Is it okay to buy tamron 24-70 from Ebay?

I was going to get the used Canon 24-70L version 1. However, I've read and saw couple reviews on side by side comparison and decided to go with tamron since it has VC. I do a lot of handheld video recording for 5dmk2

I can find some Tamron 24-70VC running around $900 (the lowest $859) on ebay. It is all from Hong Kong or from China. If I purchase it, will U.S charge tax? I don't know why there is such a big price difference upto $1200.

will it be okay?

Sometimes it is because they get the products locally where they can be cheaper and sell them. Sometimes its a scam. Sometimes it's a damaged product.

You will not be charted tax for it. I always see Ebay as a gamble. If you are going to do it, make sure you pay with paypal, and make sure they have good feedback and a decent amount of feedback.

Ratjack wrote in post #16565351
Sometimes it is because they get the products locally where they can be cheaper and sell them. Sometimes its a scam. Sometimes it's a damaged product.

You will not be charted tax for it. I always see Ebay as a gamble. If you are going to do it, make sure you pay with paypal, and make sure they have good feedback and a decent amount of feedback.

Yeh, I guess I might gamble. Maybe it does not cover U.S warranty.... the feedback is around 19000 from seller

I got mine off ebay and it worked out great for me. It was from Hong Kong and you do take a gamble that it might get stopped for duty tax, but mine didn't luckily. The lens was brand new and worked like a charm.

IVe bought a lot of things on ebay, even a car. (1970 Beetle) The only problems I ever have had are with lenses. Strangely enough. (oil on blades, not as described problems)
It has actually made me stop buying used altogether. Unknown origin for me.

I perfer to buy 3rd party new from usa authorized dealer to ensure I have full warranty. I've had to use it before multiple times.

OP, if you find China/Hong Kong a little chancey you might try KEH, Adorama or B&H for used lenses. They are all very reputable and will take the lens back if you don't like it.

I've purchased quite a few things on E-bay. From $20 old film cameras to a 135L. I have only had a handful of issues, and ALL of them were resolved quickly with a minimum of fuss. My only criteria for E-bay are: no stores, I buy from individuals, at least 100 sales with at least 99% positive reviews, US based.

All of the protections for E-bay shopping and Paypal paying are on the side of the buyer. You have little to fear. The worst that will happen is you'll get your money back.

I've bought maybe 10 or so photography related items on ebay, and had problems with two of them. The first one the seller took back with no problems, the second one I'm working on right now (it appears the seller is going to cooperate, I always hold my breath a little bit 'till it's all taken care of). I had one case a couple of years ago where a gearcase for an outboard engine was 10 years older than the seller claimed and wouldn't fit my engine. Seller was an ass and I had to file a complaint. It took ebay about 2 months to take care of it but I did get my money back, and the seller had to pay the return shipping as well.

As others have stated I try to stick with individuals who have over 100 or so transactions and at least 99.5%. I did however get a killer deal on my 70-200 from a brand new seller.

As far as import duty, I actually just looked that up today (I too am contemplating a lens purchase from overseas). It's not very much, only 2.3% (lens from Japan, I'm not sure if it differs depending on the country of origin). Supposedly it's supposed to be paid for items over $200, but I take it that it doesn't get collected all the time.