Choosing the right lens from the right store at DVinfo.net

Ger Griffin · September 25th, 2009, 11:48 AM

Hey,
2 of the same lens in 2 different places.
One on ebay, the other a local phography supplier.

Bermingham Cameras Dublin - Camera Shop Dublin Ireland - Nikon Professional Dealer :: Canon :: Panasonic :: Fujifilm :: Buy Digi Compacts & SLRs - Lenses :: Canon :: EF-S Digital :: Canon 17-55mm F2.8 IS USM
vs

eBay.ie: NEW CANON EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM ZOOM LENS 17-55 mm (item 380149481251 end time 14-Oct-09 16:43:47 BST)

approx €800 vs €1200

So im just wondering what the differences are between buying on ebay over the other place.
The former is very cheap (why?) and the latter is expensive (i know why , its Ireland).

I have bought from ebay in the past with no problems. I guess im just worried about grey imports, less than perfect quality etc.
Any opinions appreciated.

Pete Cofrancesco · September 26th, 2009, 06:15 PM

Based on the price I'd say its gray market. If you read at the bottom they say send it back to them for repair not the manufacture. Its subjective call whether its worth saving money and going grey market. I've never had a lens go bad on me but the new IS lenses have more to go wrong because of their complexity and moving parts and electronics.

Ger Griffin · September 27th, 2009, 04:17 PM

Hi Pete. I see what you mean.
thanks for the input.
More food for thought.

September 25th, 2009, 11:48 AM	#1
Ger Griffin Major Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: Ireland Posts: 579	Choosing the right lens from the right store Hey, 2 of the same lens in 2 different places. One on ebay, the other a local phography supplier. Bermingham Cameras Dublin - Camera Shop Dublin Ireland - Nikon Professional Dealer :: Canon :: Panasonic :: Fujifilm :: Buy Digi Compacts & SLRs - Lenses :: Canon :: EF-S Digital :: Canon 17-55mm F2.8 IS USM vs eBay.ie: NEW CANON EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM ZOOM LENS 17-55 mm (item 380149481251 end time 14-Oct-09 16:43:47 BST) approx €800 vs €1200 So im just wondering what the differences are between buying on ebay over the other place. The former is very cheap (why?) and the latter is expensive (i know why , its Ireland). I have bought from ebay in the past with no problems. I guess im just worried about grey imports, less than perfect quality etc. Any opinions appreciated.

September 26th, 2009, 06:15 PM	#2
Pete Cofrancesco Inner Circle Join Date: May 2004 Location: USA Posts: 3,005	Based on the price I'd say its gray market. If you read at the bottom they say send it back to them for repair not the manufacture. Its subjective call whether its worth saving money and going grey market. I've never had a lens go bad on me but the new IS lenses have more to go wrong because of their complexity and moving parts and electronics.

September 27th, 2009, 04:17 PM	#3
Ger Griffin Major Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: Ireland Posts: 579	Hi Pete. I see what you mean. thanks for the input. More food for thought.