EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM How to tell if my lens is refurbished?

[zengyimeng816]

I purchased an EF-M 55-200 mm silver lens on an online store that is in Canon's authorized retailer list. The lens was listed a new, without any indication on the website that it's refurbished. However, the product I received was in a plain white box with black texts, instead of the glossy Canon box with product image outside. Does it seem to be a refurbished lens, or does Canon ever have brand new product packaged in plain boxes for any reason?

[Tronhard · Accepted solution]

If you bought it from an authorized dealer, it should come with a warranty from Canon of at least a year.  If that is the case, then the lens should be new, but could have been split from an kit before selling, for example.  If the lens is refurbished, as I understand it, there will be documentation to that effect.
Here is a link to information about refurb gear from Canon.   Likely, you will get a definitive response from the moderators:
Should I Buy a Canon USA Refurbished Camera or Lens? (the-digital-picture.com)

[Tronhard · Accepted solution]

If you bought it from an authorized dealer, it should come with a warranty from Canon of at least a year.  If that is the case, then the lens should be new, but could have been split from an kit before selling, for example.  If the lens is refurbished, as I understand it, there will be documentation to that effect.
Here is a link to information about refurb gear from Canon.   Likely, you will get a definitive response from the moderators:
Should I Buy a Canon USA Refurbished Camera or Lens? (the-digital-picture.com)

[jrhoffman75 · Accepted solution]

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@zengyimeng816 wrote:

I purchased an EF-M 55-200 mm silver lens on an online store that is in Canon's authorized retailer list. The lens was listed a new, without any indication on the website that it's refurbished. However, the product I received was in a plain white box with black texts, instead of the glossy Canon box with product image outside. Does it seem to be a refurbished lens, or does Canon ever have brand new product packaged in plain boxes for any reason?

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Sometimes white box lenses are lenses that were part of a camera kit. The dealers break up the kits and sell components separately. 

Have you contacted the dealer and ask?

[zengyimeng816]

I later reached out to the dealer, and they said that's from a kit. Thanks for your response

[shadowsports]

Agree with Trevor and John's assessment.  Plain brown box = refurbished.  Plain white = part of a kit. 

I have seen Amazon and eBay sellers offering white box lenses.  I never checked into them.  All of my refurbs were brown box and purchased directly from Canon. 

The registration portal can help you determine if a product is authentic and intended for sale in your region.

[Tintype_18]

Interesting information on refurbished and a kit part. I deal with an archery supplier; white box items are returns that are in new condition and carry the standard manufacturer warranty.

[ebiggs1]

". I deal with an archery supplier; white box items are returns that are in new condition and carry the standard manufacturer warranty."

In this case it is probably form a kit as other have suggested. Almost certainly not a returned item. I am not 100% sure (99%)  but I think the only place you can buy a refurb done by Canon is from Canon directly. This is not to say some retailer out there doesn't "refurb" lenses and sell them off as the real deal. As always buyer beware and sometimes the cheapest price is not the best deal.