Somewhat over simplified. Yes, in China you can basically order whatever you want at whatever price point you desire. They will deliver, but the variable will be quality. This is however only true for relatively low-end tech, such as battery grips and flashes. A camera body is not low-tech, and it's far more difficult to copy. Also, do not mix up companies with countries. Just because the iPad and iPhones are made in China doesn't mean this technology is available to chinese firms. Yes, iPad and iPhone copies are found all over china. But they are nothing like the real deal when you switch them on. (Btw. Foxconn, which makes most of Apple's products is Taiwanese, with most of its manufacturing in China.)
Yes, but the Chinese have been famous for in the plants that manufacture the real items....turning the same factories back on late night, for making runs of the 'real' product to be sold as knockoffs.
But like others have said...the variable is quality...you never know if it was like I described above, which would be pretty much a true clone...or if it is from somewhere else with who knows tech and quality control behind it.
I mean...look at the recent botches from China with dangerous implications....the pet food that killed pets, the 'Chinese drywall' that caused many of us health problems in New Orleans....dangerous chemicals in human food products.
So, it is always a case of buyer beware.....
