GH3 Buying Lenses from Japan?

mmaller

Well-known member
Has anyone purchased lenses from Japan for their GH series cameras?
I'm looking at the Lumix 35-100mm f2.8 lens and they have it on Amazon from a dealer in Japan (AkibaExpress)
for $210 less than the one from Amazon directly. Shipping is also free.
Would this be a safe purchase or would it be wiser to just purchase the Amazon shipped lens.
What would the drawbacks be?

Anyone have any experience purchasing from AkibaExpress?
 
i ordered the 12-35 from AkibaExpress last week, it was $850 opposed to 1050. It said it would be a long shipping time but its been less than a week and amazon says it is out for delivery right now! I dont have another version to compare it to but I will let you know if it looks in good shape and is actually new once it comes.
 
I got my 7-14mm from an eBayer (with 30000+ rating) in Hong Kong, loads cheaper, came via DHL and here in 3 days.

Warranty - said if have an issue - need to send to them. But I'm sure I read somewhere Panasonic Camera gear have a limited 1yr worldwide warranty.
 
Bought my Lumix 35-100mm f2.8 in Japan. It cost only 870 USD after tax rebate.
No international warranty for Panasonic camera and lenses bought in Japan though.
 
i ordered the 12-35 from AkibaExpress last week, it was $850 opposed to 1050. It said it would be a long shipping time but its been less than a week and amazon says it is out for delivery right now! I dont have another version to compare it to but I will let you know if it looks in good shape and is actually new once it comes.

packaged well, brand new and works great! glad I saved the 200+ dollars.
 
Thanks PegLeg for reporting back. Good to know it was packaged well and that it is in good working order.
 
I've bought my 7-14 from japan and a number of others off ebay. I've also bought my 12-35 and 35-100 off ebay from taiwan as well as gh2 bodies. Just comes down to who you buy off and how concerned you are re warranty.
 
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