USA vs Import Lens/Equipment

[steven]

I see there is always a price difference between Canon equipment that is labeled USA and that labeled Import. The import always is less expensive.

Looking at buying on the web it is very difficult to tell what is USA and what is not. I wonder if trying to find out is worth the effort.
I would not mind paying extra for a piece of equipment if I only knew why.

Other than the price is there a difference?

steve

[Canuck]

I see there is always a price difference between Canon equipment that is labeled USA and that labeled Import. The import always is less expensive.

Looking at buying on the web it is very difficult to tell what is USA and what is not. I wonder if trying to find out is worth the effort.
I would not mind paying extra for a piece of equipment if I only knew why.

Other than the price is there a difference?

steve

scottbergerphoto/CDS put it best and I hope with his permission I can quote them...
"Grey Market goods, are made for export to countries outside the USA. They are either bought by a retailer in the country they were supposed to ship to and resold in the USA or change hands in a port, without ever actually going to another country. Functionally, they are usually the same as the non Grey Market goods except for minor cosmetic differences, like a different name. They are usually cheaper then their non Grey Market cousin and that's why people buy them. There is usually No Manufacturer's Warranty associated with them. Any warranty is from the merchant you bought them from. That warranty is usually substantially shorter then on the non Grey Market item. They may not have a manual in English and the manual may be a photocopy as opposed to a bound text. If you choose to go the Grey Market route, buy from a major, reputable retailer with a reputation for reliable service / repair work.

CyberDyneSystems adds:
"In "Some" cases a grey Market item may have a limited warranty regardless, as some products have an international warranty included exclusive of any warranty for a specific country.
But this is the exception to the rule where in most cases you will have no warranty from the manufacturer at all if you buy grey market.
Lastly, there are third party "depot" warranties that may be bundled with a grey market product, or available at an optional charge. One such common depot warranty service is MACK."

Scott"

[steven]

So in the main difference is the warranty.

Is't Canon equipment very reliable?

How many times has anyone had to use the warranty?

steve

[scottbergerphoto]

So in the main difference is the warranty.

Is't Canon equipment very reliable?

How many times has anyone had to use the warranty?

steve
Up until this month I would have said, not to worry. I just sent a brand new Canon 400 f/5.6 back to Canon because the inside surface of the front lens element is dirty. The difference in price between Grey Market and USA at B&H is usually so small compared to the cost of the item that I always buy USA.

Canuck, Thanks for the attribution.
Regards,
Scott

[CoolToolGuy]

B&H, Adorama, and some others are up front when disclosing whether the item is USA or not, and that is commendable. But some others do not tell you that they are selling 'imported' goods in the USA. Be wary if it matters to you, and ask questions of the vendor.

In addition, Canon USA frequently has rebates on lenses, cameras, etc. However, the rebates are only available when you buy the USA version and send in the USA warranty card.

Have Fun,

[Motorsports Photo]

I have bought boughtt US and grey market.

My D30 has Irish paperwork in it but Canon still worked on it with no fees.

-Pete