Buying Tamron from Japan

[sonicblue]

I noticed that the Tamron 17-50mm selling at amazon japan is quite a lot cheaper than in Singapore. After conversion it's about $488. I have a few questions which determines if I should purchase one through my japanese friend who regularly comes to singapore.

1. Will the warranty only be for Japan or International
2. Will the unit be "Made in Japan" or "Assembled in China"


Any comments or suggestions appreciated. Thanks


Link:
http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B...pf_rd_i=489986

[geeesus]

Is the price after shipping cost? I believe it will cost a bomb shipping a lens using freight. But all in all.... it doesn't matter if you get made in Japan or Assembled in China.

The local sets are also either made in Japan or Assembled in China. The only difference is the assembly as the parts are still Japanese.

[sonicblue]

Friend will hand-carry it back. Any idea about the warranty? will it be just valid for Japan or international? Thanks

[Lord Soth]

Originally Posted by sonicblue ... 2. Will the unit be "Made in Japan" or "Assembled in China" ............................ Link: http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B...pf_rd_i=489986

Hi!

I've recently purchased a Tamron lens from CP (Peninsular). It was "MADE IN JAPAN". Get an e-quote from them before going, it will be the best price you can get.

They tend to sell "MADE IN JAPAN" Tamron lenses rather than Chinese ones as compared to other places. If you do further research, the Tamron Japanese lenses have better QC and less problems than the Tamron Chinese lenses.

Regards!

[stonecow]

Originally Posted by Lord Soth Hi! I've recently purchased a Tamron lens from CP (Peninsular). It was "MADE IN JAPAN". Get an e-quote from them before going, it will be the best price you can get. They tend to sell "MADE IN JAPAN" Tamron lenses rather than Chinese ones as compared to other places. If you do further research, the Tamron Japanese lenses have better QC and less problems than the Tamron Chinese lenses. Regards!

How much did you pay at CP?

Also, can you substantiate your claim that the Made in Japan models have better QC than the Assembled in China ones? I'm interested to know, thanks.

[Lord Soth]

Originally Posted by stonecow How much did you pay at CP? Also, can you substantiate your claim that the Made in Japan models have better QC than the Assembled in China ones? I'm interested to know, thanks.

Best price I could get was $580++ cash price inclusive of GST.

As for the QC issue, just use Google for the mixed reviews about Tamron lenses. Those who received bad lenses were from the "Made in China" camp. Those who raved about the sharpness (myself included) were from the "Made in Japan" camp. THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE! ....X FILES

I'm really satisfied with this lens because I managed to snap many sharp photos (without FLASH!) at F/2.8 in low light situations. Unlike most zoom lenses in the market, this is really sharp at F/2.8 at 28mm wide. For best results, the lens is sharpest at F/4.

That's why this lens is so highly recommended by many other professional people. It really is Cheap and Good (and light at 500g), provided you get a good copy.

[stonecow]

Originally Posted by Lord Soth Best price I could get was $580++ cash price inclusive of GST. As for the QC issue, just use Google for the mixed reviews about Tamron lenses. Those who received bad lenses were from the "Made in China" camp. Those who raved about the sharpness (myself included) were from the "Made in Japan" camp. THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE! ....X FILES I'm really satisfied with this lens because I managed to snap many sharp photos (without FLASH!) at F/2.8 in low light situations. Unlike most zoom lenses in the market, this is really sharp at F/2.8 at 28mm wide. For best results, the lens is sharpest at F/4. That's why this lens is so highly recommended by many other professional people. It really is Cheap and Good (and light at 500g), provided you get a good copy.

yup i am aware of the mixed reviews online. just thought you might have found something more credible than simply ppl posting on forums.

in any case, i agree it's a great lens! just need to get used to the opposite direction of the zoom-ring (i'm using canon, not sure about nikon lenses). mine's made-in-japan by the way