I would be very careful dealing with Adorama. Last year I bought a Leica trielmar and was told that the box was open just to show a customer. I bought the lens, but when it arrived, I got suspicious. I called Leica and they told me the the lens was register with them two years prior to my purchase. I finally got a refund, but it was a hassle. In another instance, I traded in a new Leica M6, sealed in box, and a new minox. I was told that I would get a quote the next day. It took several weeks of repeated telephone calls to get a guote from Jack Gold. When we finally agreed on a price, cash to be sent to me and the rest on hold for the purchase of a new Leica M8. When I went to purchase the M8 several months later, Jack Gold had no memory of our deal. I sent him a copy of the email he sent me confirming our deal, he still refused to honor our agreement. I finally order the lens and then fought it out with the credit card company, the Better Business Bureau, etc. It was another hassle. On the other hand, I never had a problem with B&H. I have no stock in either company.

So long as they have a good return policy.

sure, buying open box is pretty much a safe option, especially from retailers like adorama or b&h

I got my lens as the "demo" from Adorama. I always wondered about the open box because maybe someone got it and decided it wasn't sharp or something and then brought it back. I still think it would be fine. I think if worst comes to worst you could send it back and get a refund.

There is a lens that I am planning on buying, but came across an 'open box' lens at Adorama. The description says that it comes with the full warranty. Normally I would pass if the price difference was small, but the difference is about 15% less than the new price. Would you feel safe buying an open box lens from Adorama, or any other online store for that matter? Since I am not in New York, I can't inspect the lens before purchase.