Imported vs USA made Nikon primes at DVinfo.net

Nick Mavropoulos · June 22nd, 2007, 12:04 AM

This is in regard to purchasing lenses for my Brevis35.

Ok, I notice that there is a price difference between the 85mm 1.8 imported and it's domestically made equivalent, as well as between the 35mm 2.0 imported and domestic.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...arch&Q=*&bhs=t

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...arch&Q=*&bhs=t

My question is... why? Why purchase the USA made lens (other than just being patriotic Smile ). Is it a warranty issue? How about a build quality / compatibility issue? For example, ken rockwell says in his review of one the above (I don't remember which one) that there USED TO be a problem with oil on the aperature blades that has been apparently resolved.

And, you know, there appears on the surface to possibly be a legitimate reason for buying the USA made lenses, since they are both SOLD OUT while the imported ones are not.

Any insight on this issue?

Thank you,
Nick

Peter Moretti · June 22nd, 2007, 12:21 AM

The lenses are all made in the same place. A USA lens is not made in the US, it just is made specifically for export to the USA. Many people say there is NO difference, but the warranty will have to supplied by a third party, b/c Nikon's warranty only covers lenses made specifically for the US market.

Usually the price difference is not that big, so I opt for the USA version. I also feel there is more of a chance of getting a grey market lens if it's not US. Finally, I don't want to have to trust a place like B&H to tell me if my lens has a problem or not. Do they have the time or expertise to evaluate something like the lateral chromatic abberation on a Nikon lens? I doubt it.

June 22nd, 2007, 12:04 AM	#1
Nick Mavropoulos New Boot Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 6	Imported vs USA made Nikon primes This is in regard to purchasing lenses for my Brevis35. Ok, I notice that there is a price difference between the 85mm 1.8 imported and it's domestically made equivalent, as well as between the 35mm 2.0 imported and domestic. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...arch&Q=&bhs=t http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...arch&Q=&bhs=t My question is... why? Why purchase the USA made lens (other than just being patriotic Smile ). Is it a warranty issue? How about a build quality / compatibility issue? For example, ken rockwell says in his review of one the above (I don't remember which one) that there USED TO be a problem with oil on the aperature blades that has been apparently resolved. And, you know, there appears on the surface to possibly be a legitimate reason for buying the USA made lenses, since they are both SOLD OUT while the imported ones are not. Any insight on this issue? Thank you, Nick

June 22nd, 2007, 12:21 AM	#2
Peter Moretti Trustee Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Sherman Oaks, CA Posts: 1,259	The lenses are all made in the same place. A USA lens is not made in the US, it just is made specifically for export to the USA. Many people say there is NO difference, but the warranty will have to supplied by a third party, b/c Nikon's warranty only covers lenses made specifically for the US market. Usually the price difference is not that big, so I opt for the USA version. I also feel there is more of a chance of getting a grey market lens if it's not US. Finally, I don't want to have to trust a place like B&H to tell me if my lens has a problem or not. Do they have the time or expertise to evaluate something like the lateral chromatic abberation on a Nikon lens? I doubt it.