Canon L Lenses
Question about Canon L What is the difference between the imported version and U.S. version?

I'm looking to buy a Canon 17-40mm Lens L, B & H and saw that the imports are cheaper. What is the main difference between the two? Where is the import is done in? Japan? And the U.S. version is made in the U.S.? Also, Canon 17-40 L is the range I want. Any other goals that can replace the lens my camera instead of having to spend $ 750? thanks

Josh, I think I can help because I live in China. First of all Canon lenses are made in Japan because it is a Japanese company Canon. But when the manufacturer sells its lenses Canon, others (ie, B & H. 0.41 c / photo.etc.etc.) Can buy direct from Canon lenses Japan (which is certainly not the same as Canon USA). When Canon USA get / buy these lens manufacturer Canon in Japan then they have their own process of checking equipment to ensure that everything works properly in future, 1 year warranty warranty service. This is what you are paying extra for U.S. with the guarantee. And worth every penny! But if B & H or any other person buys directly from Canon Japan did not have to check out the teams that are receiving and only can sell the equipment as the "international" warranty "that comes with the camera (when purchased in Japan). This is what they call" gray market "team. The problem here is that you do not know where or how that particular team has been treated. Someone may fall off the camera (have you seen UPS individuals how to handle goods inside the warehouses ???????… not pretty … ja ja ja) or could sit in a warehouse for a long time in less an ideal temperature for storage before sale. The conclusion is that we really do not know what to get the quality of its wise to buy gray market equipment. Are look good on the outside and is the "real" Canon, but just do not know how the team has been treated before you buy it. For the most part I think the team will be fine but it's a risk you take and I think that international guarantees are only good for three months (do not quote me on that, but because I'm not sure.) I live in Beiijg, China and any other Canon camera store looks like a "dealer." Yes they are "allowed" to see the equipment from Canon, because they have bought Japan's team. But it is also the team that only has an international … ie can only achieve that give maintenance in Asia or Europe, but not the United States. I'm not sure how international job guarantees in the U.S. The conclusion is that it's really worth it in the long term and short term to pay by a camera with a U.S. warranty. I have bought things with mixed results in international interest which I have never had a problem with the U.S. team Canon. I'm professinal photographer and have been buying photographic equipment for a long time. You may think they are saving money in the beginning, if you buy a camera gray market, but in the long run, may end up paying much more in terms of time and money if the camera has problems ……. Buy the way is a Canon 17-40 lens very, very big and one of the best deals in particular in the U.S. guaranteed price. If I were you I would not waste my money on anything other than the USA version and I'd get this lens as soon as possible before deciding to discontinue it.