Imported vs USA Lenses - What are the paths into the US?

[winn]

In an earlier post (85mm1.2 usa or imported?)I tried to ask about the

difference between an imported lens and a Canon USA lens at the end of the

thread - unfortunately the posting had run its course. I understand that the

lenses would be the same and the warranties would be the same with the

exception that the imported lens warranty would be through the vendor,i.e B&H.

 

My question is: Wouldn't the imported version have traveled further, with maybe

one or two additional loading and unloadings? Wouldn't the imported lens have

been exposed to additional and maybe more extreme temperature/humidity changes?

If so, would these be a factor in considering the USA version? Just a thought -

I don't know what the paths into the US are for the imported version compared

to the USA version.

[bobatkins]

Yes, yes and no.

 

I presume import lenses are first shipped by Canon to wherever they are destined (let's say SE asia), then purchased by a US vendor in bulk and shipped to the US.

 

I doubt that shipping and storage are much of a factor in lens quality or reliability.

[picpocket]

The main factor that works into grey market imports is the arbitrage that global pricing offers.

 

A part of the lens price is warranty coverage, liability, official distribution costs etc. Lets just take warranty as an example. Anyone sourcing a grey import will look for a place where the lens is available for much cheaper because of warranty costs taken off. As an example a HK dealer might easily reduce his margin to export to US because he doesnt need to factor in any warranry costs

 

If this margin drop turns out to be substantial as compared to shipping to US, we have a cheaper import available in US now

 

If there is no price differential across regions - either due to base price or associated costs - it doesnt work well

[winn]

Thanks....I'll have to weigh the comfort level vs. the cost savings on a case-by-case basis.