This message has just arrived into my mailbox from OM SYSTEM.
Others might have seen this already:
"Please note the upcoming price increases for lenses and other products communicated in recent emails are limited to the US region. Everyday prices in Canada will remain the same. We apologize for any confusion.
Our fall macro lens sale will end on October 12 in both regions."
It’s not surprising to see prices rising in the US. Supply chains and currency fluctuations often hit that region first. For Canadian shooters, it’s a nice break, but I’d still keep an eye on deals. The fall macro sale could be a good time to stock up if you’ve been thinking about a lens upgrade.
Tariffs. No other reason, not supply chain, not currency fluctuations.
Domako27 wrote:
It’s not surprising to see prices rising in the US. Supply chains and currency fluctuations often hit that region first. For Canadian shooters, it’s a nice break, but I’d still keep an eye on deals. The fall macro sale could be a good time to stock up if you’ve been thinking about a lens upgrade.
For anyone possibly planning travel to or through Japan, it might be worthwhile purchasing equipment while there. I'm not a m43 user, but while visiting a camera store in Tokyo back in early May, they had the 150-400 in stock and it was selling for JPY 720,000 pre-tax. That's USD 4,500. It would be worthwhile doing some research about other lenses and whether the savings are comparable. Also, apparently the cameras from some brands may only be available in Japanese language (i.e. menu settings) when purchased in Japan, so again, some research is required. Needless to say there may also be warrantee complications in your home market.
This generally applies for any brand purchased in Japan, with some available at better discounts relative to the US market than others. In my case, as a Canon user, the savings were modest at around 20%.
Also note that currently in Japan, tax-free is done immediately in the store. As of November 1, 2026, this will change to a system similar to other countries where you will pay the full tax-in price, it will be electronically registered by the store with the government and you will then confirm export of the goods when you depart Japan. Only then will you be refunded the taxes paid. At this point from what little I've read, it's unclear if it will be refunded at the airport or at a later date, whether it will be a full refund of the 10% or if some of it will be held back as a 'processing fee' as is typical at the airport refund counters in the EU.
rscheffler wrote:
For anyone possibly planning travel to or through Japan, it might be worthwhile purchasing equipment while there. I'm not a m43 user, but while visiting a camera store in Tokyo back in early May, they had the 150-400 in stock and it was selling for JPY 720,000 pre-tax. That's USD 4,500. It would be worthwhile doing some research about other lenses and whether the savings are comparable. Also, apparently the cameras from some brands may only be available in Japanese language (i.e. menu settings) when purchased in Japan, so again, some research is required. Needless to say there may also be warrantee complications in your home market.
This generally applies for any brand purchased in Japan, with some available at better discounts relative to the US market than others. In my case, as a Canon user, the savings were modest at around 20%.
Also note that currently in Japan, tax-free is done immediately in the store. As of November 1, 2026, this will change to a system similar to other countries where you will pay the full tax-in price, it will be electronically registered by the store with the government and you will then confirm export of the goods when you depart Japan. Only then will you be refunded the taxes paid. At this point from what little I've read, it's unclear if it will be refunded at the airport or at a later date, whether it will be a full refund of the 10% or if some of it will be held back as a 'processing fee' as is typical at the airport refund counters in the EU. ...Show more →
Thanks for the info! What store in Japan would you recommend for finding good deals on OM lenses?
Coincidentally, today I bought a new lens from a small camera shop in Naha, Okinawa Japan for 438,546 yen. The amount charged to my credit card was Canadian $3840.80. The cost of this lens (Fujifilm Fujinon XF 500mm f/5.6) in Canada is CAD $4724 + 13% tax = CAD $5,338.12.
438,546 yen is about USD 2,740. At B&H, this lens costs USD 3,999.
Of course what one saves this way, one would pay for the ticket to fly to Japan. So, no net savings!
Of course, once you re-enter your home country, You are supposed to declare your purchases and pay the tax in either the US or Canada. Anything else is actually a fraudulent claim and can get you into trouble. Just saying.
