[M_Six]

Hey Folks,

Anyone know what the deal is with White Box lenses that have been removed from a kit? Several are for sale as "new" lenses on Amazon and they are generally $100+ cheaper than retail box lenses. But do these lenses come with warranties?

[Chewy734]

Originally Posted by M_Six

Hey Folks,

Anyone know what the deal is with White Box lenses that have been removed from a kit? Several are for sale as "new" lenses on Amazon and they are generally $100+ cheaper than retail box lenses. But do these lenses come with warranties?

If they are listed as new, they will come with a 1-year warranty (Canon). If they are listed as refurbished, then it's a 90-day warranty.

[M_Six]

Originally Posted by Chewy734

If they are listed as new, they will come with a 1-year warranty (Canon). If they are listed as refurbished, then it's a 90-day warranty.

I read a review from one buyer on Amazon who was livid because he bought a lens that he thought was retail and it came as a white box. He was saying that meant no warranty. If that's not true, then I have no problem buying a white box lens. But for 99% of the new retail price, I want a warranty.

[SS e93]

White box lenses do not offer a warranty via Canon USA. They are basically the "unlicensed" version of the lens for sale in the US. I am not sure if Canon inc will offer a warranty to their international subset.

[M_Six]

Originally Posted by icyhot e92

White box lenses do not offer a warranty via Canon USA. They are basically the "unlicensed" version of the lens for sale in the US. I am not sure if Canon inc will offer a warranty to their international subset.

But if you buy a camera/lens kit, the lens is warrantied. So why wouldn't the lens by itself be warrantied?

I'm not arguing with you, I'm just trying to get it straight in my head.

[E90SoFlo]

Just buy a normal lens, dont be a cheap ass

[M_Six]

Thank you for your advice. Please feel free to FOAD at any time.

[SS e93]

White box lenses are gray market lenses. It kind of doesn't make sense but its a licensing issue. Basically the white box items are not licensed to be sold as such, therefore the original kit warranty will not cover the lens separately. Every store that sells white box usually honors the manufacturer warranty, but you have to go through them to use it.

[Chewy734]

Sometimes that's true, sometimes that's not. I would definitely ask the seller/retailer what the warranty is. But, from the experience of some of my friends, they were able to buy a white-box lens, from let's say B&H, and it was brand new and carried the full 1-year warranty from Canon.

[M_Six]

I sent a note to the seller, but now that lens is no longer shown, so it's probably a moot point for them now. There is another seller with one that clearly states "Full U.S. Warranty." I can see that having the retail box would be useful if I ever decide to sell the lens. Although after a year it shouldn't matter either way.

[san~man]

I know amazon lists both "US" and "Imported" version of lenses. Perhaps the "white box" lens is the import?