Imported Products?

[dennykyser]

Do any of you purchase Imported items? I never have but sometimes wonder if they arent the best deal.

[Belmondo]

I'm not sure I really understand your question. Virtually every piece of equipment in my camera bag is imported. For that matter, the bag itself is very likely imported.

Are you talking about buying from retailers in other countries?

Or are you talking about gray market items? (Items made for sale in other countries, but sold here.)

[dennykyser]

Gray Market Items, B&H lists them as imported instead of gray market

[JZaun]

Go to B&H and look at lens for an example. Pick an Import lens and click on the word import. They give a great explination for import / grey market.

JZaun

[scottbergerphoto]

Do any of you purchase Imported items? I never have but sometimes wonder if they arent the best deal.
That really depends on who you buy them from. When you buy a Grey Market item, you are relying on the seller to take care of you if there is a problem unless they give you an aftermarket warrany with the item. Delta International has good prices on Grey Market Sigma lenses, but you get a one year warranty instead of a 4 year USA warranty. In addition, some Grey Market goods do not have manuals in English. I prefer to deal directly with the manufacturer for repairs then have to go back to the retailer. That said, you can save some money, and probably be OK if you buy from someplace like B and H.
Scott

[PacAce]

Do any of you purchase Imported items? I never have but sometimes wonder if they arent the best deal.

Yes, I do, but only from B&H. And only for lower priced items (less than $500) unless the US version with rebate is comparable in price or very close.

For major items like camera bodies and expensive lenses where the savings is insignificant compared to the price of the item, then I stick with the US version, especially if it's a Canon item...don't want to jeopardize being able to take the camera/lens combo to Canon and say, "Here, tweak it!" if I have to while it's still under warranty.

[typer77]

Hi guys,
this is my first post here and I live in Japan (hopefully not for too much longer.)
I see most of the accessories cost more here; but sometimes you get a good deal on lenses. However, with the current expensive YEN rate, they are sometimes only a bit better than the US price.
I am thinking of getting another lens before I move back to Hong Kong though....
Jack