Japanese vs Chinese Nikon...... a lens situation

[Lonnie1212]

Hi Folks,

I have taken an interest in the Nikon 18-35 f 3.5-4.5 G series lens. Got one in the mail yesterday and tried it out. It ended up have a mechanical malfunction because it was dropped by the previous owner. I did manage to get it to work for a while. The skyline and city pictures from my apartment window were the best I have ever taken-breathtaking.

I am sending the lens back to the store where it was purchased. It was a Chinese made lens and worked very well. But I also found the same lens in Japan. It is from a Japanese dealer and the lens is made in Japan. The price is also the same. Have heard a lot of praise about Japanese craftsmanship and quality. But will the Japanese lens be superior to the Chinese lens? Would imagine they are using the same plastic and glass when putting it together. Just curious to hear opinions. There is no right or wrong answer.

Thank you,

Lonnie

 

[Derrel]

This came up about 15 years ago, when Nikon began making a number of lenses in Chinese factories. I am awaiting the replies.

 

[Lonnie1212]

This came up about 15 years ago, when Nikon began making a number of lenses in Chinese factories. I am awaiting the replies.

Personally I have had bad experiences with cheap items made in China. The Chinese are known for counterfeiting electronic items and sneaking stuff out on the market. Sometimes I get a sick feeling about it.

But on the other hand I have some excellent items that are made in China. I have a Schwinn bicycle and game camera's made in China. They are okay products. I guess it just depends on the leadership and management at the particular factories.

 

[RVT1K]

This all depends on how diligent Nikon is with monitoring supplier QC and what standards their suppliers are expected/required to meet.
Quality standards are quality standards no matter who is doing the manufacturing.

I was a QC rep for a big defense company and we farmed all kinds of work out. The suppliers were required to meet and maintain stringent Mil-Spec manufacturing practices and to prove they were. My responsibility was to verify form/fit/function at the site of manufacture and approve shipment.

 

[compur]

If the price is the same, why buy the one from China?

 

[compur]

My question was meant for the OP.

 

[VidThreeNorth]

What "RVT1K" wrote was the basic situation. It will depend on the company or companies involved and their diligent pursuit of quality. The worst part is the rapidity of change and the fact that you can only know the reputation of the brand. In general, for the biggest companies you can usually trust that a Nikon is a Nikon or a Canon is a Canon, provided you bought through the regular distribution chain through regular sales. If you buy "under the table" or "grey market", you accept the risks. Olympus hobbled themselves for about 2 years as they moved their factory from China to Viet Nam, which is why the EM-5 Mk III was so late. NOTE: They have not been sub-contracting work out. The factory in China WAS Olympus. The new factory in Viet Nam IS Olympus. But even that doesn't have to make a difference. You just have to be diligent with quality control etc. Olympus moved for cost reasons. The quality was good.

By comparison, some of Sony's lenses, priced over $1,000 were junk on the shelves due to de-centered lenses. They should never have gotten out of the factory -- wherever the factory was, but this has been verified by "Lens Rentals" in the US and "Gerald Undone" in Canada, and "Arthur R" is the US. Hopefully that won't happen again. But in the long run, all we have is probabilities and reputation to go by. You need to learn to do your own testing too.

 

[compur]

I know what the situation is. The question was meant for the OP as to his/her reasons.

It is what is known as a rhetorical question.

 

[cgw]

Think the OP is looking at the same Chinese-made lens that just happens to be for sale in Japan.

Nikon 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5 G Review

 

[DarkShadow]

When I shot with Pentax a K-3 DSLR and got a 50mm 1.8 new from B&H to my surprise and some what of a disappointment to find it was made it Vietnam but turned out to be a razor sharp lens with nice color rendering and trouble free. I really don't think there is much of a difference maybe some quality control differences but it's either a good copy or it's not.

 

[compur]

I drive a Volkswagen that was made in Mexico. Go figure.

 

[Derrel]

I drive a Volkswagen that was made in Mexico. Go figure.

So, does the car speak Spanish?????????

 

[Derrel]

I drive a Volkswagen that was made in Mexico. Go figure.

So, does the car speak Spanish?????????

 

[compur]

No but it came with 14 people in the trunk that do.

 

[cgw]

I drive a Volkswagen that was made in Mexico. Go figure.

So, does the car speak Spanish?????????

No but the German has a distinct Spanish accent.