. I will continue to watch for availability at the stores I know to be reputable, NikonUSA, and here. Have a great weekend. Vera

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Keep away from them. If you really want to buy that lens my suggestion is that you try to buy it second hand. If you buy from a reputable dealer you will get a 6 months warranty. I do not recall those dealers selling second hand imported Nikon products so called "gray market."

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Run don't walk
Abes has NOT had a good reputation for over 30 years.

GLSmith Loc: Tampa, Fl

The 200-500 lenses are hand made like the 500 mm F/5.6. I can not vouch for Abes anymore, however popular belief by multiple other UHH members show numerous issues. As far as finding the lens, have you looked at ProCam a huge store based in the midwest in Cinncinnati, Chicago & Detroit?....I was on the forever waiting list for all of the NY dealers for the 500mm F/5.6, ProCam had 3 of them in stock. Another good source to look/try is Roberts Camera in the mid-west as well operating since the 1950s very reputable. Also try LensAuthority

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

Have you handled that lens? It's really heavy. If you're set on it try Midwest Photo Exchange - reliable and they don't sell gray market items.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Abe's of Maine is not Abe's of Maine now, and it hasn't been for a while. It's corporate name is Westpark Electronics LLC.

https://www.cpricewatch.com/blog/2014/05/warning-avoid-abes-of-maine-and-other-bait-switch-retailers/

Nikon did this starting March 31, 2020 - nothing to do with the pandemic:

https://www.cpricewatch.com/blog/2014/05/warning-avoid-abes-of-maine-and-other-bait-switch-retailers/

But they did thisin 2012:

https://nikonrumors.com/2012/01/16/nikon-usa-to-stop-selling-camera-parts-to-independent-repair-shops.aspx/

Nikon's long standing policy, since the 1960s has been to support its authorized distribution network, Nikon USA, with the primary tool being refusal to honor international warranties for goods not purchased through the normal channels - eg a camera purchased from a USA retailer that was intended for a foreign market. It does honor warranties for equipment purchased outside the country from a verifiable face-to-face transaction - like when you are on location or vacation and buy gear - but it will only be the international one year warranty, and afterwards, they will still fix it but you need to provide the original purchase receipt as proof that you were the original buyer.

So with no parts availability or repair facilities staffed with Nikon-trained repair staff, parts, special tools etc - buying a grey market anything is a big risk, and the small savings is not worth the hassles, and the lost of value - when you try and sell your gear.

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

markinvictoria Loc: Victoria TX

I recently needed to replace my trusty well used old Nikkor 18-105 with the 18-140. Needing the lens for the following weekend I went to Amazon for the 2 day shipping and 30 day no question return policy. Amazon had the grey market version of the lens from Abe's for about the same price as refurbs from B&H etc.. Bought the lens with no problems and it works great. That said I would not take the chance with a more expensive lens or body from Abe's with no warranty.

n4jee Loc: New Bern, NC

I don't know when they had a good reputation. I know they were bad in the 70's, so it must have been before that.

Bill_de Loc: US

Maybe the OP never had reason to consider Abe's of Maine. I would only look beyond the big three or four, if none of them had what I was looking for. That's rare.

Abe's of Maine lost credibility the day they moved to Brooklyn.

--

IDguy Loc: Idaho

My Nikon 200-500 is off to Nikon at this moment for its second free firmware update under Nikon warranty. They even pay shipping both ways.

Not only will they not do that on a grey market lens they won’t work on it period.

Alas my warranty is nearing its end.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

VeraP I purchase the lion's share of my high end glass Refurbished from Nikon USA.
No problems... it comes with a 90 day warranty... and a substantial savings from new.

btw, the commercial shooters I assist advised me to go this route stating a Nikon USA refurbished product has been through rigorous quality control control checks unlike "factory fresh" items which may have only been "spot checked"

Great Lens... albeit a tad slow to focus, also the the zoom throw is absolutely the worst I've ever used... virtually impossible to pull from 500mm to 200mm with one hand movement making it a dog for soccer... I've retired mine to shooting fashion editorials since those models don't run very fast in stiletto heels... lol

On the plus side, the 200-500mm has stellar VR! which is useless for sports/action at 1/2000 and above...
For action sports please consider an AF 300mm f/2.8 made in Japan
(my hit rate tripled with this glass)

Please stay safe...
All the best on your journey VeraP

Photec

The last time I checked, I think Abe's of Maine was actually in New Jersey or NYC! Beware of Bait and Switch and Items Removed from the box.

gwilliams6

Stay far away from Abe's of Maine, a ripoff.