Shopping for Nikon 14-24mm... USA or Imported?

As a Canon shooter, I'm accustomed to seeing the grey market lenses about 20 or 30 bucks cheaper at most on B&H Photo. Now I'm hunting for the Nikon 14-24mm for my 5D2 and I see that the grey market version on B&H is $250 cheaper. What's the difference, are the lenses the same? Is it just the warranty? It would seem that after the first year, once out of warranty, that it may be worth saving the $250. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

I always buy the US version based on what I've always heard (never confirmed by me personally); that Nikon USA will not repair gray market lenses, in or out of warranty. Someone else please pipe up and confirm or deny this please.

I've never had a lens break.. there's just not that much that can go wrong. So the warranty seems somewhat worthless to me.

Paul,

Also, with Nikon lenses, if you register them within a certain period of time after purchasing you get a 5 year extended warranty. I'm not sure if this is the exact same coverage as the 1 year warranty though.

I have also often read what Bill mentions and I don't know if it is true or not. I have heard that you can get Grey parts serviced but I have also heard that you will get turned away. I've usually opted to go with the US version, particularly for high end lenses.

Drew

Thanks for the heads up about this price differential, Paul. (And for steering me to that review link).
I don't have money to burn, so I've always purchased so called 'grey market' lenses and have never had a problem. Looks like I'll be doing it again, too!

In this case, the price difference pays for the V3 adapter, PLUS, I can buy a 3 year Mack Warranty for 50 bucks. But like Floris said, lenses of that caliber usually don't break. I think I might go for my first grey market lens...

You're welcome John. And if you also have done well with Grey Market, that seems to be the way to go. Hey, look at it this way, no warranty to void when removing the weather seal for the V3, lol!