rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

I just examined all of my Nikkor lenses and every one of them has an easy to find serial number on them. Most of the serial numbers begin with US but not all. The lenses were all made in Thailand or China. The ones made in China all have the US prefix on the serial number.
I'd speculate that if your lens has no serial number, Grey market isn't the issue, it's probably a knock off...

Jim Bob

Good for you.

wolfman

Do you honestly believe that a reputable place like B&H is going to sell knock off products?

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

The OP clearly stated the lens has no serial number. Someone else stated the serial numbers on Nikon lenses are hard to see. I don't know how many Nikkor lenses you own, I own 8. I looked at each one after reading the original post and the replies that followed. Each lens has clearly labeled on the barrel a serial number and the country it was made in. The serial numbers are quite easy to see and read. Just for another perspective, I also looked at several of my Canon lenses, my Tamron lenses and my Sigma lenses and every lens I looked at, even the ones I know for sure are Grey market, have serial numbers on them. If the OP is correct and there is no serial number on the lens, regardless of where the lens was purchased, it probably was not manufactured by Nikon. If the lens is labeled Nikkor and it has no serial number then the logical conclusion is, as already stated, the lens probably was not manufactured by Nikon. If it wasn't made by Nikon but is labeled Nikkor, then it's a counterfeit lens, most likely a Chinese knock off. It doesn't matter what I believe. If the OP is accurate about the lack of a serial number and the lens is labeled Nikkor, what do you believe?! To answer your question to me, yes, but that has nothing to do with the lens in question since I've never seen it. Do I believe they would intentionally sell a knock off product as the real thing, no.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Yes, "Imported" can have more than one meaning. In this case, it means imported by a third party. It was probably less expensive, and it will probably never need service. Still, it's nice to have the genuine article. Nikon products are made all over the world.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Get in touch with B&H and return it, the purchase the higher priced lens that has the US warrenty
I purchased a Nikon 200mm macro from B&H (imported) knowing it was grey market that was 7 or 8 yrs ago, so far so good, I have exceeded the Mfg warranty so now its on my nickle if it shoots craps. However if I were to do it again I would pay the price and get a full American warranty.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

Bill_de Loc: US

After reading your post I decided to look at some of my lenses. The first couple I picked up I found the serial number with no problem. When I got to the 12-24 DX, even with glasses on I could not find a serial #. I knew it had to be there since I check when I buy them. Shining a bright flashlight at the lens I found it right under where it says made in Japan. It is etched into the body which is a mat finish. Even after knowing where it is, my old eyes can't see it without the aid of a bright light.

I have a feeling the OP just missed it. Even the manufacturer of a knock off would put a serial # on it.

--

mleuck

Why have a 1.8 and 1.4? GAS?

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I can see that you did not know the difference between an imported and a genuine imported lens that comes with a Nikon warranty. Some stores sell gray lenses as parallel imports.
Yes, both lenses are imported but one has a USA warranty and the other does not. Both are made in the same factory.
If the lens is performing well for you I see no reasons to return it, unless the difference in price between your lens and a genuine import is not that different.
Gray lenses are not serviced by Nikon but they will be serviced somewhere else. Service is the last thing in my mind when I buy a lens.

RonVerde

I have purchased over $20,000 worth of Nikon "Gray" market lenses from B&H over the years. The lenses operated perfectly and B&H has always been the number "one" choice of experienced professionals. Honesty with great service and good prices.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

This was sort of my thought too... You are looking at only 2/3 stop in performance between the two lenses.
Unless there is another issue like auto vs manual focus or something I would probably choose one or the other but not both.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

On the D lens you will need good lighting and a magnifying glass to find the serial number which is usually on the aperture ring (but not always).

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

1. The lens does have a serial number, your not looking close enough. ALL NIKON LENSES HAVE A SERIAL NUMBER.
2. B&H lists the lenses together, one is more expensive than the other, the CHEAPER one says IMPORTED. You thought you were getting a deal didn't you.
3. You failed to properly research.
4. If your not happy, return it, Herschel will be glad to help you out, call him TODAY. Or Monday.
5. Lesson learned here is cheaper does not always mean better.

philo Loc: philo, ca

I think that we had a post here a couple of weeks ago on gray vs. us. With canon it makes no differance they will service it however gray is not under warranty. I understand that N will not service gray.
I have a couple of C lens that have no serial number anywhere......now i wonder if they are gray.