Just found out that Canon is increasing prices on EF lenses and Speedlites effective Feb 1st. If you were thinking about making any purchases, now might be the right time...
If you just parroting what CanonRumors posted then I wouldn't much that much stock in it. If you have alternate sources (especially from a retailer) then please tell us so!
I receive their emails for their "still imaging" products because my company is a dealer for their "motion imaging" product line. We use their hand-held, shoulder-mount, and PTZ video cameras for our projects and our rep gives us access to their photography products as we have so many photographers in our company.
This is copied from their email blast:
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Hello All,
Canon has always strived to provide our partners with the best products at the best prices, but due to the current economic conditions around the world our cost of business is being severely impacted.
As a result of the economic struggles and fluctuating exchange rates, Canon USA is forced to take action on the pricing of most EF Lenses and Speedlites, effective February 1, 2011. The changes we are making on Invoice and MSRP pricing is effecting all partners across the board and will assist Canon in continuing to grow our brand and imaging business for not only ourselves, but for you the dealer as well.
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I also received their pricelist, but for obvious reasons cannot post or reveal dealer pricing. I can, however, say that most items are going up by anywhere from 3-10%. Some items go up significantly - for instance, the 50mm f/1.4. MSRP goes from $580 to $640. I can't imagine I'd get into any trouble letting people know as I'm sure all the dealers will be using this to promote sales... if you have specific questions, PM me and I'll look into any specifics for you.
I've been hearing this for a few weeks and I hope to hell it isn't true. Fortunately for me I don't need any lenses or flashes at the time, but judging by the cost of recently announced lenses (70-300L, 8-15 FE, 300II, 400II) I fear a significant hike for all upcoming releases. So much for Canon lenses being cheaper than Nikon's
M Vers wrote:
I've been hearing this for a few weeks and I hope to hell it isn't true. Fortunately for me I don't need any lenses or flashes at the time, but judging by the cost of recently announced lenses (70-300L, 8-15 FE, 300II, 400II) I fear a significant hike for all upcoming releases. So much for Canon lenses being cheaper than Nikon's
While I can't say how the increase in the wholesale cost of the lenses will affect their market (or "street") prices, I can say with 100% confidence that a price increase is in fact happening. Some dealers will pass along the increase while some might not. Who knows...
I just hope this helps someone out there looking to possibly make a purchase in the next few weeks. Purchasing after Feb 1st might cost more.
I'm curious how much the new 70-200 2.8IS is going to cost then. I want one, but the cost of one now is steep (in comparison to the MK1 that I have)...a 10% hike will make me sort of not want it at all lol.
Andrew Kim wrote:
While I can't say how the increase in the wholesale cost of the lenses will affect their market (or "street") prices, I can say with 100% confidence that a price increase is in fact happening. Some dealers will pass along the increase while some might not. Who knows...
I just hope this helps someone out there looking to possibly make a purchase in the next few weeks. Purchasing after Feb 1st might cost more.
Many of the online dealers work on razor thin margins -- in many cases, they sell lenses for the same price that small dealers pay Canon for them. The online dealers will most certainly be increasing their prices -- there is no way they can absorb it unless they are willing to take a loss.
Just out of sheer curiousity--Wouldn't it make sense for dealers 'load up' on lenses now and then increase their profit margins later, as the price goes up?
RobertLynn wrote:
I'm curious how much the new 70-200 2.8IS is going to cost then. I want one, but the cost of one now is steep (in comparison to the MK1 that I have)...a 10% hike will make me sort of not want it at all lol.
Robert here is one at B+S https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/970594
epuja wrote:
Just out of sheer curiousity--Wouldn't it make sense for dealers 'load up' on lenses now and then increase their profit margins later, as the price goes up?
This is a common strategy. However, only so much can be ordered. At a certain point, the merchandise is back ordered and then the orders are canceled.
The timing is no surprise either. Canon often has raised prices shortly after a rebate ends.
The rebate has become Canon's dinner bell: "Come and get it." [Prices are about to rise.]
