Import VS US Canon Lens?

[donlavange]

I am planning to purchase the Canon 70-200 f2.8L IS USM lens from B&H. I can save $50 by taking the import option. What is the thinking on this option from those with experiece on the subject? I have searched the subject in general and although I know it must have been discussed, I don't seem to locate it.

[steven]

The lenses are made at the same location by the same people.
The difference between them is how the lens arrived in the US.
The "US" version comes through "authorised" distribution chains, where the "gray" or "import" version makes it here by other means.
So as far as quality they two are identical.
From what I have heard on this and other message boards is that canon has no problem serviceing any canon lens here in the US, also B&H is an excelent dealer and I have never heard of anyone having a problem going back through them for any problems with something they sold.

Bottom line if you need to save the $50 go for the "gray" with no worry.

[Toogy]

On a lens this expensive, why even bother for $50??

I wouldn't even take a chance.

If it was $200 then maybe.

[thomascanty]

From what I have heard on this and other message boards is that canon has no problem serviceing any canon lens here in the US

The way I understand it is, yes Canon has no problem servicing a gray market lens, but they will not cover the repairs under warranty.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

[Bruce Watson]

The BH site has a very informative explanation of the differences in warranty service for the two types.

I think you would find this reassuring if you choose to go that way.

Bruce

[donlavange]

Thank you all! I guess the $50 is not a large enough amount to have to go through the store if(when?) needed. Guess I will do the US "authorized" version. Thanks again.

[steven]

From what I have heard on this and other message boards is that canon has no problem serviceing any canon lens here in the US

The way I understand it is, yes Canon has no problem servicing a gray market lens, but they will not cover the repairs under warranty.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

From what I've read canon wants to see the dated receipt to perform warenty work and are not concerned with the warenty card that is in the box (which is the only difference I can see between the two).
But I have never had to get warenty work on any canon product so all this is second hand.

[johneo]

My understanding of Gray vs US is where and how it gets serviced under warranty.

US you can bring it to any authorized Canon dealer for repair under warranty. Gray you have to send it back to the retailer you bought it from and they send it off for warranty service.

Buy enough camera equipment and that amount adds up. I'm sure many are glad they have US warranty but I've never had to send a lens or camera back for repair so I figure it was money well saved and spent on other things.

Also ... I bought some "Gray" film (no, not B&W film :lol: ) and the savings was pretty good considering the amount I bought. Difference was some of the film had the word "colour" instead of "color". Some had french wording on the package ... good thing my camera doesn't have audio :shock:

I also bought a lens (100-400 L) as gray and got a call from the retailer and asked if it was OK if they sent a US warranty model for the price of the gray ... they didn't have the gray market lens in stock. Tough to decide but I said "Sure, why not!" :lol:

IMHO, US warranty is perhaps nothing more than peace of mind.