p.48 #1 · Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
swedishtomahaw wrote:
Not sure if this is the place to ask, but I’m highly interested in this lens and was looking for purchasing advice. I purchased my Z8 via FM and had a wonderful experience, but the price tag on this lens is 3-4x the amount so definitely some hesitation.
Since its such an expensive lens, does it makes sense to a) buy the lens new (full price) from an authorized dealer to insure its quality and eligibility for repairs if needed, or b) buy excellent quality used for the cost savings. Are used lens on FM consider “gray”? Im told Nikon won’t recognize gray products for repair.
Current lens owners, how did you buy your lens and any advice you can offer?
BTW: been scrolling this forum all afternoon… you guys are amazing photographers!! Seriously stunning photos, one after another. Will this lens make me that good as well? ...Show more →
I bought mine used in Canada from a reputable seller here on FM. The price difference vs new was considerable (~$4K CAD).
Personally if I was in the USA and couldn't justify buying new - I'd consider going the Nikon refurbished route. Recent sale had it for $9967(+tax) and they come with 90 day warranty.
p.48 #2 · Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
Hmmmm the refurbished route could be a nice option, didn’t think of that, thank you. What’s the general consensus on refurbished? Does the stuff tend be ok?
p.48 #3 · Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
In my experience, yes, the refurbished gear is in great shape. If I were you, I’d buy used or refurbished. The gray market designation comes when a piece of gear was originally sold in another country. Unless you have a serial number and ask Nikon, I believe it’s impossible to tell whether a piece of gear is gray market. It is also something of an open question as to whether Nikon will repair a gray market item. It seems to be true that Nikon will not service a gray market item under warranty, but there’s recent evidence (from NMerc) that Nikon will repair a gray market 400mm f/2.8.
p.48 #4 · Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
I'm not sure why Nikon provides a warranty of only 90 days. As a buyer, it makes me reluctant to buy something that the manufacturer is not confident about providing a warranty for more than 90 days.
p.48 #5 · Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
In general refurbished can be a way to save some money, but one has to be quick as stock is often limited especially with this item. There are stories of the more common lenses having quality control issues. So, no matter the lens, testing in the return window is essential. And mostly one has to be comfortable with punch mark/dimples Nikon puts on either side of the serial number which permanently marks lens as a refurbish.
p.48 #6 · Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
Thank you all for the replies and posts about purchasing this lens. This has been really insightful and helpful. I feel much better about my buying options and risks associated with each. I hope to be an image contributor on this forum someday soon
p.48 #7 · Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
That’s the price you pay to get a deal, if you’re not comfortable with it, buy it new. Simple.
tabishshaikh wrote:
I'm not sure why Nikon provides a warranty of only 90 days. As a buyer, it makes me reluctant to buy something that the manufacturer is not confident about providing a warranty for more than 90 days.
p.48 #8 · Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
Even when you buy used on FM or elsewhere, it depends on how old the lens is. For e.g. if you buy a lens thats just 6 months old, you have 6 more months of warranty left even though you are not the original owner. That’s how it works at least in India, not sure if it is different for each country.
p.48 #14 · Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
ChrisMak wrote:
You have some nice birds around your park!
We really do!! The park I go to is Huntington Beach State Park in South Carolina, its around #41 on ebird in number of different species seen there. It's a great place but this year a little slow but it's recently picked up again!
p.48 #17 · Official Nikon 400/2.8S image thread + some discussions
Here's a few images from this mornings walk at the park. Not a great day it was cloudy, dark and drizzling but I found a nice subject, an Otter. Not normally around the park so it was a nice find!
