Warranty on Non-UK sourced lenses

Chris L

Chris L

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Hi,

I'm thinking of buying a Sigma 18-50 EX f/2.8 Macro lens from overseas for my wife and was wondering if anyone had any experiences with regards to dealing with Sigma UK if the lens needed to be calibrated, serviced or repaired?

I've bought several (UK sourced) Sigma lenses in the past and have never had any problems with any of them but the price difference between the UK and overseas is ~£130 and Sigma no longer offer the extended 3 year warranty on EX lenses as of 31st December 2006 (Not that it would me to buy from the UK in this instance)
 
they tend to state if they have a international/uk/eu warrenty card with them, if your planning on buying it from ebay. have you got to a link to it?
 
Hi Chris

Quote taken from Sigmas web site

"Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd does not condone the
avoidance of the payment of VAT and import duty.
Any claims on our 12 month International Warranty
from the owners of products not imported
into the UK by Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd must
therefore be accompanied by proof of payment of
import duty & VAT."

So if you dont have a VAT reciept for that lens you dont get any Warranty on it in the UK.

Hope that helps

Mark
 
I bet its only if you have the original customs reciept, most ask for the original to be returned for a refund to be made.

anyone want to try this out so we know for definate, as if it works that would be OK.
 
Thanks for the reply guys! The lens is listed as shipping with 12 months international warranty.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sigma-18-50mm-18-50-f-2-8-F2-8-EX-DC-Macro-Lens-0573_W0QQitemZ110078615865QQihZ001QQcategoryZ3343QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

From what you've quoted Mark it looks like Sigma would have me by the short and curlies if I couldn't produce a VAT receipt. I guess the question then is if £130 is enough of an incentive to forego 12 months warranty.

I was also looking at the Canon 70-200 f/4 IS as a lightweight telephoto. Any idea if Canon UK do the same thing with regards to warranty claims?
 
You really should read the blurb, it does have a warranty. DigitalRev say that the item has a 12 month warranty from them and they will pay all postage charges incurred if you have to send it back.
 
I buy my lenses from the USA and Kerso there (I'm sure most know about him) gives me UK receipt. I believe he sorts out the VAT and import duty at his end through the courier and his sister sends out the lenses from Scotland.
 
Hi again and thanks for the replys.

Sorry for not making it clear earlier but the question I was asking (and which Mark has kindly provided the probable answer to) is whether Sigma UK would honour the manufacturer's international warranty on a lens they hadn't imported as opposed to whether that lens came with any warranty at all :)

Thanks for recommending Kerso, EOS_JD. I am aware of him and bought my 17-40 lens from him quite recently but since he doesn't list any Sigma kit on his ebay site I just assumed (possibly incorrectly :) )he concentrated on Canon and Nikon kit.

Thanks for the link Mark, do you have any experience of this seller?
 
Yes I have used then a few times, they also have a well stocked shop in central london, so its not just an internet business.

I was very suprised at the amount of stock kept in such a small place.

All my stuff was sent next day special delivery give them and ring and have a chat.
 
Microglobe do sell a lot of grey imports, legally of course. Not sure how it works out with Sigma warranty. They (Microglobe) may stipulate that the unit needs returning to the shop to deal with, or they may have a third-party warranty company deal with them... bit like DigitalRev who use Mack warranties.

When you get a Mack warranty, it's not an issue really... as they simply pay for the work to be done at a local service agent, eg Fixation (who, certainly for Canon, have a better reputation than Canon themselves)
 
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