Is this a US model lens or is it an import/grey market?
457777
I couldn't tell you. It works and looks like a normal US model lens from what I can tell. Normal nikon/nikkor box. All manuals included,etc. the kit lenses and adapters are crappy except for the wide angle attachment has found some use. I shoot surf photography and am pleased with its performance.
457778
US model, and,I might add, an overall good lens for the price. Does vignette in extended lens (200 plus)
1221911
No, it is not a gray market lens, just separated from the 5d MkIII or 6d kit. Yes it comes with a USA warranty.
563692
Not grey market. Brand new Tokina with 3-year warranty. This is definitely a Pro level lens. Big. Heavy. Durable. Mine came with a pretty good lens cover. Use it to protect the front element, as this lens will not take filters, much like the Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8. I'm a photojournalist, not a "pixel-peeker." In real-life image making, it's as sharp and robust as any Nikon or Canon lens I've ever used. Auto-focus not quite as fast or silent as a Nikon or Canon, but at this focal length range, those things aren't as crucial. Haven't missed any shots due to those issues. Highly recommended if you can't afford a Nikon or Canon equivalent.
935005
I bought this lens. I love it. It is made by Canon. I believe the import means it comes from outside the US.
941544
I also have heard a few claims here and there that the models made in Japan, for example, are better in some fashion or other though I haven't seen any very convincing evidence of this (is a Honda made in Japan any better than the same model Honda car made in the US?). Buying an imported lens is actually likely to be more trouble than its worth -- you likely won't get a valid US warranty and, unless you're buying from a US shop that has imported the lens, returns or exchanges can be very complicated if not downright impossible. Plus if you're buying from a foreign seller, shipping is typically VERY slow and customs can sometimes be a problem (many sellers cheat by declaring merchandise as "gifts" below a certain amount in order to avoid customs fees but this sometimes doesn't work as planned).
487010
Gray market means that this lens is not distributed officially by Canon in the USA, so you don't have warranty of Canon USA, that's why is cheaper. The lens is the same lens, so if you don't care about the warranty go for it. Good luck!
662388
Thanks for coming back to respond. I was wondering what actually shipped with the lens.
1935831
Different vendors sell items at different prices depending on their inventories. I am satisfied with the lens it came repacked in a box with all the labeled items and it is brand new. I would buy it again at $700 any day if i needed another one. Best of luck on your decision. :)
1622872
I believe this is what they call "gray market" if it is then it is a Canon lens but canon will NOT service it for free for the first year. Even the US lenses are not serviced for free after the first year
1580972
Michael,The one I got a few months back is the US warranty version. I have purchased quite a few Canon lenses on Amazon and they have all be US versions.
1221910
The one I purchased was not Gray Market -- it was a white box Canon lens -- broken out from a kit package with the 6D.
843976
You are absolutely right on that Scott. The 35 1.8 is also a Chinese made lens. Same here ... that 35 1.8 was the first lens on my D90 (which is made in Thailand) and is still my go-to prime lens. I feel like this 85 mm is definitely more a portrait lens given the effective focal length on the D90. It performs superbly tho. I think the only two Japanese lenses i own are Toknia's. I don't understand why its important where a lens is made tho? Is it about the QC??
563694
It was USA but I don't remember the warranty details as I returned the lens.
245015
I contacted the company selling the lens & was told it is a USA version with the 4yr Sigma warrantyI suggest you do the same
1237327
It is my understanding that the warranty is not included if the lens was purchased on the so called, "Grey Market."
1490417
It's US Market, NOT GREY Market at all. I register mine I bought here on my Canon CPS support account.
1235805
This appears that there is a couple of ideas to why such a price difference. 1 this could be a refurbished lens. 2 this could be a gray market lens that you will not be able to get the US Warranty for the lens. 3 could be sold by an unauthorized dealer. My experience, is to find an authorize dealer that you will get the proper support for warranty and technical support.