Canon T3i Lenses?

[kcrossley]

Okay, I have an opportunity to but this off of CL. Apparently, it was purchased as part of a kit and the owner doesn't want it. How can I tell if this is a US or grey market lens? Also, is this the latest version?

[kcrossley]

I just checked the SKU. It's grey market. So what does that mean?

[cacawcacaw]

Originally Posted by kcrossley

Okay, I have an opportunity to but this off of CL. Apparently, it was purchased as part of a kit and the owner doesn't want it. How can I tell if this is a US or grey market lens? Also, is this the latest version?

It's the same model number as the one currently being sold by Amazon. The seller should have a warranty card to show you that it's a US model but I'd be mostly concerned with getting a copy of the receipt from the seller, which Canon will require for warranty work.

How much? You can find these on sale occasionally for about $150 so I'd want to pay about $125 or less from a private party.

Edit: Nothing wrong with the gray market version. Just try to get a little bit better price.

[kcrossley]

He's asking $180, which is way too much. His emails are a little curt, which makes me a tad bit nervous. I'll offer $125 and see how he responds.

[Yogi Bear]

Originally Posted by cacawcacaw

It's the same model number as the one currently being sold by Amazon. The seller should have a warranty card to show you that it's a US model but I'd be mostly concerned with getting a copy of the receipt from the seller, which Canon will require for warranty work.

How much? You can find these on sale occasionally for about $150 so I'd want to pay about $125 or less from a private party.

Edit: Nothing wrong with the gray market version. Just try to get a little bit better price.

Gray market does not qualify for US warranty. Technically, in fact, the warranty is only available to the original purchaser, but if you have proof of purchase, Canon will honor the warranty on non-gray market items. The $125 offer sounds like a reasonable approach.

[kcrossley]

What is the normal warranty period on Canon lenses?

[Yogi Bear]

Originally Posted by kcrossley

What is the normal warranty period on Canon lenses?

One year.

[kcrossley]

Actually, maybe I am wrong. That SKU is the same one Best Buy sells:
http://reviews.bestbuy.com/3545/8758...rt=helpfulness

So is it US or grey market?

[RTPVid]

White box also sells for less. Ask if it has a USA warranty card.

[cacawcacaw]

Originally Posted by kcrossley

... So is it US or grey market?

If it were me, that would be the least important consideration.

Is there any good reason to pay more for the newer version? From what I read the only difference is that the newer version has a higher retail price. Correct me if I'm wrong but it looks like the old version is the better value.

You can get a brand new, returnable, lens shipped from Amazon for $190 total so I'd first want to make sure that I could get a price low enough to make it worth getting involved with a private party.

[John from PA]

Also, I don't think a warranty is transferable, so gray market or US is a moot point. If you are happy with it and can visually examine it go for it. One thing I would do is a quick and crude battery test to check for focus issues. If it front or back focuses then take that into consideration. It is from what I understand $180 to get the lens adjusted to your camera by Canon.

Do a search here on "battery test" and you'll see how to do it.

[Keyan]

The II version just has minor exterior changes and rumor is they did some other things to lower their costs, while still asking the same retail price. Optically they are the same. The sample shots I posted are all from the original version.

[kcrossley]

I have a friend who is selling one of these for $129. What do you think? Will this fit on a 3Ti?

Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM Telephoto Zoom Lens

[Yogi Bear]

Originally Posted by kcrossley

I have a friend who is selling one of these for $129. What do you think? Will this fit on a 3Ti?

Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM Telephoto Zoom Lens

DON'T DO IT!! Crummy lens! Close to retail price anyway.

[kcrossley]

Okay, thanks!