Help buying a lens(70-300mm VR)

[My2Girls66]

I've been looking to buy the Nikon 70-300mm vr. Need some help with some terms. The lens is anywhere from $470(Abes)- $550(Ritz). I've seen USA, Imported and grey market. B&H specifies between the USA ones and Imported ones(imported being $10 cheaper)- the other sites don't specify USA or imported. Would it be smart to order from B&H for a little more $$ to be sure its a USA one? Does it matter? What is a grey market lens?(my guess, from the name, is to stay away from them)
Beach and Amazon offer the lens for $478/ free shipping. B&H $480 + $10.35 shipping- with Amazon you can get a Tiffen UV filter for $7.99 more....Are any of these sellers more reputable than the other? I've ordered small ticket items from each of these stores with no problems. From Amazon- books more than anything. I'd love to buy from my local Ritz Store but they are asking $550 and said they won't match online store prices
Its a lot of $$ for me to spend and I want to make sure I do it right!
Thanks

 

[YEKCIM]

I'd probably opt for B&H despite the ~$20 price difference, although Beach/Buydig are fine retailers and I have ordered from them several times w/o problems. Definitely get the USA model, though, for warranty purposes.

Great lens by the way. I love mine.

~Ed

 

[NostalgicDad]

I'll agree with Ed on all accounts. I bought mine almost a year ago at B&H and generally purchase most of my gear from them. I've never had any problems with shipping/service. I've quit buying from Amazon a while back because of my experiences with their shipping delays, especially when I've used their free shipping.

I would recommend getting the USA version for sure.

And, it is a great lens and always fun to play with.

 

[handicap18]

I got my copy of this lens from onecall last year. Didn't have any issues, but at the time it was just recently released and was selling like crazy.

B&H is very good, I don't recall hearing any bad issues with them. Get the USA version as that gets the warantee with Nikon.

I LOVE this lens. The VR works as advertised. I've used it a lot recently as I've been going to a lot of local baseball games. The biggest surprise I got from this lens is how sharp it is (especially between 70 & 200). Better than any of the previous Nikkor 70-300 lens and almost as good as the famed Nikkor 300mm f/4.

 

[YesDear]

B&H is the default place if you want a worry free transaction and great service. YOU do not want a grey market lens. They are made by nikon but do not have a US warranty. So you miss out on a 5yr warranty.

Anywhere you get the lens, just ask if it is a new in box US. I am sure there are a number of posts on this board that lead you away from the crooks. If the price is 1/3 off the price of a B&H stay away from them.

Enjoy the lens. I have the 18-200vr and really love it.

 

[Gdad]

Beach camera is 100% reliable (as is B&H)- I would not be concerned with either and take the better price.

Super fun lens BTW- I really enjoy mine.

 

[My2Girls66]

I ordered it. Can't wait to get it!