Sigma 24-35 f2 ART gray market lens

Hi All

Has anyone bought a sigma gray market lens in the US and tried it on their cameras? I am eyeing a good deal on this lens, just not sure whether to pull the trigger and buy. Uncertain about the warranty and moreover any compatibility issues. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Grey market lenses will probably work as well as any other, but if it breaks, you are SOL for local repairs. At best you must ship it back to the country of origin.

Some sellers offer warranties.

Here's what Sigma says on the subject of gray imports:

 

As of January 1, 2017, any product that is not imported by the Sigma Corporation of America or purchased from an unauthorized Sigma USA Dealer will not be serviced under warranty regardless of the service required. The Sigma Corporation of America Service department will service these products for a minimum $250 charge in addition to the required parts and labor charges at the owner's expense.

Important Information regarding Gray Market Sigma Products | Sigma Corporation of America

I'm not sure of the US situation, but in the UK it's the retailer's responsibility to ensure that goods are of "merchantable quality", and also that they remain serviceable for a "reasonable period of time".

 

So in law there is no fixed 12 month warranty. The law requires new goods to be serviceable for "a period of time that could be expected by any reasonable person". And it's the retailer's or end-seller's responsibility to make good on that.

 

Short of abuse or accidental damage, a "reasonable person" might well expect an expensive lens to work for well over a year.

 

The manufacturer or distributer has no right to alter or waiver the conditions of a buyer's contract with the end seller. But of course, if that seller is outside the jurisdiction of the buyer's country, there's not much that can be done to enforce compliance.

Edited September 21, 2017 by rodeo_joe|1

Warranties are used as much to limit liability as to grant surity. If the purchaser somehow violates the terms of the warranty, the contract is null and void. The situation you describe in the UK is called "implied warranty" in the US. Often the sales agreement will stipulate that "no warranties, implied or express" are granted by the seller. There are hardly any "rights" you cannot sign away. B&H has always stood by their products, grey or otherwise. However I haven't seen grey market items in their catalog recently.

Thanks All. I would probably foot the additional cost just to be on the safe side.