Grey Market 18-135 USM

I'm in the market for a 18-135 USM as a walk around / kids at the park lens. I see a grey market version on Amazon for $275 less than new USA version. I understand the general ideas and risks for buying grey market but wanted to ask you guys about this particular case. Saving almost half my money is appealing. I've also never needed warranty service on a lens (but never say never right?). But I don't want to do something stupid and waste the other half of my money either.

What would you do?

By the US version.

The odd thing about it is that it says Fulfilled By Amazon. I know that just means they warehouse, process, package, and ship the product for the reseller, but does Amazon normally deal with grey market merch?

I have made the decision to go grey market due to substantial savings, however, I want to avoid a counterfeit product. Any thoughts on that?

Thanks!

Care to elaborate?

bmaxphoto wrote in post #18280048
The odd thing about it is that it says Fulfilled By Amazon. I know that just means they warehouse, process, package, and ship the product for the reseller, but does Amazon normally deal with grey market merch?

I have made the decision to go grey market due to substantial savings, however, I want to avoid a counterfeit product. Any thoughts on that?

Thanks!

I would purchase the grey market lens. If it does not meet your expectations when you receive it, then return it--very easy with items fulfilled by Amazon. It's half price; if it breaks get another one! Even big sellers like B&H sell non US lenses. I would not be concerned.

Thanks. I found a us version (white box from kit) for a similar price through Amazon. I went ahead with that but will return if not satisfied. I think it'll be fine. Appreciate the vote of confidence for Amazon.

i'd buy the STM version and save even more money...

you could also split the difference, buy refurbished, gives you the 1 year warranty same as new, only it's $432+tax