For those who may intend to buy a lens from bhphotovideo.com

[henryp]

First, we were and are sorry for the customer's dissatisfaction. Second, I stand behind what I wrote to him, although I continue to question (as I have for a decade) the propriety and ethics of quoting private emails publicly. Third, we are VERY grateful for everyone here who spoke on our behalf and were gracious enough to share their positive experiences with us. Thank you!

Finally, for @DougAxford:
First, there's nothing we can do about a product's country of origin. It is impossible to call B&H (or any retailer) and specify you want the made-in Xxxx lens rather than the identical product with the same retailer's sku and manufacturer's product code made in Yyyy. Cameras and lenses are made from components which may have been made individually in several countries and then assembled in yet another. Manufacturers select the location for their plants and factories without consulting retailers and may change them also without consulting retailers.

I am not discounting DougAxford's opinion or experience but it's my opinion that you could select six samples of any individual lens, test them side-by-side, and get reasonable variations in measurable performance all within specs & tolerances no matter where they may have been made or assembled.

In closing, we continue to regret the OP's dissatisfaction. He had the opportunity to return the lens whereupon we'd have been happy to refund the price of the lens.

[KevinStecyk]

I too have enjoyed great success with my purchases from B&H Photo Video: B&H Photo Video | Digital Cameras, Camcorders.

[DougAxford]

Originally Posted by henryp

First, there's nothing we can do about a product's country of origin. It is impossible to call B&H (or any retailer) and specify you want the made-in Xxxx lens rather than the identical product with the same retailer's sku and manufacturer's product code made in Yyyy. Cameras and lenses are made from components which may have been made individually in several countries and then assembled in yet another. Manufacturers select the location for their plants and factories without consulting retailers and may change them also without consulting retailers.

VERY TRUE, good point. It makes me wonder if the many QC problems most of us have experienced with cameras in the past number of years is a product of this system.

Originally Posted by henryp

I am not discounting DougAxford's opinion or experience but it's my opinion that you could select six samples of any individual lens, test them side-by-side, and get reasonable variations in measurable performance all within specs & tolerances no matter where they may have been made or assembled.

TRUE AGAIN - except that the specs and tolerances when it comes to DSLRs seem to be much larger than many of us would prefer.

I see both sides. One side wants the best that can be bought and the other can only deliver what the mfg. provides. As Noel posted, if a customer is that fussy, go to a local retailer and try half a dozen lenses and buy the one you think is best.

I bought a grey market lens years ago in 2 1/4" days from B&H and I could not find any differences at all. I was happy to save the money when money was tight and quite happy that B&H could offer that choice where many wouldn't.

So you're not a Yankees fan Henry??

[Marc_Schoenholz]

B&H quality and service over many years has been superior. It is an organization that provides an excellent combination of price and value.

My most recent experience of last week is consistent with my expectations. I highly recommend B&H.

Marc Schoenholz

[Ron Metz]

WOW!! Sinan, you need to get a life. Spending that much time debating with B & H about a lens that was or was not made in a country that you like or dislike is quite biased (to say the least). I have purchased many Canon photo products (not all manufactured in Japan) from B & H over the last twenty five years. I have not detected any difference in the quality between "Japan manufactured" and "other country" manufactured. In my experience, B & H is an outstanding company that stands behind what they sell and has excellent customer service. Thanks.

Ron