Follow up question on where to buy from...

[crazyme5kids]

Thanks for the advice on places to buy from, but now for another question. What places do you avoid buying from and why?

Also, I've noticed that some lenses are listed as made in the USA, but then they will also have the same lens (same brand) listed as imported. They are priced slightly different. So what is the difference between an imported lens and a USA made one? Are imported lenses considered Grey Market lenses?

[fitzperry]

Before buying on-line from a place you're not familiar with, check their ratings on http://www.resellerratings.com/

Personally, I avoid buying camera gear on-line because I prefer to support local businesses. We have a great camera shop here that has competitive prices and a wide selection, so I've purchased most of my gear there. If I didn't have that option, I doubt I'd buy a camera from anyone other than B&H or Beach/Buydig. With smaller purchases I'm more willing to take some risk in order to get a better price. For something as expensive as a camera body, I'll pay a little more in order to deal with a retailer I know is reputable.

[pjacobi]

"Imported" means the same as "Grey Market". For further explaination see:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/find/HelpCenter/USGrey.jsp


-Paul

[Chikabowa]

Imported is a way to save money... but honestly, it's probably not the best way to go if you ever need warranty/repair work done. My DH bought our first digital SLR (Nikon D100) as an import. We had significant issues with repair work not being able to get done, or outrageously expensive, simply because it was an import.

I've always bought everything since then USA. The $50-100 you save probably isn't worth it in the long run.

[fitzperry]

The $50-100 you save probably isn't worth it in the long run.

ITA with this. I've never found the price difference in a grey market product to be worth the risk.