There has been a general price increase on Canon lenses over the past few months - this has affected many (most? all?) of their lenses. So if you see higher lenses from major online retailers like B&H and others, they reflect a change that Canon made.
You can perhaps shop around and find some reliable online retailers who will have slightly lower prices on some of these lenses. If you see a price that is very slightly lower there is a good chance that you are looking at a legitimate price from a "real" retailer. On the other hand, if you are finding a price that is a lot lower there is a very good chance that you should check into the reputation of the vendor before buying from them.
Dpic_arctic wrote:
In case you haven't noticed, B&H dropped their Canon lens prices. If you don't see what I mean, take a look at some super-Ls (300 f/2.8L, 800mm f/5.6L...) and the 100-400mm IS. I was afraid it would go the other way...thanks B&H!!!
It is all relative. Less than two years ago, the 300/2.8 IS was $3299, a price that it had been at or near for a few years. Why is it a full $1K more expensive now? Great lens, but it is not 25% better than it was two years ago, and nothing else in our economy has jumped 25% in the same window...not even NBA salaries.
Much of the reason for the price increases is the drop in the value of the dollar. These lenses are mostly made in Japan. Check the recent exchange rate--not in favor of Japan-based Canon. I've watched new lens prices climb the last four-six months--highly correlated with the exchange rate.
Grenache wrote:
It is all relative. Less than two years ago, the 300/2.8 IS was $3299, a price that it had been at or near for a few years. Why is it a full $1K more expensive now? Great lens, but it is not 25% better than it was two years ago, and nothing else in our economy has jumped 25% in the same window...not even NBA salaries.
Jim
That sounds kinda low. Where was this price from? When I first put together a list of new lense prices in mid-2006 (based on B&H listings) the 300/2.8 was $3,900 and stayed there, as far as I know, until they started raising prices earlier this year.
kmkime wrote:
Much of the reason for the price increases is the drop in the value of the dollar. These lenses are mostly made in Japan. Check the recent exchange rate--not in favor of Japan-based Canon. I've watched new lens prices climb the last four-six months--highly correlated with the exchange rate.
I'd much rather pay more for a lens that was made in Japan, than have Canon build a factory in China. At least Canon doesn't seem to have compromised in the quality of their lenses (yet...).
Paul B wrote:
That sounds kinda low. Where was this price from? When I first put together a list of new lense prices in mid-2006 (based on B&H listings) the 300/2.8 was $3,900 and stayed there, as far as I know, until they started raising prices earlier this year.
I have a B&H catalog from 2007, and the 300mm f/2.8L IS was $3899.95 US, and $3849.95 Imported.
Dpic_arctic wrote:
I have a B&H catalog from 2007, and the 300mm f/2.8L IS was $3899.95 US, and $3849.95 Imported.
And I have an old photo magazine from 1999 with a B&H ad that has the newly announced 300 2.8 IS going for a mere 5399.00 a bargain compared to the 500 f4 IS at 7599.00 or the 600 f4 non-IS at 8809.00.
Don't forget that we are talking about 1999 bucks here.
Dpic_arctic wrote:
I'd much rather pay more for a lens that was made in Japan, than have Canon build a factory in China. At least Canon doesn't seem to have compromised in the quality of their lenses (yet...).
Hrm... have you bought any lenses lately? My brand new 24-70 backfocused badly and needed a calibration. Right from the box.
Dpic_arctic wrote:
I'd much rather pay more for a lens that was made in Japan, than have Canon build a factory in China. At least Canon doesn't seem to have compromised in the quality of their lenses (yet...).
theMAGE wrote:
Hrm... have you bought any lenses lately? My brand new 24-70 backfocused badly and needed a calibration. Right from the box.
No I haven't, but I plan to buy a lens soon. I'm just going by what I read, which is a lot. As for your lens, you must have just gotten a bad copy. Just because yours was a bad copy doesn't mean all other 24-70s are similar.
I also went to another retailer when BH prices jumped. Prior to that I was with them exclusively. I have a local shop that matches their prices and gives great service. I have to pay the sales tax but if BH isn't going to play competitively I'll pay the sales tax and stay local.
pigbat wrote:
I also went to another retailer when BH prices jumped. Prior to that I was with them exclusively. I have a local shop that matches their prices and gives great service. I have to pay the sales tax but if BH isn't going to play competitively I'll pay the sales tax and stay local.
I'm seeing similar things too. I always thought the local camera shop was expensive, but the last time I went, their prices and B&H prices were quite close Using that shop, I wouldn't have to pay sales tax or shipping.
I don't think you have to worry about the dollar regaining any of its value any time soon. It seems far more likely that the dollar will soon become completely worthless and today's prices will seem dirt cheap in comparison.
The other thing to watch for is price drops on specific items, since this sometimes (but not always) signals a replacement model is coming.
Most be nice to have a local shop that doesn't charge msrp or more. The only two in the state that I go to like their goods really alot. I can haggle with them and get close to B&H's price plus tax. I use them when I trade stuff in but not when I pay cash.
