Buying lenses from Japan on eBay? Good or bad?

Question

I have been looking into Canon's older 28-80mm USM metal mount lens. I have heard that it is a very good lens for the money, but when I looked for it on eBay, the only places that seem to sell it are from Japan.

Here is an example of the lens I am talking about:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Excellent-CANON-EF-28-80mm-F3-5-5-6-USM-/121642460981?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c5274a735

Even though the seller has 100% positive feedback, are there things I need to consider before buying? I have noticed that a lot of lenses from Japan are noticeably cheaper than from USA sellers. Is there a reason for this?

user13451 · Accepted Answer

By buying from another country, you are effectively buying on the gray market (related: Is there a drawback in buying an imported (gray market) lens?).  You will find it difficult to make use of a warranty or in some cases, even authorized repair shops will be hesitant to touch it.

You are also going to pay... what appears to be $27 for shopping in this referenced auction for a lens that is being sold for $50, for something that will end up closer to $80.

On the other hand, the used domestic market you will find it, well, much cheaper. The 28-80 Canon f/3.5-5.6 that you linked can be found at KEH in excellent condition for about $45 (the second edition of the lens is also in the same price range: KEH search: Canon 28-80)  The estimate for shipping on this lens can be found... for me, its $12.

This ends up with something that is less expensive overall, I'll get it sooner, from a known dealer (KEH is very good).

user98247 · Answer

A canon lens is a canon lens. They will honor a warranty and I’ve never had an issue with a dealer in the states working on it. Don’t listen to yahoo’s out there talking without having a lens from Japan. They are not talking from experience they are talking out their rear.

Answered by user98247 on April 30, 2021

osullic · Answer

Speaking generally, here are the problems I see with buying photographic equipment internationally:

If the seller speaks a different language to you, there may well be problems communicating about problems or even simply about the basic item details/condition.
You are importing an item - you may/will be liable to pay sales tax and customs duty as levied by your local customs service.
If the item turns out to be faulty and you need to return it, you will incur potentially high, potentially non-refundable shipping costs, as well as probably not being able to recover the tax/duties that you've already paid.
I guess there is a higher risk of something getting "lost in the post". You should be paying for a shipping service that includes international tracking with proof of delivery.
Some manufacturers do not honour the warranty on an item intended for sale in a different geographic region. For example, the serial number may betray that this lens was intended for sale in Japan, not your own country.

Personally, I do not consider the risk of fraud or unscrupulous behaviour by a seller to be any higher internationally than domestically.

Buying lenses from Japan on eBay? Good or bad?

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