Grey imports

[superpippo]

I have recently resurrected my interest in photography after many years just using compacts for family occasions, holidays etc. I have a Nikon DSLR and have bought a lens from Camerabox (mentioned in other treads) and my daughter has bought a lens from Simply Electronics (ditto). No problems at all to date. But as the guarantees are with the suppliers in the first instance, not with Nikon, what probelms may occur if either lens malfunctions?

The lenses must be as good as any Nikon lens bought on the high street, presumably being made in the same factory, but what have I sacrificed in going for a cheaper supplier? Presumably nothing if the lenses remain in good working order.

What is a grey import?
How do i know in looking at adverts whether the item is such or whether it is 'UK sourced'? It seems lots of people buy from such suppliers, particulaly when there can be a significant price difference, but with such expensive equipment am I being short sighted/
I know the adage 'you pays your money and... ' but I would welcome some advice from users of this forum who have a far greater experience than me.
Cheers.

 

[Mr G]

"Grey market" is not illegal, not factory seconds, not demo merchandise, not cheaper or inferior products. In fact in almost every instance a "grey market" product is absolutely identical to its warranted counterpart. "Grey market" and warranted products are manufactured in the same factories from the same components, and sub-assemblies, to the same specs and tolerances, by the same workers. In terms of the item itself ( there is no difference at all. A "grey market" Nikon 50mm f/1.4 D-AF lens (for example) is exactly the same in every possible way as the warranted version.

What are the differences as far as a customer is concerned?

In most cases the difference between a "Grey Market," or imported product, is the cost of the item and the terms of the item’s warranty coverage. The products themselves are otherwise identical. As a rule, "Grey Market" items cost less than their counterparts. "Grey market" products never qualify for manufacturer's rebate programs.

as i am led to believe

 

[Flash In The Pan]

The only disadvantage is if the supplier goes bust or won't honour the warranty for some other reason. If you're worried you can always purchase a MACK warranty from the likes of Calumet as long as you bought the lens new and have the original receipt.