About to pull the trigger on Canon 100-400. Thoughts?

"So sending the lens there and back 2 or 3 times to Hong Kong (that is not unusual), will soon sum up as the PP cost that could have been a price difference between 'grey' and local shop tag."

As I understand it, the OP bought the "gray market" lens from Adorama, not Hong Kong, so this shouldn't be an issue.

I believe that after the Adorama warranty expires Canon will service the lens for a fee, the same as they will for an out of warranty non- gray market item. This is unlike Nikon, who won't service a gray market item at all.

repete7 wrote in post #16045710
I thought grey market was risky? As in it would be hard to get it serviced after Adorama's warranty ran out? If not, I wished I had read your post before I bought new, regular market. The difference in price would have taken care of the filter...sigh. Glad you love it. Looking forward to mine coming.

Think of it as the normal Canon warranty, but say an Adorama (or other) warranty will cover the repairs due to manufacturer defect for the first year - "free" of charge (I don't know if calibration counts). After that, any Canon lens, USA warranty or otherwise, Canon will service - for a price (It is no longer under warranty). If you buy a non-USA warranty in the USA and the place does offer their warranty, it is like buying a lens without warranty and you would need to pay for all repairs. Also, the warranty only covers manufacture problems, not drops, spills, etc.... You could send it to wherever the warranty is for - that could be expensive.

gjl711 wrote in post #16047965
I agree, buying gray is generally not worth the hassle and I am not sure how things are in the states these days. I haven't bought a lens from Canon for a couple years but all I have bough does have an international warranty.

However, why the change for bodies? In the states bodies have always had country specific warranties. Is it different there?

How long ago? I purchased a Gray market (not USA warranty/International warranty) 100mm f/2.8 macro (pre-USM) way back in 1998ish. I am not going to try to find that warranty card. As far as worry about Gray Market, this lens is going strong. Though I now also have the 100L (I wanted USM, the ability to use a tripod mount, IS, and weather sealing didn't hurt). If at the time I had the money I would have went USA warranty, now I would go the USA warranty.

tomj wrote in post #16048083
As I understand it, the OP bought the "gray market" lens from Adorama, not Hong Kong, so this shouldn't be an issue.

Correct, but I was responding to gjl711's question about my own reasons for buying gray mkt cameras but not lenses.

jimewall wrote in post #16048097
How long ago? I purchased a Gray market (not USA warranty/International warranty) 100mm f/2.8 macro (pre-USM) way back in 1998ish. I am not going to try to find that warranty card. As far as worry about Gray Market, this lens is going strong. Though I now also have the 100L (I wanted USM, the ability to use a tripod mount, IS, and weather sealing didn't hurt). If at the time I had the money I would have went USA warranty, now I would go the USA warranty.

Last lens I bought was about 2 years ago, maybe closer to 3. It came with an international warranty. I've never bought gray which is why I was asking. from what I understood, gray market lenses come with an international warranty. THere were a few threads here stating such and also stating that Canon would honor the warranty irrespective of country.

I'm just trying to understand the reality of buying gray as I have read so many different opinions on what Canon will or will not do when purchasing gray.

Here is an area where Canon shines over Nikon. If you live in the USA and buy a gray market Nikon lens, not only is there no warranty, Nikon USA service will refuse to even look at it. You get to send your lens to Europe.

repete7 wrote in post #16044853
I'm looking at a used Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM from Adorama that is graded D "little or no signs of wear" for $1299.....

Questions: Is used from Adorama OK? New would be $200 more.

Keyan wrote in post #16044898
Lenses of that caliber, well cared for, will hardly ever lose much value. I believe Adorama has a return policy on used lenses if you get it and are not happy correct?

This unit comes with a 6-month warranty, which includes a 30-day returns period for refund or exchange.

gasrocks wrote in post #16045667
I agree, avoid Adorama.....

Concerned to see that you feel this way; would you like to email me directly: Helen@adorama.com with more details of what has led you to give this recommendation against purchasing from Adorama Camera?

gasrocks wrote in post #16045667
I agree, avoid Adorama, buy new and get the EF 400/5.6.

Please email me: Helen@adorama.com rather than continue with your drip-drip attempt at retailer character assasination

I'm the OP. I got the 100-400mm, new. Very happy so far. Thanks for all the information.

Here are some pics (Canon T1i body, 100-400mm lens, f/6.3, 1/500, 400mm, ISO 200 on the duck, and ISO 100 on the sparrow):

Get one refurbed from Canon USA store. We get all our L glass there.

MCAsan wrote in post #16069287
Get one refurbed from Canon USA store. We get all our L glass there.

Edit: I didn't see that model when I looked at refurbished. Guess I didn't look close enough. I will keep that in mind if I ever buy any more lenses. Thanks.