Originally posted by seacapt I'm considering the purchase of a 16-45 but I'm on a real tight budget. The price has come down significantly and I've also seen some rputable camera stores selling what they admit are "grey market" lenses for even less.So whats the deal are these lenses the same except for a non US serial # or are they inferior lenses?
Here's a thought. Used Pentax compatible lenses seem to me to sell for a premium, whether on ebay or this forum's marketplace.
Reputable firms, like Prodigital from Canada, allow a 7 day return for deficient product. I assume, that even for grey market lenses, that vendors will allow that same short period for return of any deficient lenses. I would insist on this 7 day return policy in case of focus problems which many have reported.
Other than that 7 day return period, used lenses are no different from "grey lenses" except that the grey lenses are in new condition. Excuse me because this wasn't your original question, and my understanding is that they are the same lenses, except that PENTAX usa won't honor warranty on them.
I've bought 6 new lenses for my K10, some Pentax, Tamron, Sigma. I haven't had to use a warranty repair on any of them.
If you can get a substantial price reduction on a gray market lens from a vendor that offers some kind of immediate return policy for defective stuff, then i think its a credible way to go and am considering it myself in the future.