WWYD - ANOTHER camera Q - Which vendor would you pick?

I am looking at this Nikon lense and it's $265 with vendor #1. It comes in a white box (not the manufacturer box) but has all the paperwork, US (not imported), new and has the full 5 year warranty. VERY reputable and known vendor.

Now DH found the same lense for $180. It says they have the same 5 year US warranty. Comes in a different box than the manufacturer box. But not sure if it is US or grey market. Vendor has mixed reviews Mostly on the shipping.

What "bothers" me.....it says they took the lense of a kit. It says D80 on the main page but it says it was off a D200 in the detailled "features". I find it odd that it's says it comes from 2 different kits.

Now, DH is telling me that vendor #1 is probably doing the same thing. Taking it off a kit and putting it in the white box.

Vendor #2 says they also have the same paperwork.

There is a HUGE price difference. Part of me wants to go with vendor #1 but the price is so much cheaper for #2. For all I know vendor #1 is probably doing the same thing as vendor #2 since it comes in a white box. I am torn.

Am I nuts?

Re: WWYD - ANOTHER camera Q - Which vendor would you pick?

how much is the lense if you get it at a store??

Re: WWYD - ANOTHER camera Q - Which vendor would you pick?

what kind of return policy do they each have? If you can return an item that you are not happy with easily, then get the less expensive one and try it out.

Re: WWYD - ANOTHER camera Q - Which vendor would you pick?

Re: WWYD - ANOTHER camera Q - Which vendor would you pick?

Re: WWYD - ANOTHER camera Q - Which vendor would you pick?

what are the names of vendor #1 and #2 so i can read what you read? something is missing...

Re: WWYD - ANOTHER camera Q - Which vendor would you pick?

If it's a newer lens, I would go with Vendor #1 unless Vendor #2 is a known reputable vendor with steep dsicounts, than go with them.

Did you check the BBB on them?

According the class I finished last night, getting a grey market lens means you cannot get it serviced in the US. Being that it's a 5 year warranty, where you can drop your lens off in Melville, I'd make very sure it was US. If you have doubts, go to Nikon's website & see if they're an authorized dealer.

Steep discounts come with a catch. I'd want to know what it was.

etd. to ask: What is the lowest fstop on both lens? That may account for the difference in price, in which case you'd want the one with the lowest #.

Message edited 12/2/2008 7:35:34 PM.

Re: WWYD - ANOTHER camera Q - Which vendor would you pick?

Are you sure it's the same lens? Not one with VR and one without?

Re: WWYD - ANOTHER camera Q - Which vendor would you pick?

Re: WWYD - ANOTHER camera Q - Which vendor would you pick?

I'd pay extra to have the security of at least being able to go into a store. Frankly, for a lens purchase, I would want to see it in hand and not get it over the net (only exception to this would be from b&h).

I find it odd that they are saying its from one kit but its coming up as another...