How can I verify that a lens is a real Sigma? (1 Viewer)

[thrush]

I live in Shanghai and am interested in the 120-300mm f2.8 lens from Sigma. I have found a dealer in Shanghai that can sell the lens to me for the equivalent of US$2356. This price is about 5 percent lower than the prices quoted by Sigma's dealers that I called in Hong Kong.

The price seemed almost too good to be true, because prices for lenses are supposed to be less expensive in Hong Kong than in mainland China. My research on other lenses had indicated that the difference is about 10 percent. I asked the Shanghai dealer where the product would be coming from, and he said Hong Kong. He said that I could have the lens in three days. Some of the Hong Kong dealers told me that I may have to wait as long as two months.

I have been in the Shanghai store and met a few of the clerks. The business seemed legitimate to me. Therefore I am thinking seriously of buying the 120-300mm lens from this dealer.

If I buy the lens from the Shanghai dealer, I want to ensure that the product being offered to me is a real Sigma product and not a fake. How will I be able to verify this quickly while I am still in the store (and haven't yet forked over the money)?

 

[condyk]

I'm pretty sure you can tell as soon as you open the box by the look, feel and weight. Shoot off a couple of shots at wide open and check on a laptop. Should be clearly excellent.