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Zeiss Contax N 70-200 mm

G

Guest

I've recently purchased my 2 first N-lenses: N 70-200 mm and N 24-85 mm. I’ve never used Contax before. I noticed that N 70-200’ AF works relatively slow compared to N 24-85’ AF. Also, when working with N 70-200’ AF the lens makes short (not usual…as it seems to me) noises. Is it normal? I’m wondering if it’s supposed to work like that or something’s wrong with my N 70-200..? Can anyone who uses or used to work with this lens answer my question? Should I really be worried about that? Thank you in advance.
Eduard
 
Ed:

I don't know what you meaan by "short" noises, but the 70-200 is definitely noisier and slower than the 24-85. That is because they are in different leagues, price wise. If you care to look, I put up reviews of both lenses on epinions.com.

Both lenses are great optically, I have the same combo - excellent choice!
 
I ordered a 70-300 at a 'grey-market' store in New York. The company replied that they could deliver this lens in A) a Japan made version or B) a Thailand made version. But.... version A) would cost an additional $100.
Also: the Thai made version should have a plastic mount in stead of a metall one. Seems nonsense to me. Anyone knows about two production lines for this lens???
 
Edwin,

Unless I am greatly mistaken this is utter nonsense! I mean a Thai made Zeiss with a plastic mount!! who are they trying to kid! More worryingly there must be a reason why they made up this version B! either it is a fake, or (more likely)they are using it to undercut others on price, only when you actually want one, they strangely don't have one available, but of course there's the version A which is more, and since you are talking to them... You could always ask to see them both side by side! Personally I would get one elsewhere, if they are prepared to be dishonest about one thing, I wouldn't trust them with anything, imagine if there is a problem, I can't imagine them falling over themselves to help you out.

Art.

---------Original message-----------

>I ordered a 70-300 at a 'grey-market' store in New York. The company >replied that they could deliver this lens in A) a Japan made version >or B) a Thailand made version. But.... version A) would cost an >additional $100. >Also: the Thai made version should have a plastic mount in stead of a >metall one. Seems nonsense to me. Anyone knows about two production lines for this lens???
 
Definately no. Sounds like a bit of a familiar scam to get an extra $100 out of you. Plastic mount? They don't exist, a bit like a chocolate firescreen!
 
Edwin:

I agree with Arthur and Paul. It is an ancient scam where a certain price is advertized to lure you in, and then you get pressured to spend more. This would never happen to you if you would stay with reputed sellers in NY such as B&H and Adorama. There really is no reason to shop anywhere else or you run the risk of being scammed - either beforehand, like what happened to you now, or afterward when they don't send it (not in stock) or send you the wrong item.

Stay away from the others is all I can tell you.
 
Edwin

I live here in Bangkok, but haven't seen any Thai made version of Carl Zeiss lens. Not even a fake or an imitation ones.

I think I personally know practically most of the dealers selling CZ and Leica here in Bangkok. If we want to buy at lower prices, we usually source them from Hongkong and save something like 12% (7% VAT + 5% import duties).

Vajirune
Bangkok, Thailand
 
Edwin,

I live here in NYC. I would be delighted to "view" on behalf of us all this one-of-a kind lens. Tell the dealer you'd like to see it and let us know the address. I'll act as your remote eyes and pass back my observations gladly.

Ken Pops
 
> Thanks Ken, Vagirune, Otola, Paul and Arthur: for me it's clear this > store is trieing to make some extra $ with a nonsense story. And yes > indeed, the Thai lens 'is not in stock presently' so there's another > reason to choose for the Japan version... Nevertheless, it's initial > offer is the best I can find on the Internet and compared to prices > here in Holland, the difference is enormous! So, I will keep them to > their offer. Should you be interested in the name and address of this > NY company, (and perhaps make a visit, as Ken suggested (thanks!)) pls > mail me directly on edwin_brugman@mac.com
 
Edwin:

I know the prices are much higher in Holland, but you are wasting your time "keeping them to their offer". A store which scams customers for a living is not going to follow any rules. Seriously, if you want to enjoy your new equipment, buy from B&H/Adorama/Delta International if you can affors it, because that is the price you will have to pay. I have purchased from all of these vendors and never had a bad experience. They will give you the lowest prices you can REALLY get. Other stores may ADVERTIZE lower prices but it is a SCAM, and they will NOT sell you the item for what they say. They will get you one way or another, trust me on that one, and it will become a nightmare - the internet is full of these stories. Remember, if it is too good to be true....the decision is yours, of course, so good luck. Over and out.
 
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