USA or Imported?? Which is it?

I see lenses for sale on sites like ebay where they are not announcing whether or not the are USA or Imported.

I also wonder the same about cameras where they don't post it either.

Is there some way to find out? If the seller says it is one or the other, how can I know for sure?

There is no difference in the actual item, usually the only difference between USA and grey-imported is who warrants the item (the manufacturer for USA products or the retailer for imports). I have no idea if there is a way to find out. Maybe by the serial number.

If you purchase used gear this really only matters if the item is still under warranty. In this case I would agree, it would be good to know.

I buy most of my photo equip. from B&H, but when I see these good deals I am tempted. I just don't want to "step in it" and buy something that turns out to be trouble in the long run.

I found this article on the topic an interesting read:

http://www.canonpricew​atch.com …nd-grey-market-explained/

guntoter wrote in post #16714093
I buy most of my photo equip. from B&H, but when I see these good deals I am tempted. I just don't want to "step in it" and buy something that turns out to be trouble in the long run.

Check the terms. If you buy the import version the canon usa warranty does not apply, but that doesnt mean you are without any warranty. B&H may provide an equivalent warranty from a 3rd party vendor.

Asterisk wrote in post #16714172
I found this article on the topic an interesting read:

http://www.canonpricew​atch.com …nd-grey-market-explained/

Good article. Thank you.

gonzogolf wrote in post #16714198
Check the terms. If you buy the import version the canon usa warranty does not apply, but that doesnt mean you are without any warranty. B&H may provide an equivalent warranty from a 3rd party vendor.

Thanks

Asterisk wrote in post #16714172
I found this article on the topic an interesting read:

http://www.canonpricew​atch.com …nd-grey-market-explained/

As the article points out a different naming convention for some cameras is a dead giveaway for imports.

"...clearly imported versions (i.e. different camera name (650D vs. T4i),..."

Who cares? No manufacture's warranty anyways. The warranty is only for the original purchaser.

HOWEVER, never buy used Nikon gear unless you can verify that it's USA because Nikon USA will refuse to repair any grey market gear even if you pay them. Sure you could go to a 3rd party for repair but I believe that there are some repairs that only Nikon can do.

Edit:
I was thinking used items, not new when I replied to this thread.

Greg M wrote in post #16718613
Who cares? No manufacture's warranty anyways. The warranty is only for the original purchaser.

HOWEVER, never buy used Nikon gear unless you can verify that it's USA because Nikon USA will refuse to repair any grey market gear even if you pay them. Sure you could go to a 3rd party for repair but I believe that there are some repairs that only Nikon can do.

I think the OP may be referring to buying *new* from eBay sellers as opposed to buying used.

Asterisk wrote in post #16718617
I think the OP may be referring to buying *new* from eBay sellers as opposed to buying used.

OK, then I would only buy from companies that clarified if the item was USA or grey. Of coarse I would expect that any authorized USA dealer would clarify.

Still never buy Nikon grey market items no matter what warranty comes with it. Nikon will never service it and 3rd party repair centers can't complete all repairs. They can repair most issues but not all.

Asterisk wrote in post #16718617
I think the OP may be referring to buying *new* from eBay sellers as opposed to buying used.

That is true. I know if I buy used all bets are off.

Also, Greg M, there is very little chance that I would buy Nikon. However, I know you were putting the info out for everyone to read.