Used Canon lens in japan (noob question): Cheaper than buying used in USA?

[Bfs1]

Is there a difference between buying used Japan ef-s lenses vs say from mpb or keh camera for lenses? I've seen them cheaper coming from Japan then getting them in states. 

[Tintype_18]

Cheaper might mean more with shipping cost. Compare with import and domestic. BTW, warranty comes into play? Repair might mean shipping back overseas.

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

This question has been posed and explored previously.  All of what tinyype_18 said above is true.  You'll either incur expenses, flying to Japan or paying duty /shipping.  However, the real risk is with warranty which may or may not exist with a product intended for sale in Japan (or any other country for that matter) and returned for service in the US. It's ultimately up to the service center whether the product can be repaired and the warranty honored. Many products never require return to Canon, but if yours does all of the money you might have saved goes right out the window.  What people often do is forget to place value on their own time.  The last thing anyone needs to deal with is a questionable warranty.  Of course it's up to you, but I would recommend against this type of purchase.  You might get lucky once or twice but eventually the savings evaporates.  

[ebiggs1]

"I've seen them cheaper coming from Japan then getting them in states."

The lenses are the same (at least the ones I have seen are). Canon lenses are made in Japan. You should know the total cost upfront no  one would buy it open ended. The warranty if you bought USA is one year so how important is that to you? Also Canon USA would not be required to help you any but I must say every Canon rep or tech I ever talked with was beyond helpful if they could be. I have said it before and I will say  it again all companies should be like Canon's customer service and support. We would all be better off.

[zakslm]

Bfs1,

I had one experience over a year ago buying a used lens on eBay from a seller in Japan.  

I made an offer for a used EF 50mm f2.5 Compact Macro Lens and the seller accepted it.  I paid the shipping and  based on the asking prices for comparable lenses from US sources, I got a pretty good deal even with the shipping charges.  I was surprised at how quickly I recieved the lens.  I think it took about 4-5 days from the time I placed my order until I recieved the lens and the cosmetic condition of the lens was better than described in the eBay ad.  For a "vintage" lens as old as it probably was, it looked close to new producing images that were as sharp as a tack.

However, shortly after the eBay warranty/return period had expired, the lens occasionally produce an Err 01 code. That error started occurring more frequently until the lens finally bricked.  The repair department of a local camera could not repair the lens because parts were no longer available.  I contacted the seller through eBay, explained what was happening and asked if there was anything he could do (knowing that he was under no obligation to do anything because the eBay warranty/exchange/refund period had expired).  At best, I hoped for some consideration if he had another similar lens to sell.  To my surprise, the seller apologized profusely and although he was under no obligation to do so, promptly refunded the entire cost including shipping and said there no need to send the bricked lens back to Japan.  

Needless to say, I was very pleased that I received a refund but to be honest, I was disappointed that I didn't have  fully functional lens at my disposal.

Please bear in mind that my experience is with one seller on one transaction and do not want to suggest that other sellers in Japan would behave in a similar manner.

Regards,

LZ