1
\$\begingroup\$

I have been looking into Canon's older 28-80mm USM metal mount lens. I have heard that it is a very good lens for the money, but when I looked for it on eBay, the only places that seem to sell it are from Japan.

Here is an example of the lens I am talking about: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Excellent-CANON-EF-28-80mm-F3-5-5-6-USM-/121642460981?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c5274a735

Even though the seller has 100% positive feedback, are there things I need to consider before buying? I have noticed that a lot of lenses from Japan are noticeably cheaper than from USA sellers. Is there a reason for this?

Improve this question
\$\endgroup\$
3
  • \$\begingroup\$ What country are you located in? \$\endgroup\$
    – osullic
    Commented May 8, 2015 at 22:33
  • \$\begingroup\$ The US Dollar is currently stronger against the Japanese Yen than has historically been the case in recent times. That is what is driving prices in the U.S. down: it takes fewer dollars to buy the same number of yen. \$\endgroup\$
    – Michael C
    Commented May 8, 2015 at 22:43
  • \$\begingroup\$ I am located in the United States. Thank you for the information. That makes more sense to me now. So I presume that if that is why prices are lower, than there isn't really an risk in buying from someone in japan? \$\endgroup\$
    – Christopher Spencer
    Commented May 8, 2015 at 23:10

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
4
\$\begingroup\$

By buying from another country, you are effectively buying on the gray market (related: Is there a drawback in buying an imported (gray market) lens?). You will find it difficult to make use of a warranty or in some cases, even authorized repair shops will be hesitant to touch it.

You are also going to pay... what appears to be $27 for shopping in this referenced auction for a lens that is being sold for $50, for something that will end up closer to $80.

On the other hand, the used domestic market you will find it, well, much cheaper. The 28-80 Canon f/3.5-5.6 that you linked can be found at KEH in excellent condition for about $45 (the second edition of the lens is also in the same price range: KEH search: Canon 28-80) The estimate for shipping on this lens can be found... for me, its $12.

This ends up with something that is less expensive overall, I'll get it sooner, from a known dealer (KEH is very good).

Improve this answer
\$\endgroup\$
1
  • \$\begingroup\$ Thank you very much for the answer. I will look into your suggestion. \$\endgroup\$
    – Christopher Spencer
    Commented May 9, 2015 at 20:00
2
\$\begingroup\$

Speaking generally, here are the problems I see with buying photographic equipment internationally:

  • If the seller speaks a different language to you, there may well be problems communicating about problems or even simply about the basic item details/condition.
  • You are importing an item - you may/will be liable to pay sales tax and customs duty as levied by your local customs service.
  • If the item turns out to be faulty and you need to return it, you will incur potentially high, potentially non-refundable shipping costs, as well as probably not being able to recover the tax/duties that you've already paid.
  • I guess there is a higher risk of something getting "lost in the post". You should be paying for a shipping service that includes international tracking with proof of delivery.
  • Some manufacturers do not honour the warranty on an item intended for sale in a different geographic region. For example, the serial number may betray that this lens was intended for sale in Japan, not your own country.

Personally, I do not consider the risk of fraud or unscrupulous behaviour by a seller to be any higher internationally than domestically.

Improve this answer
\$\endgroup\$
-3
\$\begingroup\$

A canon lens is a canon lens. They will honor a warranty and I’ve never had an issue with a dealer in the states working on it. Don’t listen to yahoo’s out there talking without having a lens from Japan. They are not talking from experience they are talking out their rear.

Improve this answer
\$\endgroup\$
4
  • \$\begingroup\$ You will actually get some trouble as most companies do not honor warranty on a grey market item. \$\endgroup\$
    – Kai Mattern
    Commented Mar 23, 2021 at 11:23
  • \$\begingroup\$ Many years ago I bought a grey-market Minolta camera and a couple of lenses, because Minolta came with an international warranty. Sure enough, I had to send it in for warranty service, and had no problems. The same can't be said for every manufacturer, and rules can also change over time. I didn't downvote, but my biggest problem with this answer is the exceptionally poor, undignified delivery, and the complete lack of references. Just one yahoo's, one-time experience. \$\endgroup\$
    – osullic
    Commented Mar 23, 2021 at 11:53
  • \$\begingroup\$ Canon seems better than most manufacturers in terms of accepting gray market gear for service, with the caveat that they will often/likely charge you for the service if it's gray market, even if it's within the warranty period. Canon's own website states in a big red box, "Customers should also be aware that Gray Market products MAY NOT be eligible for: X Coverage under a U.S. warranty; ..." Thus, obviously, caveat emptor. \$\endgroup\$
    – scottbb ♦
    Commented Mar 23, 2021 at 22:42
  • \$\begingroup\$ But why the poor, arrogant, and dismissive response? I did downvote, on that basis alone. \$\endgroup\$
    – scottbb ♦
    Commented Mar 23, 2021 at 22:49

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.