The product is no different from legitimate products. The difference is that the stores import the equipment themselves bypassing local distribution channels, thus paying less. Therefore they pass the savings onto you..

But, and there is a large but. The local distributors/manufacturers won't warranty it forcing you to have it sent back to the originating country if a problem develops. And the stores usually give you the option of a third party warranty..

Legitimate stores offer both showing you the price difference in their ads and on their web sites. It's the stores that try and screw you that you have to watch out for by offering products at prices too low to be true. Like Broadway Photo and other stores like them..

That $20 or $100 you can save today can cost you a lot more in the future if you don't shop wisely. I don't believe in purchasing gray market, because if something would go wrong, I would only trust the manufacturer to fix it..

Larry Bermanhttp://BermanGraphics.com..

Thanks for clearing that up, looks like local is the best option for me,.

I have seen some remarkable prices in Aust when you buy on line direct from some warehouse located in Sydney, just thought they may be importing "gray" goods?.

I would just hate to shell out the dollars for a D80 or D200 and find I will have a problem,.

Might wait just that little bit longer and feel more confident about the purchase!.

Regards,Gary..

Check it out, I think Nikon has an international warranty..

Nikon just took over their own distribution in Australia from Maxwells..

Personally, I would only buy overseas. Australia is too dear. It put lots of local distributors into BMWs..

I have bought from the US & Hong Kong. Never had a problem and could affoard 35% more camera equipment as a result..

What these clowns play on is fear. What if it breaks down? Sure, people complain about local distributors too..

Peter.

Persuasive Marketing Systems -inc Copywriting, Design & Photography..

I agree that buying OS is both cheaper and safe - never had a problem. I have found it helpful, when dealers say that if I buy in the US or Singapore Nikon will not honour the warranty locally, to ask: What proportion of Nikon cameras and lenses need warranty repair? If a product really needs a warranty you should not pay more to get it - you should buy a different brand, with good quality control...

But there is a GREY market, in every country...

My point too,.

I have never had one failure out of all the gear I have bought - not that it can't happen, just doesn't seem to happen..

Now, I'm so far in front, I can even afford to lose something and still be in front..

Just don't think it will happen..

Just to improve my odds, have ordered 2 Pro Manfrotto tripods - come now how will they break and for 30% less I'm laughing again.Peter.

Persuasive Marketing Systems -inc Copywriting, Design & Photography..

Tks Guys,.

Looks like the jury is still out, a "grey" guy like me will always have apprehension about the gray market and the Internet I suppose!.

Regards,Gary..

Canon honors the warranty on all their equipment no matter where it was originally distributed..

I've bought more than one grey market lens (usually from B&H) and have never had any problems...