What would you do?

This is how I received my package from Amazon... Fortunately, everything inside the carton box is perfectly fine (including the hardshell case), not a single scratch on anything... I tested the lens (datecode UY06XX) and it looks perfectly brand new and performs flawlessly as well.

As you can see, there are two shipping labels on the box. One is from Canon in Japan to Amazon and one is from Amazon to me. It appeared that the box was gently abused(?) during such long transit...

I called Amazon concierge just to notify them about the arrival condition. They once again showed me why I had been so pleased with all my purchases from Amazon, and told me I can either return it for another copy or full refund. They said they'll even pay the 2nd day air insured return shipping costs as well.

What would you guys do? Return it (go through about a week wait) and get a different copy? or just keep it since all inside contents are perfectly flawless other than the outer carton box. I'm leaning towards the latter (because 1. what if I get another copy with similarly conditioned outer box again 2. seriouly doubt it, but the IQ is off than my currenty copy 3. simply don't want to wait?), but just wanted to hear other opinions. BTW, I still have until end of January to make my final decision.

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keep it, why waste more time if the lens is perfect?

have fun!

Keep it. My 430exii looked a lot worse than that on the outside but everything else was perfect. No complaints here.

First thing to do is to send it to me for super testing I am local so its OK

If the lens is perfect why bother? the box doesnt take the pictures

Just keep it. Or option 3 send it to me and I'll make sure nothing is wrong with it

The outer box is going in the bin aint it? The inner box, contents and IQ are most important, if they'r all good then keep it

You have already done what I would do, and in fact did do when my 11-16mm f/2.8 recently arrived in similar condition... photograph it and let the seller know. But I kept my lens and all is good.

BTW.. Wow.. What a nice package to receive!

I voted to keep it as well. If everything inside is ok, what good will returning it do. It's unfortunate that some of the shippers get off on beating the crap out of boxes.

I'm not quite clear on something here - is the box in the image the actual box that Canon use for that lens or does that box hold another smaller box which is the usual white/red Canon packaging?
Does Canon use different packaging for this lens?

If thats the actual box then I would only consider sending it back if you had any plans to sell it on again (being a 200 f/2 probably not:grin.
If it develops a fault in the first 12 months and you want to send it back to Amazon, are they going to be OK with the condition of the box if they receive it like that - or try and say your packaging wasnt good enough? Just trying to think of any potential pitfalls you might have.

After all that, given your particular situation I would probably just keep it if everything else is perfectly OK.

To me it looks like somebody has had a little peak-a-boo.

Lets take a look at the facts :
1) You've got a great sample in perfect condition, including the case. The next one might be less well calibrated.
2) Shipping boxes are designed for just that kind of abuse. You wouldn't believe how tough they are. A camera box can sustain the weight of a human standing on it on one foot without collapsing. They get banged around a lot along the way, and may not look too pretty after the trip, but that's what they're designed for.

So yea, I'd keep it.

Keep it! My 24L box was in similar condition - but the content is what matters. Who cares about the outside box?

The case protects the lens. The box is only for shipping. I would keep it, although there is minimal sample variation with these units. It is good to have the right sized box though, and this certainly is the right size!

You had an option. You could have refused the shipment as damaged. Once you sign for the shipment, the responsibility of proving damage in upon the recipient.

IMO The product specific box needs to be in undamaged condition. The shipping box can be in its death throes as long as the contents arrived in acceptable shape for me. I collect somewhat rare case knives and the box makes up 50% of the knives value. Lots of folk toss the box out as they open it to get the product. I would assume ( i know, I know) camera gear is similar in that unboxed gear will command less than one in the correct container it came with.