jtval 0 #1 July 30, 2007 What is your view on Grey Market Lenses? I think I may be buying one for a 3rd of the price of the US price. I know the warrenty may be a bit difficult if something happens to the lens but for a 3rd of the price I can buy 3 before I break even. Anyone have any expeirence? From what I know the lens is built exactly the same but the warrenty is the only issue.My photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #2 July 30, 2007 AFAIK the item is the same, it just was not destined to be a US sold product. US products cost the dealer more because they are not only paying for the item but to support the warrenty service center. The costs are then passed onto the customer.---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
namgrunt 0 #3 July 30, 2007 just receaved a gray..nikon 70-300 VR purchased on e-bay for $425 yea Im a happy camper as a side note .all my equipment is NIKON or SIGMA and I have never had to send anything back..yet gray is $ less ..go for it .59 YEARS,OVERWEIGHT,BALDIND,X-GRUNT LAST MIL. JUMP VIET-NAM(QUAN-TRI) www.dzmemories.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zee 0 #4 July 30, 2007 QuoteAFAIK the item is the same, it just was not destined to be a US sold product. US products cost the dealer more because they are not only paying for the item but to support the warrenty service center. The costs are then passed onto the customer. Yep - pretty much sums it up. The physical product is identical except that product names are often different in different countries so the badges on your lens or camera might be a little different. And of course, the warranty isn't as nice. I've picked up quite a few grey market lenses without a single problem - B&H gives a one year warranty with their grey market stuff too.... Action©Sports Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #5 July 30, 2007 QuoteWhat is your view on Grey Market Lenses? I think I may be buying one for a 3rd of the price of the US price. I know the warrenty may be a bit difficult if something happens to the lens but for a 3rd of the price I can buy 3 before I break even. Anyone have any expeirence? From what I know the lens is built exactly the same but the warrenty is the only issue. ACTUALLY the guy I called locally gave me the wrong quote. I was looking at the Canon 70-200 L (fstop 4). I found it for 569-ish when I called the guy at the store (bc is was sunday and they were about to close) he quoted me for the canon 70-200 L (fstop 2.8) with IS. the grey market is actually only $40 cheaper. If i order the US lens ONLINE I can save 300 PLUS TAX on 1300. If I oder they grey market I'd only save an additional $40. I think for $40 is worth the warranty on such a lens. I'm gonna buy the 70-200 L 2.8 WithOUT ISMy photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stumpy 256 #6 July 31, 2007 Definitely worth the warranty. But that is an awesome lens - have fun.Never try to eat more than you can lift Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #7 July 31, 2007 I just ( a few hours ago) clicked "finish order" button. it'll be here in a week.My photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stumpy 256 #8 July 31, 2007 Yep - you suck. (i have the 200mm L prime. its a long way the sharpest lens i use.) Never try to eat more than you can lift Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #9 July 31, 2007 I am currently borrowing a 80-200 5.6 lens. Its way cool compared to the kit lens but damn I want a fast Lens. I cant wait til I get this one.My photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zee 0 #10 July 31, 2007 Quote I am currently borrowing a 80-200 5.6 lens. Its way cool compared to the kit lens but damn I want a fast Lens. I cant wait til I get this one. You're gonna love it! I took these over the weekend during our practice sessions at the track. He was running about 115 mph. 9491.jpg 9492.jpg I was using my new Nikon D200 with the 80-200mm F2.8 with a 2x Teleconverter (basically a 600mm at F5.6) hand held a 1/125 sec. Fast lenses are expensive but man are they fun Action©Sports Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #11 July 31, 2007 Yea I was thinking about getting the 1.4 converter I have a feeling Im gonna love it. My photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DSE 3 #12 July 31, 2007 You won't regret not having IS on a 200mm... Farther out, absolutely, but on this one, you'll probably be very happy w/it. I have a Nikon 80-200 used for a RedRock kit without IS, and don't miss it at all. However, on a longer lens, it is certainly desirable, IMO. I'd rather have the insurance/warranty. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #13 July 31, 2007 THanks. I was originally gonna get the 4(fstop) with IS. but after talking to the guy at the camera store he convinced me it was better to go this way.then, I came home and order it online.I did buy a sensor cleaning kit from him and if he had some other stuff in stock I would have bought more. I'll go back in a week and try again. In better news, the sensor is clean now and scratch free. My photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zee 0 #14 July 31, 2007 Quote Yea I was thinking about getting the 1.4 converter I have a feeling Im gonna love it. Converters are pretty cool but they do require a bit more in the way of tinkering if you want to get the most out of them. And DSE is right. Don't worry about the IS at that focal length. Normally, you'd want your mimum shutter speed to be the reciprocal of the focal length of the lens for sharp hand held shots. But, you can still get nice clear shots well below that without IS if you learn how to track your subject smoothly. Action©Sports Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MB38 0 #15 July 31, 2007 Agreed... IS is not necessary at this focal length. I'm sure I've posted it before, but this was taken handheld without IS on that 70-200.I really don't know what I'm talking about. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #16 August 6, 2007 The lens is set to be delivered tomorrow.I got the phone call today telling me it has to be signed for.... I can't wait to get that bad mo fo. My photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #17 November 23, 2007 WOW. Just looking through old thread. I AM GLAD I BOUGHT THE US LENS WITH THE WARRANTY. My lens was messed up and Canon repaired it for free. I would have had an $1140 paper weight.My photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
