Opinion on buying refurb Nikon lens?

[Mr. Magoo]

I'm looking at the Nikon 18-70mm lens at B&H. (I know some of you won't be able to resist and suggest alternate lenses. But I'm really looking at this from the refurb vs. new angle, not should I be buying some other lens.)

The gray market lens is $290, no Nikon warranty.

The refurbished lens is $260, 90 day Nikon warranty, and Nikon will service it out of warranty (unlike the gray market copy.)

The new lens is $350 with a 5 year Nikon warranty.

Is the new lens worth the $90 premium?

Or to put it another way, if all lenses came with a 90 day warranty, would you pay a premium of $90 for a 5 year extended warranty through Nikon USA?
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[rawpaw18]

Another option is used on keh.com. They have various graded 18-70 lenses
ex: Like New - $225. Not sure about their warranty though.

[Rooz]

I'm looking at the Nikon 18-70mm lens at B&H. (I know some of you won't be able to resist and suggest alternate lenses. But I'm really looking at this from the refurb vs. new angle, not should I be buying some other lens.)

The gray market lens is $290, no Nikon warranty.

The refurbished lens is $260, 90 day Nikon warranty, and Nikon will service it out of warranty (unlike the gray market copy.)

The new lens is $350 with a 5 year Nikon warranty.

Is the new lens worth the $90 premium?

Or to put it another way, if all lenses came with a 90 day warranty, would you pay a premium of $90 for a 5 year extended warranty through Nikon USA?

or...put it another way...if someone said to you "if you pay me less than $20 a year for the next 5 years i will guarantee your lens from any defect or malfunction." would you say it'd be a good deal ?

i would.

[Honest Gaza]

or...put it another way...if someone said to you "if you pay me less than $20 a year for the next 5 years i will guarantee your lens from any defect or malfunction." would you say it'd be a good deal ?

i would.

Not quite true Rooz....they cannot guarantee you from any defect. Just an agreement that they will repair it, should it happen ;)