Thank you for this info. So many lenses on my wish list.Roxanne, if you can wait it would probably be worthwhile to sign up for KEH emails and watch for a sale. I recently purchased a Samyang 35mm 1.4 from them. This lens sells new for $800. They have a bunch from Samyang, factory reconditioned and in Like New condition with all original packing and accessories. The lenses include a 1-year warranty from both Samyang and KEH. They were having a 20% off sale, mine ended up being $350.
The first one that came had marks on it and a dent in the barrel. I contacted them, they apologized for it getting through. They sent a return label, I sent the lens back, and they sent me another no questions asked. They even put a note on the shipper for the second one to be inspected to make sure it was indeed 'like new'. The second one is perfect.
They have an extremely conservative rating system. I once purchased a lens in 'ugly' condition for $14 that is perfect. No marks, no dust, no fungus. I still have it. They admitted the first Samyang fell through the cracks.
Here's a link to their current page with the 24-105 offerings. No sales right now, but the 180 day warranty is always included.
Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS Full-Frame Autofocus Lens for E-Mount, Black {77} SEL24105G
The Sony 24-105mm F/4 G OSS FE is a long-range zoom lens, ideally suited for sports, wedding, and portrait photography. Key Features Constant F4, 9 blade aperture Customizable focus hold button Two Aspherical elements Nano Anti-Reflective coating twww.keh.com
Just this month I ordered a used lens from Amazon Warehouse but upon close inspection I found an impact mark on the front element of the lens (looks exactly like a chip in a windshield). Returned the lens, checked the grey market, and got a new lens for the same price as the used lens at Amazon.
Yep, this is why I use Grey Imports. Here in the UK especially we get clobbered so much for tax. I bought a brand new 90mm Sony Macro and a Tamron 24mm 2.8 on import for less than the cost of the Macro alone in our stores. Given that they both have the same 1 year warranty it's a no brainer for me.
I thought the drawback to grey market was no warranty? How does that work? I recommended a lens to someone on here a week or so ago not realizing is was grey market, so I rescinded. Who handles the return if there's an issue?
Always the company you buy from, every one of them offers a warranty. A friend had an issue with his camera and got in touch with the company he bought from. They got him to take it to the local repair centre and they paid the bill. They also said that had it been BER, they would have replaced it. Some importers like Panamoz, charge a little more than others, but they have an insurance based warranty that is valid for 3 years on all of their gear.
Be prepared for a lowball offer. I've found that it's best to sell to MPB or Usedphotopro, and buy from KEH. I have traded to KEH in the past, but usually when they offer and additional 10% value if you trade to something else.
Thanks Brownie.Roxanne, if you can wait it would probably be worthwhile to sign up for KEH emails and watch for a sale. I recently purchased a Samyang 35mm 1.4 from them. This lens sells new for $800. They have a bunch from Samyang, factory reconditioned and in Like New condition with all original packing and accessories. The lenses include a 1-year warranty from both Samyang and KEH. They were having a 20% off sale, mine ended up being $350.
The first one that came had marks on it and a dent in the barrel. I contacted them, they apologized for it getting through. They sent a return label, I sent the lens back, and they sent me another no questions asked. They even put a note on the shipper for the second one to be inspected to make sure it was indeed 'like new'. The second one is perfect.
They have an extremely conservative rating system. I once purchased a lens in 'ugly' condition for $14 that is perfect. No marks, no dust, no fungus. I still have it. They admitted the first Samyang fell through the cracks.
Here's a link to their current page with the 24-105 offerings. No sales right now, but the 180 day warranty is always included.
Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS Full-Frame Autofocus Lens for E-Mount, Black {77} SEL24105G
The Sony 24-105mm F/4 G OSS FE is a long-range zoom lens, ideally suited for sports, wedding, and portrait photography. Key Features Constant F4, 9 blade aperture Customizable focus hold button Two Aspherical elements Nano Anti-Reflective coating t
What is "grey import" ?
After reading this thread I just bit the bullet and purchased the 24-105 direct from Sony for 1300 or so. It's just not worth the hassle right now. I got my camera today. Used on ebay from a local camera guy. I'm not worried. I know where he lives! But lenses might be another story. I want so many.
Agree 100%.
Congratulations Roxanne. If you spent a few extra dolars, that will soon be forgotten. In the mean time, you'll be enjoying a pretty damn useful piece of glass! And there will be more. Remember the TV program, "Eight is Enough"? My new mantra.
Imported from a market outside of your domestic market. So for us here in the UK, a lot of Grey Imports come from Korea. It avoids the hefty tax duties we pay, but the risk is extremely low as all of the imports are dealt with by the company you buy from.
2 of my bodies were pre used all but 2 lenses were used most bought from trusted uk retailer with 12 months, backing 14 day return no questions asked so it sort of try before you buy , and all items I have bought 98% were as new little used less than 8000 clicks on bodies all boxed etc
