Question !

A freind just got an xti for Christmas from his wife, and now he is looking for a nice wide angle lense. The question was what is the "Real
Difference" between the USA and Import? Is it a service or warranty issue?

Warranty - officially, Canon USA only offers warranty service for equipment they importred directly; Official USA gear is also the only stuff they'll provide rebates on, so if you're counting on a double rebate for picking up some new lenses, better go with the "Official" US imports.

Others may correct me, but I believe members have posted that they've gotten warranty service here even though the lenses in question were "grey market", that Canon only refuses warranty service on grey market cameras. But I have no direct experience either way.

There's certainly no physical difference. I know the rebate is only good on US versions, as Jon said, I've heard that Canono will service grey market lenses, but not bodies. Frankly, for the nominal price difference, I'd just go with the US version and not have to worry about potential warranty issues.

Thanks guys. I'll let him know.

Check out this thread. Tweatherred wrote Canon service direct and post #16 is their response.