Buying Gray market lens

Looking for some feedback on gray market lens sold by Japanese sellers on ebay for Sigma 17-50 F2.8 lens. Any one bought this lens from these sellers? They also provide warranty but, we need to ship lens back to them instead of sigma usa for warranty work. Price is very reasonable compared to US version.
Thanks

Your only concern might be shipping costs if issues arise and the amount of time you are without the lens.

I just did a quick postage calculation for 3lbs, valued at $750 from the US to Japan. It's $56 one way, so figure about $100 total shipping if you need to send it to Japan for work, not to mention the amount of time you're without the lens (about a month total). With that in mind, I'd want to see prices from a Japanese seller about $200 less then the US (authorized or gray market) sellers. Just my 2 cents.

You may want to read this. Pretty informative on gray market. - http://www.canonpricew​atch.com …nd-grey-market-explained/

Joe Ravenstein wrote in post #16727345
Your only concern might be shipping costs if issues arise and the amount of time you are without the lens.

Not sure about this specific sigma lens focusing issues. Shipping cost will kill all the savings even to get it calibrated.
Thanks

KirkS518 wrote in post #16727538
I just did a quick postage calculation for 3lbs, valued at $750 from the US to Japan. It's $56 one way, so figure about $100 total shipping if you need to send it to Japan for work, not to mention the amount of time you're without the lens (about a month total). With that in mind, I'd want to see prices from a Japanese seller about $200 less then the US (authorized or gray market) sellers. Just my 2 cents.

Thanks for giving me some estimates. Price difference for this lens is close to $200 with Japanese sellers. Even cheaper than used copies.

KirkS518 wrote in post #16727541
You may want to read this. Pretty informative on gray market. - http://www.canonpricew​atch.com …nd-grey-market-explained/

Thanks for the link.

KirkS518 wrote in post #16727538
I just did a quick postage calculation for 3lbs, valued at $750 from the US to Japan. It's $56 one way, so figure about $100 total shipping if you need to send it to Japan for work, not to mention the amount of time you're without the lens (about a month total). With that in mind, I'd want to see prices from a Japanese seller about $200 less then the US (authorized or gray market) sellers. Just my 2 cents.

Did check with one of the top rated ebay seller for lens sigma 17-50 2.8. It has 1 year Japan mfg warranty. Buyer is responsible for sending item to Japan (Assuming seller is available in future for warranty coverage). Seller will cover the shipping back to buyer. According to him it is $40 to ship item to Japan with usps.

It is like buying used item. Except in this case, it is little cheaper than used item for me with special ebay discount.

I wouldn't rely too heavily on the warranty or the seller's claims. If it's cheaper than used, then go for it and take the risk. If it needs repairs later on, it would be the same as a used lens without warranty and you cover it out of pocket.

pdrober2 wrote in post #16734425
I wouldn't rely too heavily on the warranty or the seller's claims. If it's cheaper than used, then go for it and take the risk. If it needs repairs later on, it would be the same as a used lens without warranty and you cover it out of pocket.

Thanks pdrober2.