I did a search in the photo forum and didn't see anything mentioned on this topic. Whilst searching the internet for good deals on the Sigma 150mm macro lens I came across an excellent camera price busting comparison site, and discovered the same lens was available for between approx £490 and £358. I looked at the two companies offering the cheapest price and was (and still am) tempted. However, a close insect photographer friend told me to watch out for Grey Imports. I'd never heard of this and did some research - perhaps I'm just naive? Anyway, I discovered a Sigma publication on this very issue and I'd urge all photgraphers who are thinking of buying such equipment to read first!...
http://www.sigma-imaging-uk.com/quickli ... g_grey.htm
There is a link on this site to a PDF doc that helps to explain what Grey Imports are are and what to look for. Most noticeable is the lack of the manufacturers guarantee. I understood that legitimate lenses imported into the UK via Sigma-UK have a 1 year warranty + 2 year extended warranty. Goods bought from outside UK or other importers do not offer this - but instead the supplier offers its own warranty - e.g. one supplier I looked at based in the UK has a note saying they offer 18 month warranty (which is how alarm bells sounded first of all). If this company went under - you'd probably have nowhere to go in the event of a fault - not what you want on an expensive prime lens! I'm not saying grey imports are a bad thing - but it would be nice to know that this is what you are buying in the first place - so be warned. I'm still trying to decide who offers the best 'legitimate' lens at best price - and this is delaying my insect photography
. Decisions decisions. Mark
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