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1. I recently purchased a new Sigma lens from a dealer. When I received the lens I noticed that it came without a warranty. When I inquired to the dealer about this, he told me not to worry as Sigma will still honor the warranty. I’m uncomfortable about this situation and am asking you to confirm this. The lens I received is a XXmm f/XX lens for my XXXXX brand camera, and has serial number #233XXXX.
2. A dealer tells me that he buys special "Pro" or "Gold Series" type lenses directly from the Sigma factory, and that they are better (and more expensive) than the Sigma lenses, which other dealers are selling. Is this true?
3. I sent you an e-mail several days ago; and I have not received a response, yet. Do you answer e-mails?

Answers

1. I recently purchased a new Sigma lens from a dealer. When I received the lens I noticed that it came without a warranty. When I inquired to the dealer about this, he told me not to worry as Sigma will still honor the warranty. I’m uncomfortable about this situation and am asking you to confirm this. The lens I received is a XXmm f/XX lens for my XXXXX brand camera, and has serial number #233XXXX.
The lens you received has a serial number which has not been issued by Sigma’s factory in Japan. It appears that the lens you received is a "Gray Market" lens, and has been tampered with having its serial number changed. This would explain why you received no factory warranty card with the lens; the serial number printed on the warranty card at the factory, would not match the number on your lens. The Sigma lens should always be supplied with the factory warranty card, which is necessary to help verify the factory warranty. This altered serial number has implications for the Sigma one-year international warranty, as well as any extended warranty, since tampering or modifying the product can cause the warranty to be voided. We suggest that you contact the dealer regarding this situation, immediately. Perhaps they will accept the lens back from you and supply you with a legitimate US import lens with full Sigma factory warranty.
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2. A dealer tells me that he buys special "Pro" or "Gold Series" type lenses directly from the Sigma factory, and that they are better (and more expensive) than the Sigma lenses, which other dealers are selling. Is this true?
No. No dealer can buy Sigma brand lenses directly from the Sigma factory. Also, the Sigma factory does not make special Sigma brand lenses for any retailer. The cost for such customized products would be prohibitive. Sigma Corporation of America is a wholly owned subsidiary of the factory (Sigma Corporation) in Japan, and we buy all Sigma brand products, which the factory manufactures.
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3. I sent you an e-mail several days ago; and I have not received a response, yet. Do you answer e-mails?
Yes, Sigma Corporation generally answers e-mails within 24-48 business hours.
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