Canon 24-105 L confusing listing on amazon

Hello all! I'm probably overlooking something very obvious, but I noticed that two versions of the Canon 24-105 f4 L IS USM are selling on Amazon.com.

One is cheaper ($743) and was first listed on Amazon in 2005. The other is more expensive ($1149) and was first listed in 2004.
http://www.amazon.com …d-keywords=canon%2024-105

Does anyone know the difference between these two lenses? Thank you.

Same lens, just different sellers asking different prices. In all cases though the lens is physically exactly the same from the same factory.

One possible reason for different prices is whether or not the lens was pulled form a "kit" or if it is a regular lens sold separately. Also, some retailers can sell a lens cheaper if it is not sold with a USA warranty from an Authorized Canon dealer. These are often called "Grey" market lenses and have to be returned to the seller for warranty.

Kit lenses, come in white boxes, while regular lenses are sold in red and white boxes with black lettering. Again either one can come with or without USA Warranty. (or Canada/USA or ?)

White box

If you delve deeper into the listing, it is explained as being grey market when somebody queries the model number difference. It has a non-US model code.

Thank you both for your responses. I wouldn't have guessed that the same model could have a $400 difference, but hey, you learn something new every day.

sandpiper wrote in post #16088738
If you delve deeper into the listing, it is explained as being grey market when somebody queries the model number difference. It has a non-US model code.

I am not so sure you can tell if it is a USA model by the model number. B&H Photo lists the same model number for both the USA and non-USA 24-105mm lenses.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …294205295&Ntt=e​f+24-105mm

msowsun wrote in post #16088867
I am not so sure you can tell if it is a USA model by the model number. B&H Photo lists the same model number for both the USA and non-USA 24-105mm lenses.

My point was that somebody queried it and that is the answer that was given. I have no idea of how accurate it is, just that the lens was described as grey import in the answer.

Got it.

It's not the model number that differentiates USA-warranty lenses vs grey-market lenses. It's the serial number. Lenses 1-20,000, for example, are USA, 20,001-50,000 Europe, 50,001-80,000 Asia, etc. That way, when someone sends a non-USA lens (or camera) for repair to a USA Canon repair place, they can immediately determine if it is or is not covered under USA warranty...and the higher price paid for the lens.