second hand 70-200G from HongKong

[lock]

I can buy a one year old 70-200g for what I would call it 'a fair price'. I can test it if I wish. But it's a HK import version and I'm a bit worried about possible consequences. Suppose it needs some service, will have to go all the way HK ? Or will Sony Europe solve the issues too ? Is there anything special I should pay attention to ?
Thanks for the help.

[David Kilpatrick]

It's pretty safe as a buy. When KM shut down in the UK, they were obtaining lenses from all different parts of the world - different countries were shipping them round, because of shortages. I would not be surprised if the Sony 70-200mm SSM is the same, serial numbers probably don't mean anything. It will be out of warranty anyway and they will service it just the same as any other lens.

David

[lock]

Thanks David. Sounds very encouraging. I've had this type of lens on my A700 for a short time but this is one piece of lens I know Tamron fights the optical quality, but it can not compete with the AF. Maybe the Sigma could be quick enough but usually it more of an F/4 lens if you want the sharpness as well. To get both there's probably only one option...

Just to play it safe, I dropped the question at Sony about the service. If that answer satisfies me as well, I might go for it (although prices are dropping fast for this lens: I can get it new below €1500).

[David Kilpatrick]

If you can get it new for below 1500 euros, that's good - I just sold my Minolta version (in very good, as new, condition) for £1100 to a European buyer - a surprisingly good price, if not what it cost 30 months ago when I got it.

David

[kysham]

Malaysian prices for Sony lenses had been reduced quite considerably. During the recent convention that Sony Malaysia organized, they announced another price cut. Now, the SAL70200G SSM is selling for RM6699.00, retail. That is approximately GBP 1200.00. Brand new, local Malaysia warranty set! And the street price is supposedly even cheaper than that! Good pricing for a top notch lens indeed. Only problem is I do not have the money to get one..... The irony of it!

[lock]

Just checkout Jacobs.... I think David was extremely lucky with his second hand price...

lock

[David Kilpatrick]

My buyer is a Minolta enthusiast who already owned a Sony 70-200mm SSM but wanted a complete Minolta branded package with the box, case, cards etc.

It happens sometimes, this was indeed lucky, but I did have a virtually unused lens with all the original packaging intact.

David